Welcome to Actuate Lab

University of Limerick

Department of Chemical Sciences | Bernal Institute | SSPC

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Converting Ideas into Impact

The Actuate Lab is a Research Group based in the Department of Chemical Sciences & Bernal Institute in the University of Limerick, Ireland, run by Dr Sarah Guerin. Our focus is on advancing eco-friendly materials for sensing and actuation, with a particular focus on the modelling, growth, and integration of molecular crystals. Our research is currently funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). We work closely with the SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals on the modelling and in-silico design of drug products.
Crystal Design | Machine Learning | Data Analytics

Modelling

We use high-accuracy first-principles modelling to screen, predict and rationalize the material properties of crystals, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), and other molecular assemblies from the nano to the macroscale.
Our advanced computational methods simulate and optimize the structural, electronic, and mechanical characteristics of materials, enabling informed design choices and accelerating the discovery of novel materials with tailored functionalities for diverse applications including energy storage, electronics and more.


MATERIALS DESIGN | CRYSTAL ENGINEERING

Materials


We grow biomolecular crystal assemblies for use in sensors, actuators, and nanogenerators. These low-cost, eco-friendly materials have high sensitivity and scalability, driving innovation in diverse technological fields.
Our research focuses on optimizing crystal growth techniques to enhance performance and efficiency. The resulting biomolecular crystals exhibit remarkable stability and versatility in various applications.


Energy Harvesting | Medical Device

Technology

We integrate our green crystalline films into functional devices for medical device, energy harvesting, and structural health monitoring applications. These films serve as the backbone for cutting-edge technologies, offering sustainable solutions across diverse industries.
Our research endeavors focus on advancing fabrication techniques to optimize device performance and durability. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to pioneer new applications for biomolecular crystals in emerging fields.


About Us

Driving Sustainability Through Materials Innovation.

We aim to engineer functional properties in molecular materials from the nanoscale to the macroscale.

Our group integrates computational chemistry, materials science, and device physics to design functional eco-friendly sensors and actuators. Link