Maria Ana Cataluna

Maria Ana Cataluna is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, and a member of the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences. Her research focuses on ultrafast semiconductor lasers and photonic systems, with applications in imaging, sensing, and metrology. She holds an ERC Starting Grant (UPTIME) and has received prestigious awards including the Philip Leverhulme Prize and Royal Academy of Engineering/EPSRC Research Fellowship.

Dr. Cataluna earned her Physics Engineering degree from Instituto Superior Técnico (Portugal) and a PhD in Physics from the University of St Andrews. She previously held roles at the University of Dundee before joining Heriot-Watt in 2016. Her work bridges fundamental physics and practical applications, emphasizing quantum dot-based systems and ultrafast photonics.

Her contributions include pioneering advancements in mode-locked laser diodes, high-speed optical sampling, and tunable spectral systems. She serves on editorial boards for Scientific Reports and IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, and chairs the Semiconductor Lasers sub-committee for CLEO-Europe since 2014. Her research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovations in sustainable photonics and precision measurement technologies.