Soft-materials at surfaces and interfaces

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The main focus of our research group is soft-materials at surfaces and interfaces. The physics of soft materials is distinct from hard matter as the weaker intermolecular bonds result in a large response to external stresses. We study mainly polymeric materials, but also DNA molecules and living cells. Understanding material properties at a fundamental level, is crucial to the development of new technologies. A surprising aspect of these materials is that on small lengthscales, like thin films or coatings, these materials can have properties that differ vastly from those of bulk systems. The difference can be the result of molecules being confined or because the interface plays a greater role the smaller the system studied. Recent years have brought a change in the direction for our research - while still retaining significant activity in the areas that have helped us to establish an international presence, we are undergoing a major shift to biophysics. This shift is starting to come to fruition as we are able to address exciting questions in biophysics using expertise attained in the study of soft materials.