Active matter describes out-of-equilibrium systems that consist of components that locally convert energy into motion, such as schooling fish and flocking birds, as well as, on smaller scales, swimming bacteria and crawling cells. Nature has perfected obtaining robust collective behavior and global order from simple local interactions. A great challenge is to engineer similar systems at all scales and in different environments, that are composed of many agents, ranging from self-propelled nanoparticles in solution to self-driving cars in traffic, and to be able to control their emergent collective properties, their emergent “intelligence”.

 

We believe computer simulations have the unique opportunity and responsibility to lead the way in searching for, understanding, controlling and designing these new materials that are catalysts for technological innovation.

 

We are always excited to talk to prospective collaborators, postdocs, and students! Explore our research further by reading about our research topics below.