Albert Schenning

Albert Schenning is a Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), leading the Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD) research group. His work focuses on developing polymer-based smart materials and devices to address challenges in sustainable energy, healthcare, and environmental management. He holds a PhD from Radboud University Nijmegen and has held academic positions at TU/e since 2003, progressing from Assistant to Full Professor. His research spans molecular design, material synthesis, and device prototyping, emphasizing stimuli-responsive systems like liquid crystal elastomers and supramolecular polymers.

Education:

• MSc Chemistry, Radboud University (1992)
• PhD in Chemistry (1996), Radboud University
• Postdoctoral fellowships at TU/e (1996) and ETH Zurich (1997)

Research Interests: Schenning’s lab explores stimuli-responsive materials, including light- and temperature-sensitive polymers, self-healing systems, and recyclable materials. Key themes include:
- Design of hierarchically structured materials
- Integration of functional polymers into devices (e.g., actuators, smart windows)
- Nanostructured membranes for gas separation and biomedical applications.

Key Contributions: His work bridges molecular synthesis and applied systems, with notable advances in:
- Photothermal actuators for robotics and biomedical tools
- Mechanochromic sensors for time-temperature tracking
- Cholesteric liquid crystal smart windows for energy efficiency.

Awards:

• Alfred Saupe Prize (2024) for contributions to polymer science

Grants & Teams: Active in interdisciplinary collaborations within TU/e’s Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) and EIRES Research. Supervises graduate students and postdocs in material design and device engineering.

Labs & Facilities: Hosts advanced labs for polymer synthesis, characterization (e.g., SEM, DSC), and prototyping of functional devices. Innovates in 4D printing and direct ink writing of responsive materials.