Francesca Calegari

Francesca Calegari is a full professor of physics at Universität Hamburg and a Leading Scientist at DESY, leading the Attosecond Science division at the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL). Her research focuses on tracking and controlling electron dynamics in systems ranging from simple molecules to biologically relevant molecules and nanostructured materials. She develops advanced table-top light sources with attosecond time resolution and explores applications in photochemistry and artificial light harvesting. Her work synergizes with XUV/X-ray free-electron lasers to resolve structural changes in biomolecules.

Dr. Calegari holds a PhD in Physics from Politecnico di Milano and has held adjunct professorships and research roles at institutions including Politecnico di Milano and IFN-CNR. Her accolades include the ICO Prize, Ernst Abbe Medal, and Fellow of the Optical Society (Optica). She contributes to scientific committees and membership in the Optical Society of America.

Her research emphasizes ultrafast processes in molecules like DNA, proteins, and fullerenes, using attosecond spectroscopy and advanced laser technologies. Key advancements include real-time tracking of intramolecular dynamics and chiral dynamics in UV-excited molecules. Current projects aim to uncover electron-driven mechanisms in biomolecules and optimize light-driven processes for energy applications.

Dr. Calegari’s lab develops cutting-edge instrumentation, such as flexible beamlines and transportable endstations, enabling precise time-resolved experiments. Her work bridges fundamental physics with applied science, addressing challenges in ultrafast imaging, plasmonics, and nanoscale materials characterization.