T. Kudernác, Prof
Research interests
The research of Prof. Kudernac is centred on developing functional materials with a focus on encoding the behaviour of the material within the molecular building blocks that constitute it. Further, the principles of supramolecular chemistry are used to translate the action of individual building blocks across increasing length scales.
The ongoing aim is to functionally bridge the rapidly fading borders between synthetic materials and living systems. For this, the focus is put on engineering molecular concepts in mechanically active materials, such as materials that adapt their mechanical properties to their changing environment, and their mechanical communication with the environment. This approach paves the way towards diverse, reusable, sustainable materials that may be ultimately interfaced with biological systems.
To move this field of science beyond its current state entails combining molecular design approach with phenomenological approach and crossing boundaries between organic chemistry, material science and physics of soft matter, a strong signature in Kudernac's track record.