C.H. (Caspar) van der Wal

Prof. dr. ir. C.H. (Caspar) van der Wal is a Full Professor in Physics of Quantum Devices at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen. His research focuses on spintronic and quantum information functionalities using electron/nuclear spins in semiconductor devices, combining quantum optical and electron transport methods.

• PhD in Quantum Transport (Delft University of Technology, 2001)
• Postdoc in Quantum Optics at Harvard University (2001-2003)
• Scientific Director of Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials (2016-2022)

Research keywords include Quantum Optics, Spintronics, Quantum Information, and Semiconductor Physics. Recent work explores 2D/3D semiconductor heterostructures, spin defects in SiC, and transition metal dichalcogenides.

His scientific contributions have earned him the NWO-Vidi Grant (2005), ERC Starting Grant (2011), and multiple teaching awards. Publications since 2001 span topics like quantum superpositions in superconducting circuits, spin relaxation in quantum dots, and telecom-ready spin centers in silicon carbide.

• Grants: NWO-Vidi (2005), ERC Starting Grant (2011)
• Leadership: Scientific Director, Zernike Institute (2016-2022)
• Teaching: Teacher of the Year (2015), Education Prize (2012)

Current affiliations include the Physics of Nanodevices group at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. Collaborations span institutions like MIT, Harvard, and AMOLF.