Structure and Motion Across Length Scales

The Self-Assembly and Supramolecular Chemistry GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.

The theme of the 2023 Self-Assembly and Supramolecular Chemistry GRC will be Structure and Motion Across Length Scales. Encoding sophisticated functions in supramolecular and/or self-assembled systems relies on multiple nanoscopic objects working together in space and time and can give rise to collective effects at the macroscopic level. Recent breakthrough research has provided the underpinnings for increasingly complex functionalities in dynamic and ultimately life-like materials. Nevertheless, continued efforts are required, e.g., in understanding how the formation of hierarchical structures can be controlled across increasing length scales, how supramolecular systems and higher-order entities can be encoded to form when and where needed, and how they can exhibit continuous motion.

Life is the ultimate example of self-assembly and supramolecular chemistry; synthetic chemists can thus draw inspiration from the complex chemical phenomena found in biological systems. For example, biomolecular machines ultimately promote the emergence of function at higher levels of organization. Furthermore, self-assembly at higher levels of organization can be used for the dynamic control of chirality.

The field of self-assembly and supramolecular chemistry is timely and highly interdisciplinary, and this conference will reflect the diversity of approaches developed so far. Further, and in line with previous meetings of this series, we wish to foster a collegial, cross-disciplinary, and dynamic environment for presenting and discussing the most recent results and exchanging ideas. As part of this effort, we will endeavor to give voice to exceptionally talented young and mid-career investigators, with experienced and visionary contributors as plenary lecturers and discussion leaders. Last but not least, we will host a lively poster session featuring a diverse range of topics in self-assembly and supramolecular chemistry.