Special Condensed Matter Colloquium: Prof. Albert-László Barabási, Northeastern University
From Physical Networks to Network Materials
Albert-László Barabási
Network Science Institute and Department of Physics, Northeastern University
Division of Network Medicine, Harvard University
Department of Network and Data Science, Central European University
Network science treats connections as abstract links that can overlap freely. But many real networks—from brain wiring to blood vessels to material bonds—are physical: their links occupy space and cannot cross [1]. Hence our current research has focused on tools that help us understand how physicality affects network evolution and structure. We use a mapping between physical networks and independent sets, to predict when physical effects emerge [2,3]. Further, by mapping surface minimization onto string theory Feynman diagrams, we reveal how physical networks optimize their three-dimensional geometry, predicting the emergence of features observed across biological systems [4].
Finally, I will discuss how this framework transforms materials design. Traditional materials rely on uniform structures, but nature shows us that diversity drives performance. By introducing controlled diversity in connectivity and bond characteristics, we're discovering new design principles, leading to network materials with unique mechanical and transport properties [5].
[1] Dehmamy, Milanlouei, & Barabási, A structural transition in physical networks. Nature 563, 676–680 (2018).
[2] Posfai et al, Impact of physicality on network structure. Nature Physics 20,142–149 (2024).
[3] Glover, Barabási, Measuring Entanglement in Physical Networks. Phys. Rev. Lett. 133, 077401 (2024)
[4] Meng, Piazza, Both, Barzel & Barabási, Surface optimization governs the local design of physical networks. Nature. 649:315-322.(2026).[5] Both, Chen, Gao, Mooij, Charara, Portela & Barabási, Scale-Rich Network-Based Metamaterials, arXiv:2511.18108 (2026).
Hosted by Prof. Janko
Originally published at physics.nd.edu.