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At ICMS, the synergy of automated chemistry, advanced characterization, and artificial intelligence drives discovery of innovative materials at a molecular level. ICMS/lab hosts the cutting-edge infrastructure for RobotLab from , and the advanced imaging tools of .

The ICMS/lab has all the equipment for scientists to develop and study innovative materials at many levels from the very smallest, the individual molecules, to the very largest, the materials in their totality. Our researchers continuously develop new measurement tools to map the structure and dynamics of complex materials in a non-invasive manner.

Paints, shampoo, cosmetics, vaccines –all formulated in such a way that the many molecular ingredients together perform optimally for their intended task. Finding optimum formulations is a time-consuming ‘art’, as these multi-component and complex systems create a vast search space.

The RobotLab provides a science-based, high-throughput platform to rapidly discover optimum formulations with the aid of artificial intelligence. Active learning methods, such as Bayesian optimization, are applied to accelerate the optimization process and replace the traditional researcher as decision maker. The integration of robotic technology with AI and high-throughput experimentation seamlessly connects all instruments and closes the loop, creating autonomous formulation platforms suitable for a wide range of applications.

Integral to the discovery of advanced materials are advanced microscopy techniques. Ever since Leeuwenhoek’s groundbreaking observations, microscopy has transformed how we understand the natural and synthetic worlds.

At ICMS/lab, we harness state-of-the-art microscopy tools to delve into the nanoscale, enabling breakthroughs in material discovery, big chemistry, and biomedical research. From visualizing atomic arrangements in cutting-edge materials to unraveling complex biochemical processes, our expertise in advanced microscopy bridges disciplines, driving innovation and addressing critical challenges in science and technology.

The autonomous RobotLab conducts a vast number of experiments in a closed-loop manner, thereby generating large datasets on physical properties of molecular systems. These datasets are used to train new algorithms that leverage the underlying chemistry.

As a result, these chemically-trained models can accurately predict the emergent properties of complex molecular systems, such as solubility, phase separation, mechanical integrity, gloss, critical micelle concentration, odor, toxicity, and reaction rates. Using this information, the models can propose new formulations in exact amounts required to obtain the desired properties.

This future-proof approach not only accelerates fundamental research but also paves the way for the discovery of new formulations in fields like coatings, pharmaceuticals, food and biomaterials.

Together with industrial partners, we will exploit the RobotLab to transform the formulation of complex mixtures from an art into science-based technology.

The SCAL/e lab is located in ICMS Ceres building and is a specialized facility for single-cell analysis at the interface of biology, materials science, and engineering. It offers advanced tools including high-resolution microscopy, microfluidics systems, and droplet-based cell isolation. Researchers can isolate, manipulate, and study individual cells in controlled environments. As a cross-disciplinary hub within ICMS, SCALe is a key resource for cutting-edge single-cell research and fosters broad collaboration across scientific fields.

ICMS/lab also offers light- and X-ray scattering, various systems for surface analysis, and microreactors. The laboratory's X-ray scattering equipment (SAXS) enables researchers to zoom in on the structure of both biological and synthetic materials. In this way, they can examine how the material is structured and can check whether it meets the intended requirements.

The ICMS/Lab is part of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), a ¹û¶³´«Ã½ research institute in which various departments are clustering their strengths. As researchers from different fields meet in the laboratory, unique connections are made and fertile ground is created for serendipitous cooperation and innovation.