Physics of Active Surfaces by Frank Jülicher

Explore the physics of active surfaces in this comprehensive lecture by Frank Jülicher, part of the "Active Matter in Complex Environments" program at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences. Delve into the fascinating world of active matter, which encompasses objects that convert energy from their surroundings into directed motion. Learn about various examples of active matter across different length scales, including biofilament-motor protein suspensions, swimming microorganisms, self-propelled colloids, and more. Discover how complex environments, such as soils, oceans, and the human body, affect the behavior and collective phenomena of active matter systems. Gain insights into cutting-edge experimental methods, theoretical approaches, and engineering techniques used to study active materials in controlled, complex surroundings. This 1 hour and 35 minute lecture is part of a research school designed to provide early-career scientists with a pedagogical introduction to the field and an overview of state-of-the-art approaches in this exciting area of study.