Self-assembly and complexity: networks and patterns from materials to markets

Self-assembly leads the formation of patterns without external directing agents. It is responsible for the growth of complex multiscale structures found in biology and materials science and is a crucial concept for development of viable nanotechnologies. Complex systems, from biological ecosystems to financial markets and the Internet, are also characterized by spontaneous clustering and linkages that determine their collective behaviour. The project will investigate in detail the geometry, topology, materials science and statistical physics of networks, leading to design and characterization of robust self-assembled materials and complex systems.