SML · Crystal Adaptronics Laboratory
Materials that reshape, remember, and heal.
We study adaptive molecular crystals at NYU Abu Dhabi — where a nudge at the molecular scale becomes motion, memory, or repair you can see.
- 176
- Publications
- 80
- Talks & lectures
- 21
- Researchers
- 11+
- Years of records
Fig. 01 — inside the lab
Welcome
Working at the interface of chemistry and engineering
Our team designs smart materials for the energy, water, and health sectors — materials capable of reshaping, memorizing, moving, programming, self-repairing, and healing. Since pioneering the field of crystal adaptronics, we've focused on molecular-scale perturbations that amplify to a macroscopic response.
Focus areas
- Crystal adaptronics→
- Self-healing crystals→
- Soft robotics→
- Photomechanical materials→
- Ferroelectrics→
Latest news
View all →Aug 2, 2021
ACS Fellow Award
Congratulations, Panče for being selected as an ACS Fellow for outstanding achievements in and contributions to science, the profession, and ACS! This appointment also recognizes the efforts of the local UAE Chapter of ACS in promoting chemistry and chemistry-related disciplines in the UAE and the region.
Jun 8, 2021
UAE Undergraduate Research Competition Win
Congratulations to Nadia, Seonyeong and their supervisor, Maria, for winning the first award in the UAE's 8th Undergraduate Research Competition!
May 23, 2021
Moonshot Apprenticeship Program
Jad Mahmoud Halabi is participating in the Moonshot Apprenticeship Program hosted by the UAE government. The program, which runs from April to July 2021, allows talented youth to collaborate with government officials to find innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems.
Upcoming events
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Featured researcher
Panče Naumov
Principal Investigator, Professor of Chemistry
Panče Naumov leads the Smart Materials Lab and the Center for Smart Engineering Materials at NYUAD. His group is internationally recognized for pioneering crystal adaptronics and advancing adaptive molecular solids, with applications in sensing, robotics, optics, and energy systems.
Meet the team →In print
Research highlights
Behind the scenes
Inside the lab
Get in touch
Interested in collaborating?
We are always interested in hearing from potential collaborators, students, and partners.