SSCU Student Seminar
Name: Mr. Md Afsar Reja
Title: Introduction to Active Matter: Collective Motion Far From Equilibrium
Date & Time: Thursday, 13th August 2026 at 4.00 p.m.
Venue: Rajarshi Bhattacharyya Memorial Lecture Hall, Chemical Sciences Building
Abstract:
Active matter refers to systems in which individual units consume energy and convert it into motion. From flocks of birds to swimming bacteria and synthetic colloids, such systems display striking collective behaviour without a leader or external control. In this seminar, I will introduce the basic ideas of active matter and the two foundational models used to describe it—the Vicsek model and the Toner–Tu equations. These models show how simple rules can lead to large-scale order and flocking. Finally, I will briefly explore some recent research directions connecting active matter with quantum physics, including efforts to realise active matter at the atomic scale.