The Sommer group has a strong background in theoretical polymer and soft matter physics, employing both analytical methods from statistical physics and coarse-grained computer simulations. Key research topics have included polymers at interfaces^1,2, polymer crystallization^3,4 and phase transitions⁵, as well as polymer gels and networks⁶. In recent years, the group has developed theoretical framework for polymers in mixed solvents which explains unusual phase transitions⁷. In collaboration with the Schiessel group, the theory of polymer-assisted condensation has been established and validated through computer simulations which serves as generic model for condensates such as heterochromatin^8,9.

The Harmon group focuses on theory and simulation of the thermodynamics of biomolecular condensate formation and emergent properties of chemically active condensates using mean field models, reaction diffusion equations, and coarse-grained simulations.  Condensate formation includes how the polymer-level properties impact the phase diagram^1,2, understanding the dynamics of formation^3,4, and how interactions control the spatial organization of condensates inside other condensates^5-7.  Chemically active condensates include the organization of reactions across a single droplet⁸ and chemically driven instabilities where single droplet species can divide into multiple unique condensates with new functions⁹.