Quantum Information Theory

The "Quantum Information Theory" (QIT) group works at the interface of Quantum Information Science, Condensed Matter, Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics and Quantum Control to advance emergent Quantum Technologies, covering Quantum Simulations, Quantum Computing and Algorithms, Quantum Sensing and Quantum Thermodynamics.

Group Leader: Prof. Adolfo del Campo

Theoretical Chemical Physics

The TCP group develops novel methodologies bringing the quantum-mechanical level of insight to large and complex systems by combining first-principles quantum methods, machine learning, coarse-grained statistical approaches, as well as developing novel mathematical and computational techniques.

Group Leader: Prof. Alexandre Tkatchenko

Theory of Mesoscopic Quantum Systems

The TMQS group investigates quantum phenomena at mesoscopic scales, with a particular focus on nonequilibrium transport, topological  materials and low-dimensional systems, using both analytical and numerical methods.

Group Leader: Prof. Thomas Schmidt

Complex Systems and Statistical Mechanics

The CSSM group develops statistical methods to describe the dynamics and thermodynamics of complex systems operating far-from-equilibrium. These include open quantum systems, biochemical reaction networks and electrical circuits. We are particularly interested in characterizing the trade-offs between energetic dissipation, speed, precision and accuracy of processes such as energy conversion, information processing and computation.  

Group Leader: Prof. Massimiliano Esposito

Physics of Active Matter

The PAM group explores the physics of active systems made of self-propelled interacting agents. Using minimal theoretical models, the aim is to capture the essential ingredients which control the emergent dynamics, and to provide a synthetic understanding of the complex phenomenology of active matter. We rely on tools of statistical mechanics, hydrodynamics, and soft matter, with a particular emphasis on the role of nonequilibrium fluctuations.

Group Leader: Assistant Prof. Etienne Fodor

Physics of Living Matter

"The Physics of Living Matter Group looks at LIFE, or as we put it, Living In Fluctuating Environments, usinga cross-disciplinary approach that  bridges the physics of FLOW (matter & information) and FORM (geometry, order & topology) to uncover biological FUNCTIONS (behavior & traits) in microbial systems.We apply principles of Soft and Active Matter Physics and Modelling techniques to understand how microbes like bacteria, archaea and algae adapt to changes in their environment."

Group Leader: Associate Prof. Anupam Sengupta

Integrative Biophysics

Group Leader: Associate Prof. Alexander Skupin (LSCB)

Experimental Soft Matter Physics

The ESMP group explores ordered nano-/microscale self-assembly in liquid crystals and colloids, and the phenomena it gives rise to on  macroscopic scale, often optical or mechanical. Research foci range from fundamental physics to interdisciplinary application opportunities.  With microfluidics and electrospinning we produce droplets, shells and cylinders, to study the impact of curved soft confinement in unconventionalgeometries, often with fluid–fluid interfaces.

Group Leader: Prof. Jan Lagerwall

Multifunctional Ferroic Materials

The Multifunctional Ferroic Materials group (MFM) is devoted to experimental investigations of crystalline matter by means of solid state  spectroscopy methods, with a particular focus on new and original phase transitions, excitations, coupling phenomena, or active tuning of  material properties.

Group Leader: Assistant Prof. Maël Guennou