Active Matter
Active Matter group carries out experimental research in the field of soft and living materials, especially related to formation and control of non-equilibrium structures and patterns.
Research topics: Magnetic methods for controlling soft and living materials, electrohydrodynamics, electrokinetics, ferrofluids, microswimmers, bacterial turbulence, microalgae bioconvection, cellular aggregates, protein coacervates, aqueous two-phase systems
Research highlights:
- Doctoral thesis defence by Tytti Kärki, 9.1.2026, link
- Living capillary bridges, Tytti Kärki, Senna Luntama, Yasamin Modabber et al., arxiv 2025,
- Active Rosensweig patterns, Carlo Rigoni et al., arxiv 2025,
- Magnetic control of bacterial turbulence, Kazusa Beppu et al., Communications Physics 2024,
- Quasi-two-dimensional drops, Tytti Kärki et al., Communications Physics 2024,
- Magnetic Quincke rollers, Ricardo Reyes Garza, Nikos Kyriakopoulos et al., Science Advances 2023,
- Magnetic aqueous two-phase systems, Carlo Rigoni et al., Communications Materials 2021,
- Electrically responsive ferrofluids, Tomy Cherian, Fereshteh Sohrabi, Carlo Rigoni et al., Science Advances 2021,
- Electrohydrodynamic structuring in confined fluid-fluid systems, Geet Raju et al., Science Advances 2021,
Full list of publications:
Open positions: Contact jaakko.timonen@aalto.fi
