Lorenzo Caprini

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Sapienza University of Rome

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About

Lorenzo Caprini is a theoretical physicist whose research lies at the frontier of active matter and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. His work explores how self-propelled particles—from bacteria to synthetic microswimmers—exhibit emergent behaviors that defy traditional thermodynamic expectations. Caprini’s major contributions include uncovering how active granular systems can generate **emergent memory** from tapping collisions, a phenomenon that challenges the classical Einstein relation between diffusivity and mobility (36 citations). He has also pioneered studies on **inertial active matter with Coulomb friction** (20 citations), revealing how solid-body friction fundamentally alters the motion of active objects compared to viscous fluids. In a striking recent achievement, Caprini demonstrated **spontaneous self-wrapping in chiral active polymers** (12 citations), showing how flexible, chiral structures can autonomously form protective configurations—a mechanism inspired by pangolins and DNA. His work on **self-sustained frictional cooling** (6 citations) further challenges conventional thermodynamics by showing that active systems can cool themselves internally without an external cold reservoir. With over 70 total citations and publications in leading journals, Caprini is establishing himself as a rising star in active matter physics, bridging fundamental theory with bio-inspired design principles.