Collegium Helveticum
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Conference

The Art and Science of Liquid Interfaces

Informations

Registration for this conference is required. See details below.

Fluid interfaces represent a frontier in both scientific research and artistic exploration, offering profound insights into complex physical interactions and aesthetic possibilities. This conference serves as a confluence of disciplines, where experts in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering converge to advance our fundamental understanding of liquid behavior.

This event distinguishes itself by integrating scientific rigor with artistic innovation, providing a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue that challenges conventional boundaries. Presentations will not only address the technical aspects of fluid dynamics but will also incorporate artistic interpretations that highlight the intrinsic beauty of fluid phenomena.

The conference promises a stimulating atmosphere conducive to both academic and creative exchanges. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with pioneering research, witness live art performances, and explore artistic exhibits that visually narrate the science of liquid interfaces.​

Program
March 25

08:30

Gathering & registration

08:50

Opening & welcome remarks

Moran Bercovici
Collegium Helveticum

Session 1

Discussion leader: Matthias Le Bec

09:00

Drops (And Bubbles) Between Art and Science

David Quéré
École supérieure de physique et de chimie industrielles de la ville de Paris (ESPCI), FR

09:40

Spontaneous Nano- And Double W/O/W Emulsions Formation with Lipid Drops Undergoing Phase Transitions

Diana Cholakova
University of Sofia, BG

10:20

Coffee break

Session 2

Discussion leader: Federico Paratore

10:50

When Liquids Take Shape
Small Droplets for Big Experiments

Andrew deMello
ETH Zurich, CH

11:30

Peptide Surfactants for the Green Separation of Rare Earth Elements

Kathleen Stebe
University of Pennsylvania, US

12:10

From Nanoassays to Painting in a Chip

Emmanuel Delamarche
ETH Zurich, CH

13:00

Lunch break

14:00

Poster session

16:00

Cosmodernism–the Abstract Beauty of Liquid Interfaces
Live performance

Kamil Czapiga
Artist

Session 3

Discussion leader: Rob Style

17:00

Hydrodynamic Quantum Analogs
From Bouncing Droplets to Quantum Waves

Valeri Frumkin
Boston University, US

17:40

The Beauty of Drop Self-Shaping
Phenomenon and Its Mechanism

Nikolai Denkov
University of Sofia, BG

18:15

The History of the Semper Observatory
Group tour

19:15

Dinner, drinks, exhibition visit, and posters

Program
March 26

Session 4

Discussion leader: Ueli Töpfer

09:00

The Art of Rolling

Lucio Isa
ETH Zurich, CH

09:40

Instabilities and Cracks at Soft Interfaces

Irmgard Bischofberger
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US

10:20

Coffee break

Session 5

Discussion leader: Se-Hyeong Jung

10:50

The Science and the Art of Building with Liquids

Pierre Thomas Brun
Princeton University, US

11:30

Crafting with Liquids in Weightlessness

Moran Bercovici
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, IL
Collegium Helveticum

12:10

TBD

Benjamin Dillenburger
ETH Zurich, CH

13:00

Lunch break

Free time to explore the exhibitions

Session 6

Discussion leader: Kuk Keumkyung

15:00

Visuals on Bubble Acoustics

Supponen Outi
ETH Zurich, CH

17:40

Art Begins at the Limits of Understanding (Sometimes)

Steffen Hardt
TU Darmstadt, DE

16:20–16:30

Closing remarks

17:00

Guided walking group tour in Zurich

Cosmodernism: the Abstract Beauty of Liquid Interfaces
Live performance by Kamil Czapiga

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A 60-minute live performance by artist Kamil Czapiga, featuring real-time microscopy visuals enhanced by original soundtracks that deepen the sensory experience. As part of the conference program, the performance will take place on Tuesday, March 25, 16:00.

Interfacial Aesthetics
Accompanying exhibition

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This exhibition features two innovative works that explore the artistic and scientific possibilities of liquid interfaces: Cosmodernism–The Abstract Beauty of Liquid Interfaces by Kamil Czapiga and LiquiFab–Crafting with Liquids in Weightlessness by Technion researchers.

Venue & registration

The symposium will take place at the historic Semper observatory in Zurich, in which the Collegium Helveticum is located. Participation in the event includes access to all the talks, the artistic performance, exhibitions, meals, and social events. We have a limited number of spots, dictated by the size of the lecture hall. We welcome anyone who is interested in the topic, but priority in registration will be given to students and postdocs who commit to presenting a poster related on the conference's topic and to attending the full two days. 

Location:
Collegium Helveticum
Semper-Sternwarte (ETH/STW)
Schmelzbergstrasse 25
CH-8006 Zurich

Pre-registration is required for this conference, as the number of seats is limited.

Co-sponsor

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