Abstract

Understanding how multicomponent systems self-organise to control their emergent dynamics across spatial and temporal scales is a fundamental problem with important applications in many areas; from the design of soft materials to the study of developmental biology. In this talk, I will discuss how we can use mathematical modelling to understand the role of microscale physical interactions in the self-organisation of complex fluids. I will illustrate this by presenting two examples. Firstly, I will discuss self-organization in stimuli-responsive polyelectrolyte gels surrounded by an ionic solution; secondly, I will discuss self-organization during collective migration of multicellular communities. Our results reveal hidden connections between these two initially disconnected applications hinting at the existence of general principles controlling self-organisation of both inanimate and living matter.