Research in the IMCN institute focuses on condensed matter and nanoscience from the atomic and molecular levels to real materials. This research concerns the synthesis, design, manipulation, implementation and modeling of (bio)molecules, (bio)surfaces and solid materials. The latter are characterized or simulated by means of advanced techniques, which are also sometimes developed as an inherent part of the research. The obtained compounds, materials or devices are then investigated for their functions, properties or reactivity, leading up to applications. Thematics in the frame of this general methodology, and resulting research projects conducted in the institute, lead to the study of molecules, materials, surfaces and interfaces, with a strong connotation of nanosciences, nanotechnologies and nanomaterials.
In particular, IMCN researchers
- conduct the synthesis of organometallic and macromolecular organic, inorganic compounds, and the development of solid materials, nanostructured, bio- hybrid, or arranged on the surface of a carrier;
- realize their spectroscopic characterization, including microscopic, textural and structural depth analysis, and imaging, complete this initial step;
- if applicable, explore their interaction with the living;
- in a complementary manner , develop the theoretical modeling and numerical simulation of material components;
- study molecular dynamics in collisional processes or to extract spectroscopic properties;
- conduct the understanding of light-matter interaction;
- investigate properties and applications connected to different areas of physical chemistry and physics and solid surface, the kinetics of homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysis, the (electro) magnetism (including electronics and spintronics), electrochemistry, the rheology, medicinal chemistry, biophysics and biomaterials, physical atomic and molecular optics.
In line with the research missions of the University, the Institute implements in its specific fields the general policies of the University, develops a coherent research policy and contributes to the internationalization policy of the University.
The Institute carries out the missions of promotion and coordination of research, in order to stimulate development and encourage the sharing of resources that are allocated. The institute manages the human and material resources, scientific and logistical necessary to develop a competitive international research. Through its various components, it develops with other institutions and entities of the university, in different sectors, the relationships and collaborations that are essential to this mission.
This research is conducted in four research divisions ("pôles de recherche") which represent the major trends of the research groups included in the institute. These research divisions help to bring laboratories linked to different faculties around a research theme consistently developed in the institute.
The institute also manages technological platforms whose missions are to provide technical support to research. Each platform has its management committee and its user committee.
