Complexity: multidisciplinary research
Complex systems is a multidisciplinary field of science, in which a wide variety of experiments is combined with predictions and descriptions using advanced mathematics and modeling. By applying the complexity approach to the supramolecular systems that have been investigated at TU/e's laboratories in recent years, TU/e will enter the frontiers of science and engineering in search of an answer to this question: How far can we push chemical self-assembly?
Self-organization
We believe that we can only come to understand the complex out-of-equilibrium processes in molecular systems (self-organization) by developing mathematical descriptions and novel engineering tools in tandem and introducing these in the fabrication of these complex molecular systems. We want to engineer the next level of complexity in functional objects with unprecedented properties – e.g., artificial photosynthetic systems, ribosome-like catalysts and simple self-replicating systems in compartmentalized objects.
Hosting scientists
To complement its own research and introduce additional complexity, the institute will host scientists from all over the world at its facilities, so that they can add their building blocks, engineering tools and mathematical methods.
Three pillars, three topics
The institute will be based on three important pillars:
- The supramolecular chemistry of complex molecular systems
- The engineering of those systems
- The mathematical treatment of the processes involved
By engineering simple complexity of purely artificial systems, by building them from the ground up, we will produce a situation that can be modeled mathematically.
In its initial years of operation, the institute will focus on three research topics:
- Systems chemistry
Studying the interplay between theory and experiment to gain a deeper understanding of systems chemistry, replicating systems and the origin of complexity on earth - Microfluidic fabrication
Discovering the scope and limitations in microfluidics for the non-covalent synthesis of simple multi-component systems, with adequate characterization of the systems prepared - Complex supramolecular systems
Non-covalent syntheses of a few well-designed functional supramolecular systems
Groups participating in the research
More information on the work of the founding fathers can be found here:
Meijer
Peletier
Van Santen
Schouten
Kees Storm is jointly appointed in the Polymer Physics group of prof. Thijs Michels (Department of Applied Physics) and the ICMS.
Patricia Dankers is jointly appointed in the Biomedical Chemistry group of prof. Bert Meijer (Department of Biomedical Engineering) and the ICMS.
Hans Wyss is jointly appointed in the Polymer Technology group of prof. Han Meijer (Department of Mechanical Engineering) and the ICMS.
Publications
A list will follow soon.
Facilities
Having access to the best available instrumentation is essential for performing research and engineering in the area of complex molecular systems. The institute therefore plans to invest in the following facilities:
- A computer cluster for advanced modeling and calculations
- A molecular systems assembly line, using microfluidic devices with dedicated online and offline characterization of the complex molecular systems fabricated (2012)
With support of DPI in 2009 Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) facilities have been set up.
Valorization
Although our research platform is fundamental in nature, the sub-themes have been carefully chosen so that when combined with the engineering of real systems (the technological side to the work), the resulting insight can be applied to commercial technologies down the line. As such, we highly encourage valorization.
Inspirational documents
