About

Ralf Eichhorn earned his PhD from the University of Augsburg in 2000. After postdoctoral positions in Augsburg and Bielefeld, he joined Nordita in January 2009. His research broadly explores non-equilibrium statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, including applications to biophysical systems.

Recent research focuses on the theoretical foundations of non-equilibrium statistical physics, with an emphasis on stochastic thermodynamics and active matter. A central theme is the emergence of irreversibility and thermodynamic structure in systems far from equilibrium, including active particles that continuously self-propel by consuming energy.

Specifically, microscopic models of driven diffusive systems — from abstract stochastic constructs such as Brownian motors and Feynman ratchets to biologically motivated molecular motor models and active matter suspensions — are used to study energy conversion, transport, and fluctuations at small scales. These studies help bridge stochastic dynamics and thermodynamic laws, clarifying how classical concepts such as work, heat, and efficiency extend to mesoscopic systems.

Overall, the research combines analytical theory and minimal models to uncover general principles governing transport, fluctuations, and irreversibility in complex non-equilibrium systems, with connections to both fundamental statistical physics and biophysical applications.