Erik Luijten is the Associate Dean for Research and Doctoral Education at the McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, where he also holds a Professorship in Materials Science and Engineering (with courtesy appointments in Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, and Chemistry). His leadership includes overseeing research administration, doctoral programs, and global initiatives. He previously chaired the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Educated at Utrecht University (M.Sc. Physics) and Delft University of Technology (Ph.D. Physics), Luijten specializes in computational materials science , focusing on soft matter systems like complex fluids, colloids, and active matter. His research combines advanced simulations (e.g., Monte Carlo methods) with theoretical frameworks to study self-assembly, electrokinetic phenomena, and dielectric effects. Notable contributions include accelerating simulation techniques for systems with long-range interactions and designing programmable materials. His work emphasizes practical applications , such as drug delivery via nanoparticle self-assembly, sustainable catalytic processes for plastic recycling, and dynamic hydrogel networks. Recent publications highlight innovations in active matter dynamics, nanoparticle crystal growth, and mesoporous catalytic architectures. Luijten’s awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2004) and Fellowship of the American Physical Society (2013) . He leads the Computational Soft Matter Lab , fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, physics, and chemistry. His academic service roles include the Racheff Assistant Professorship (2001–2003).
