Chemical tools in catalysis and systems chemistry

Most synthetic chemical systems work in an energetic downhill process, towards the formation of thermodynamically stable structures, residing in their lowest free-energy state. However, life and other living containing structures, such as cells or microtubules, are dynamic structures in a far-from-equilibrium situation, displaying a richer behaviour, linked to the emergence of richer functions.

Designing and operating synthetic (non-natural) systems that exist in a far-from-equilibrium regime is currently a big challenge, that has to be faced from a multidisciplinary perspective. Understanding how to structurally design and control new emergent functionalities and behaviours will pave the way to assemble the minimal requirements to create synthetic life and advanced functional materials.