Jülich, Germany

This year’s Spring School aims to give both an introduction to and an overview of current research topics of soft matter systems with the emphasis on biological and technological functionality.

Synthetic and biological polymers, polyelectrolytes, amphiphiles and colloids are the building blocks of many different materials. An understanding of their structural and dynamical properties is important for the rational design of structures with predescribed functionality, in itself a challenging task due to the enormous complexity of these systems.

The goal of this Spring School is not only to teach selected topics from soft matter science and biophysics to students and postdocs in physics, chemistry and biology, but also to establish the interdisciplinary connection between these fields. This includes, in particular, introducing biologists and chemists to physical experimental methods and theoretical modelling, and acquainting physicists with the large variety of fascinating chemical and biological phenomena.

Introductory lectures will present the basics of soft matter science and biophysics. These lectures aim at establishing a common level of basic interdisciplinary knowledge. Subsequent lectures will then treat more advanced topics within both disciplines and emphasize interdisciplinary aspects. In addition, experimental and computer simulation techniques will be presented and explained, and examples of applications will be given.

Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI)

Flyer IFF Spring School 2015Flyer IFF Spring School 2015