TITLE : The Strange Physics of Self-Driven Particles

ABSTRACT :

The study of active matter -- collections of powered particles -- arguably occupies centre-stage in nonequilibrium physics. Living matter is of course active, but many spectacular observations have emerged from experiments on disarmingly simple artificial realisations. After a broad introduction, my talk will present our recent results from theory, experiments and simulations on active systems. I will highlight the roles of chirality and non-mutual interactions, and offer a perspective on controversies and long-term challenges in the field.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER :

Theoretician with broad interests in nonequilibrium, soft-matter and biological physics; laid down the defining principles of the field known as Active Matter, the study of materials whose constituents, such as cells in a tissue, continually convert a free-energy supply into work. Career: At IISc Physics since 1986 (currently Honorary Professor); also Endowed Visiting Professor, ICTS-TIFR and Distinguished Visiting Professor, IIT Bombay; Former Director, TIFR Hyderabad (From 2012 to 2016); Postdoc: U Pennsylvania 1983-86. Education: PhD (U Chicago) 1983, BS (high hons, U Maryland) 1977, Higher Secondary (Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi) 1973. Selected awards & honours: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (2000), Infosys Prize (2011); J C Bose Fellow since 2007; Fellow, INSA, IAS, NASI; elected FRS 2016 and International Member, US National Academy of Sciences 2025.

MEETING DETAILS :

Speaker: Prof. Sriram Ramaswamy (IISc Bengaluru)

Venue: Auditorium, North Campus, IIT Mandi

Date and Time: October 31, 2025, Friday at 5:00 PM