Young researchers trained in soft matter science
Soft matter nanotechnology is a newly emerging scientific field that is expected to have a significant impact on technological developments in the near future. However, fundamental understanding of the wealth of new structures remains limited, despite supporting activity from material science. Such an understanding is vital for the sustainable growth of this important area of research and its applications. A physics-oriented interdisciplinary education is urgently needed to guide young researchers to the point where they can tackle the relevant fundamental questions related to soft matter science. The project SOMATAI (Soft matter at aqueous interfaces) was established to provide interdisciplinary training for 13 early-stage researchers and one experienced researcher. Training focused on familiarising the research fellows with the required techniques and methods; their work has already yielded new scientific insights. These include new concepts for adsorption of anti-freeze proteins to ice surfaces, the development of super-resolution microscopy and a new measurement technique to determine particle dynamics in thin films. Analytical theory and simulation tools were also developed to better understand the properties of charged particles at interfaces. SOMATAI also hosted a 10-day summer school for 40 student participants from inside and outside the network. The lecture programme was complemented by a number of research presentations by renowned scientists in the field, including Nobel laureate Professor Gerhard Ertl. With its unique combination of training methods, SOMATAI helped equip young researchers with the necessary skills to make exciting scientific results in a new field. This will provide industrial employers with highly trained staff who can positively impact the position of European industry in the global market for soft matter related materials.
