Our strength lies in focused, curiosity-driven, symbiotic studies of functional materials involving researchers from different disciplines. We approach problems holistically: from the design, synthesis, and characterization of these materials, to the theoretical modelling and controlled exploration of their properties by fabricating devices. Our strategy is to focus on problems that combine complementary top-down and bottom-up approaches, augmenting the strengths and different areas of expertise of individual groups.
Our research at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials is organized in a coherent research programme with two main Focus Areas.
Focus Area 1: Biomolecular and bio-inspired functionality
Focus area leaders: B.L. Feringa and B. Poolman
This Focus Area studies biomolecular complexes, their functionality, and the potential for integrating multiple functions within them, modification, mimicry, and control via synthetic chemistry.
Focus Area 2: Nanostructured materials for electromagnetic functionality
Focus area leaders: B.J. van Wees and J.C. Hummelen
This Focus Area designs and investigates new synthetic-organic and inorganic materials with nanometer-scale structures that give rise to new electromagnetic (multi-)functionality.
