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." 

Lead by Assistant Prof. Anupam Sengupta

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.

Lead by Prof. Jan Lagerwall

Physics of Advanced Materials

The Laboratory for the Physics of Advanced Materials (LPM) applies macroscopic experimental techniques to investigate thermal and  mechanical properties of matter. The group has active research programs in Brillouin spectroscopy, rheology and ultra-fast calorimetry of  complex fluids, polymers and composites.                     

Lead by Dr. Jörg Baller                                                

Crystals and Nanomaterials

Lead by Dr. Giusy Scalia