Thomas Ihle

Prof. Thomas Ihle is a leading researcher at the University of Greifswald, heading the Soft Matter Theory group. His work bridges statistical physics, active matter, and computational modeling.

• Biology-inspired statistical and computational physics
• Statistical physics of active matter
• Kinetic theory of swarms and flocks
• Soft condensed matter physics
• Pattern formation far from equilibrium

His research focuses on active matter systems, studying how energy uptake from the environment generates non-equilibrium phenomena like flocking, pattern formation, and memory effects. He uses kinetic theory and multi-particle collision dynamics to derive hydrodynamic equations and simulate complex liquids.

Key trends in his recent publications include non-reciprocal interactions, exact collision operators, and hyperuniformity in active systems. Collaborations span institutions like Humboldt University Berlin, Northwestern University, and University of Gothenburg.

Awards: Outstanding Referee 2017 (American Physical Society). Students: Mentored Jakob Mihatsch, Rüdiger Kürsten, and others in Master’s/Bachelor’s theses. Teaching includes a group seminar on active matter held every Friday.