Kraft Lab

Our research is inspired by the exquisite control and fascinating complexity of self-organized living systems. We aim at understanding the fundamental principles necessary for creating functionality and structure, and translate them to the rational design of next generation materials. To tackle this challenging aim, we work with simplified colloidal and theoretical models that allow a systematic investigation of the most relevant parameters, the assembly pathways, and the resulting (non-)equilibrium behavior and structures. Our experimental approach relies on designing colloidal particles with anisotropic shapes, complex interactions, and self-propulsion. These colloidal models allow us to gain insights into otherwise prohibitively difficult (biological) processes, reveal novel out-of-equilbrium physics as well as advance bottom-up design strategies for smart materials.