Objective
The study of living matter has to be considered as an exciting and substantive
part of the modern definition of physics. Whether a general statistical
mechanics exists for broad classes of of active systems and what is the
quantitative predictive power that we could expect from those theories remain
still open and debated questions. Reductionism and approximations, the most
powerful weapons of theoretical physicists have to face a degree of complexity
that has no analogue in non living matter. That results in a number of
phenomenological parameters whose connection to microscopic quantities is
rarely supported by experimental data. Moreover some of the most peculiar and
potentially groundbreaking properties of active matter can only be evidenced in
the presence of external force fields and are still largely unexplored.
We propose to combine frontier research tools for 3D holographic
micromanipulation and 3D two-photon microfabrication to gain an unprecedented
active role in probing active matter dynamics, from few bodies interactions up
to collective behavior. For example, we will study bacteria interactions by
grabbing, orienting and releasing individual bacteria in a sort of
bacteria-bacteria scattering experiments. On the other hand optical energy
landscapes, which can be structured in space and time, will allow to study
collective response to the tunable and smooth fields that are particularly
suited for theoretical treatment. Furthermore two-photon lithography will
allow the microfabrication of arbitrarily shaped 3D structures that will be
used as probes for the highly non-trivial correlations and response functions
in non equilibrium active baths.
Besides providing a playground for theoretical developments in non-equilibrium
physics, this project will explore novel opportunities to exploit active
matter as a SMART material, capable of performing useful tasks in micro and
nano engineered devices.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences physical sciences classical mechanics statistical mechanics
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
ERC-2012-StG_20111012
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Host institution
00185 Roma
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.