Kees Storm

Dr. Kees Storm is the Dean of the Department of Applied Physics and Eindhoven School of Education at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He holds a Full Professorship in the Department of Applied Physics, leading the Soft Matter and Biological Physics research group. His academic journey includes a master's from Leiden University, a PhD in 2001, and postdoctoral roles at institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Institut Curie. Since 2017, he has been a Full Professor at TU/e.

Education:

• Master's in Theoretical Physics, Leiden University
• PhD, Leiden University, 2001 (supervised by Wim van Saarloos)

Research Interests: Kees Storm's research focuses on the mechanical properties of biological soft matter, including proteins, polymers, and tissues. His work emphasizes reverse engineering biological designs to create synthetic materials. Key areas include multiscale modeling, cell migration mechanics, hydrogel dynamics, and nonlinear elasticity in biological systems. He explores how microstructure influences macroscopic behavior, aiming to develop novel materials with lifelike properties.

Recent Research Trends: His articles address topics like cell migration reciprocity, hydrogel stiffness modulation, and DNA hyperstretching. These studies bridge molecular and tissue scales, often employing advanced modeling techniques to understand biological and synthetic material behaviors.

Grants & Projects:

• Soft Advanced Materials (2019–2025), as Project Manager

Labs & Affiliations: He leads the Theory of Polymers and Soft Matter group and is affiliated with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven Polymer Laboratories, and Eindhoven Multiscale Institute. Collaborations include industry partners Unilever, DSM/Sabic, and TNO.