Program:
15.00-15.15: coffee & cake in the foyer
15.15-16.15: scientific talk in Auditorium I

Speaker: Prof. dr. S. (Sander) Woutersen - University of Amsterdam

Abstract:
Particles that consume energy to move (“active matter”) are a hot topic in chemistry and physics: since such active matter is never in thermodynamic equilibrium, it exhibits remarkable properties, for which the theory is still largely lacking. Experimental work has focused mainly on active point-particles; for active polymers, there is plenty of theory and simulations, but hardly any experiments, probably because active polymers are difficult to synthesize. As an easy alternative, we have done experiments on ensembles of worms (Tubifex) that behave as active polymers. In this talk, we will discuss the rheology, phase separation, and chromatography of active-polymer-like worms (the last paper received the 2024 Ig Nobel prize for chemistry). We will also discuss some practical aspects, such as: how to anaesthetize a worm, building a worm-chromatography setup in your bedroom, and the importance of aquarium shops for fundamental research. Please bring your phone: the talk will contain an online quiz and you can win a small prize!