NAPIM is accepting papers for its Lawter Lecture Series to be held during its Annual Convention and Technical Conference. Submissions are open for topics related to chemistry, formulation, manufacturing, or other technical aspects of the printing ink business; all papers must be original and of scientific value.
Title, abstract, and author’s name must be submitted by August 1, 2026, with the final paper for review and balloting due on August 15, 2026. The NAPIM Technical Board of Directors will select winners and award three honorariums. NAPIM will notify all lecture competition participants no later than September 1, 2026. Winners will be announced formally during the Annual Convention and Technical Conference.
The NAPIM/Lawter Lecture Series is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious technical paper competitions in the printing ink and graphic arts industries. The lecture series was established by Joseph S. Stevens of Superior Varnish & Drier Company in 1978 at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. Originally, the lectures were held at Lehigh, but because the content of the papers proved to be of equal value to technical professionals in the printing and printing ink industries, they became an integral part of NAPIM’s Annual Convention and Technical Conference.
The Lawter Lecture Series Award winner will be given an opportunity to present their winning paper in the opening session of the 2026 Technical Conference on October 6,2026. In addition, the first and second place winners will receive cash honorariums ($1000 and $500, respectively).
NAPIM’s 70th Convention and Technical Conference will take place October 6-8, 2026, at the Voco Chicago Downtown Riverwalk. In addition to the Lawter Lecture Series, highlights will include a supplier showcase, reception with tabletop exhibits, educational breakout sessions covering various technical, safety, and regulatory topics with opportunities for networking.
To submit a paper for award and consideration into the Lawter Lecture Series, please email Tim Welsh, Executive Director, [email protected].