Background, Foundations, and Continuity

SCML International builds on more than 25 years of sustained research activity in soft and complex matter physics, physical chemistry, and nanoscience. Its foundations were established within the Soft & Complex Matter Lab (SCML) at the Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where research on layered materials, clay minerals, and self-organised soft-matter systems achieved broad international visibility.

From the outset, SCML emphasised earth-abundant mineral systems—particularly clays and layered materials—as model platforms for confinement, swelling, and collective phenomena. This focus later expanded to include bio-sourced and hybrid mineral–biological materials, linking fundamental soft-matter physics with sustainability-oriented materials design.

Over time, the scope broadened through extensive international collaboration, systematic access to large-scale research facilities, and interdisciplinary engagement across physics, materials science, and chemistry.

During its period at NTNU, SCML maintained a broad and sustained portfolio of competitive research activity across multiple funding frameworks and agencies, supporting continuity of research, doctoral training, and international collaboration.

In the Norwegian national research evaluation EvalNat (2024), the experimental research activities associated with SCML were ranked as the highest-performing experimental group within the Department of Physics at NTNU. The evaluation highlighted publication performance, success in competitive funding, international networking, contributions to doctoral education through workshops and research schools, and societal relevance—particularly the focus on earth-abundant and sustainable material platforms.

Reference: EvalNat national research evaluation (PDF)

SCML at NTNU

For contextual reference, webpages associated with SCML at NTNU remain accessible: SCML at NTNU.

SCML International beyond NTNU

Research continuity is maintained through ongoing doctoral supervision, active PhD projects, and forthcoming thesis defences. SCML International provides an independent framework for coordination, collaboration, and scientific continuity beyond formal institutional boundaries.

This transition represents an evolution in organisational form rather than a change in scientific direction. Core research themes, collaborative networks, and methodological approaches remain continuous, while the organisational structure has adapted to new conditions.

More recently, this scientific trajectory has expanded toward the exploration of natural and earth-abundant materials as platforms for quantum-relevant photonic and sensing applications.

SCML International does not operate permanent laboratory infrastructure. Experimental work is carried out through trusted collaborations and shared access to national and international research facilities, consistent with established practice in distributed and facility-based research.