Calum Drummond has made outstanding contributions to advancing the fundamental understanding of key factors governing molecular assembly, as well as particle and surface interactions in liquids. A hallmark of his research has been the establishment of new molecular design rules, and the use of sophisticated high-throughput preparation and characterisation techniques to fast-track the creation of materials, and the determination of the structure and properties of materials, at the nanoscale. This fundamental research in chemistry has enabled the development and application of advanced high-performance materials.