Unravelling the physics of soft matter
Soft materials pose unique challenges in condensed matter physics. They are dubbed “soft” because their structure is typically exquisitely sensitive to temperature, composition, external stimuli or other associated variables. This sensitivity arises from the competition among different interactions or between interactions and entropy. They are sometimes ordered but most of the time disordered.
Theorists employ cutting-edge theoretical and computer simulation tools derived from statistical physics, field theory, and machine learning to study mesoscopic and sometimes self-assembled structures in polymers, biomolecular systems, liquid crystals, and colloids, with applications such as understanding DNA confinement, membrane-protein interaction, and emergent material design. Experimentalists explore the structure and dynamics of thin polymer films to understand the glass transition using a wide range of experimental techniques, including ellipsometry, photon correlation spectroscopy, dielectric relaxation and inelastic neutron scattering.
Meet our researchers
Jeff Chen, Professor
University Research Chair
Dr. Chen studies the physics of soft matter systems, including polymers, colloids, gels, and liquid crystals. Using statistical physics, scaling theory, and large-scale simulations, his research explores how microscopic interactions give rise to complex structures, phase behaviour, and defect dynamics across multiple length and time scales. He develops theoretical models that connect molecular properties to emergent material behaviour, helping to uncover the fundamental principles governing complex soft matter systems.
Jamie Forrest, Professor
Dr. Forrest studies extreme materials: ordinary materials in extraordinary situations. His research explores how liquids, polymers, and proteins behave when confined to nanometre dimensions or subjected to conditions that mimic millions or billions of years of aging. Using techniques such as atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ellipsometry, dielectric relaxation, and β-NMR, his group investigates fundamental questions in condensed matter physics, including the nature of disordered solids, surface effects, and low-energy states of matter.
Bae-Yeun Ha, Professor
Undergraduate Advisor - Life Physics
Dr. Ha studies theoretical problems in biophysics and soft-matter physics, focusing on the physical principles that govern biological systems. His work spans bacterial chromosome organization, biomolecular crowding, bacterial outer membranes, membrane selectivity of antimicrobial peptides, biomolecular electrostatics, and polymer-mediated depletion interactions. Through theoretical and computational modeling, he seeks to bridge physics and biology, advancing our understanding of cellular organization and offering guiding principles for the rational design of peptide-based antibiotics.
Stefan Idziak, Associate Professor
Undergraduate Officer, Undergraduate Advisor (Honours Physics and all plans)
Dr. Idziak studies complex fluids using x-ray diffraction, with a focus on how confinement between surfaces and within porous materials influences molecular organization and fluid behaviour. His research investigates polymers, vesicles, biomembranes, and colloidal systems using advanced techniques such as the X-Ray Surface Forces Apparatus and synchrotron diffraction. By examining the structure and dynamics of complex fluids, his work advances our understanding of soft matter while supporting applications in lubrication, catalysis, separations, and materials science.
Mark W. Matsen, Professor
Dr. Matsen studies the theory and simulation of self-assembling polymer systems, including block copolymers, polymer brushes, liquid-crystalline polymers, and polyelectrolytes. His research develops and applies self-consistent field theory and advanced computational methods to understand molecular self-assembly, phase behaviour, and nanoscale structure formation. By investigating the fundamental physics of complex soft materials, his work helps guide the design of nanostructured polymers with applications in materials science and engineering.
Want to study or partner with us?
Helping to shape and encourage the next generations of scientists is at the core of what we do. Prospective graduate students interested in studying with one of our faculty are welcome to reach out to them directly. You can also check out current student research opportunities in Earth.
Research is made better through strong collaboration. If you’re an industry leader looking to partner with us, we would love to hear from you.