Nonequilibrium systems under control

September 8-12, 2025, Lorentz Center, Leiden, Netherlands


About

Experimental techniques have demonstrated the ability to reliably alter the collective dynamics of complex nonequilibrium systems through various types of perturbation. In active systems, where each component autonomously extracts energy to sustain its mechanical work, the emergence of some specific nonequilibrium dynamics can be controlled through various protocols, for instance by tuning the individual activity in space and time.

We propose to gather scientists interested in the control of complex nonequilibrium phenomena, in view of establishing some fruitful connections between recent theoretical and experimental progress. The Lorentz center offers a unique opportunity to create a vibrant research environment, structured around pedagogical talks and interactive sessions for a whole week, at the crossroads between nonequilibrium physics and control theory.

Organizers

  • Étienne Fodor (Luxembourg)

  • Sarah Loos (Cambridge)

  • Todd Gingrich (Northwestern)

Location

Snelius Building, Niels Bohr Way 1, 2nd floor. Leiden, Netherlands,

Speakers

  • Denis Bartolo (ENS de Lyon)

  • Clemens Bechinger (Konstanz)

  • John Bechhoefer (Simon Fraser)

  • Frank Cichos (Leipzig)

  • Corentin Coulais (Amsterdam)

  • Leticia Cugliandolo (Sorbonne)

  • Olivier Dauchot (ESPCI)

  • Marjolein Dijkstra (Utrecht)

  • Rosalba Garcia Milan (Kings College London)

  • Luca Giomi (Leiden)

  • Ramin Golestanian (Oxford)

  • Mike Hagan (Brandeis)

  • Viktor Holubec (Charles)

  • Bert Kappen (Radboud)

  • Roberto di Leonardo (Sapienza)

  • L Mahadevan (Harvard)

  • Alexandre Morin (Leiden)

  • Yael Roichman (Tel Aviv)

  • Thomas Speck (Stuttgart)

  • Suri Vaikuntanathan (UChicago)

  • René van Roij

  • Adrianne Zhong (NITMB)

Schedule

To be announced...

Sponsors