Research in Condensed Matter and Material Science has a long tradition in Parma, dating back to the years 60s of last century. The Institute of Physics, then Department, contributed significantly to the development of the field in Italy, and its members founded the CNR MASPEC Institute, now IMEM, one of the strongest Applied Physics CNR institutes nowadays. In present days this original tradition is developed along four main lines, employing a total 17 faculty members (Professors and Research Associates).Soft matter researchers study complex molecular systems on the nanoscale; their research is both fundamental and oriented towards technological applications, focussed on: food science, biotechnological and biomedical applications.
We study soft matter and nanostructured systems — like nanoparticles, foams, emulsions — for applications in water and air purification, food, pharmaceuticals,...
The Laboratory of Gastrophysics (Gastronomical Physics) was established by prof. Davide Cassi; it is there that Molecular Cuisine was born. It investigates all aspects of gastronomical innovations: new techniques, new kitchen instruments, new food products.