Mathematics and Physics (IMFUFA)

In Physics and Mathematics, we conduct research on the basis of a holistic perspective characterized by the three aspects ¡®In¡¯, ¡®About¡¯ and ¡®With¡¯, which create synergy between the disciplines and establish a framework for interdisciplinary discussions.

• ¡®In physics¡¯, our basic scientific research is centred on the structure and dynamics of simple, soft and complex substances. We strive to acquire a fundamental understanding of the properties of materials on a scale ranging from the atomic and molecular to the macroscopic. Our methods are comprised of various types of experiments, in close interaction with computer simulations and mathematical modelling.
• ¡®In mathematics¡¯ is expressed through work with the basic scientific prerequisites for mathematical modelling, with a special focus on dynamic systems.
• The didactics of mathematics and physics form the framework for most of the research in ¡®About mathematics and physics¡¯, and in IMFUFA, ongoing reflection takes place in various ways on aspects of the subjects¡¯ theory and scientific history.
• ¡®With physics and mathematics¡¯ is extended by mathematical modelling in biology and medicine, especially physiology and epidemiology. IMFUFA also houses the department¡¯s combined interdisciplinary activities in epidemiology. The ¡®With¡¯ perspective is further extended by classical mathematical-physical modelling, based on our work with soft and amorphous substances. We are also involved in more application-oriented projects in collaboration with private and public external partners.

IMFUFA is a professional community in constant motion, and a centre for critical academic reflection. Our holistic perspective provides a fruitful framework for a unique international research environment in which researchers and students in both physics and mathematics enrich each other¡¯s research focus and subjects in disciplines that are otherwise traditionally characterized by extreme specialization. IMFUFA possesses a highly specialized workshop, in which new experimental setups are continuously being developed in close collaboration between researchers and technicians.

IMFUFA also organizes a series of seminars that reflect the subject group¡¯s broadly oriented research profile, seen from an ¡®In¡¯, ¡®About¡¯ and ¡®With¡¯ point of view, respectively. IMFUFA is an acronym for Indsatsomr?det for Studiet af Matematik og Fysik samt deres Funktioner i Undervisning, Forskning og Anvendelser (Focus area for the Study of Mathematics and Physics and their Functions in Teaching, Research and Applications).

• IMFUFA is home to the research centre ¡®Glass and Time¡¯, which explores the dynamics of viscous liquids in an interplay between theory, simulation and experiment. The centre is a spin-off of the basic research centre of the same name (2005-2015).
• IMFUFA is the driving force behind FRUSTMI (the RUC Centre for Frustrated Molecular Interactions), which brings together all disciplines across the Department of Science and Environment with a focus on interdisciplinary problems in the self-organization of soft and biological materials.
• IMFUFA is involved in the research facilities ESS (European Spallation Source) and Max IV in Lund, Sweden, which will be the world¡¯s leading centre for materials research with X-ray and neutron scattering.