The research activity of the Chemistry & Biomimetcis Group mainly focuses on mechanistic studies of thermal reactions (catalytic and bio-chemical importance) in solution, and photochemical studies (environmental relevant processes and usable form of energy evolution). Modern kinetic and analytical techniques are applied in order to elucidate the molecular nature of the investigated reactions. The goal of these studies is to contribute towards a better understanding of these reactions so that this knowledge can be used to tune and modify these processes effectively in regard to the yields and selectivity. Very recently this group has undertaken investigations of the use of ion-exchange-membrane materials to emulate the operation of biological muscles. It has already developed the capability of making IPMC (Ion Polymeric Metal Composites) based large motion actuators that operate under a low voltage +3.0 to -3.0 volt. This program would pull together research from a variety of disciplines and act as a focus for miniaturization in the chemical, biological and engineering sciences at both the micro- and nanoscale, to meet the changing demands of the scientific community in this fast-moving field of endeavour. It would extend the integrated product development process to include design methods, manufacturing techniques, and analytical methods that can be used to create and evaluate products based on bio-inspired concepts.