To use light-induced (and other stimuli-induced) molecular level motion to produce macroscopic property effects.

For example, (i) the macroscopic movement of an object across a surface in response to a laser pulse, (ii) a polymer which changes its volume or length in response to an external stimulus or (iii) a switchable surface which changes its properties in response to incoming information.

MechMol seeks to create new types of functional systems that depend upon the transmission of the effects of mechanical motion from the molecular level through to the macroscopic world. We are advocating the use of molecular motion to bring about completely new types of property changes on a macroscopic scale The objective of this focussed programme of targeted multidisciplinary research (it requires developments across the boundaries of chemistry, physics and engineering) is to demonstrate the feasibility of exploiting molecular motion at the macroscopic level in general (the “Big Idea”), using key strategic targets as particular examples (since all depend on the same basic principle, each can be investigated as part of the same programme with results and ideas from one system inputing into the design of another).