Elena Tervoort-Gorokhova is a Researcher at ETH Zürich's Department of Materials, part of the Professorship for Complex Materials. Her work focuses on advanced materials science, including nanoparticle aerogels, photocatalysis, 3D-printed ceramics, and biocementation processes. She collaborates on interdisciplinary projects addressing energy materials, sustainable manufacturing, and aerospace applications. Research Interests: Development of functional materials for energy storage and catalysis 3D printing of ceramics with hierarchical porosity Biologically inspired manufacturing using microorganisms Nanoparticle assembly and porous superparticle design Applications in aerospace thermal protection and sustainable materials Recent Work: Her publications highlight innovations in light-driven catalysis using nanoparticle aerogels, bacteria-driven biocementation of ceramics, and porous nickel phosphide superparticles for hydrogen evolution. These studies emphasize scalable, energy-efficient fabrication methods and functional material optimization. Labs/Teams: Active within the Complex Materials research group at ETH Zürich, contributing to projects involving advanced materials synthesis and application.
Chiara Daraio is the G. Bradford Jones Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and an Investigator at the Heritage Medical Research Institute. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego, and degrees from the University of Ancona (Italy). Her research focuses on designing advanced materials with unique mechanical and sensing properties for applications in robotics, medical devices, and energy absorption. She has pioneered work on mechanical metamaterials, sustainable biomaterials, and wearable health-monitoring systems. Education: B.S./M.S., University of Ancona, Italy (2001); M.S., UC San Diego (2003); Ph.D., UC San Diego (2006). Research interests include materials science, condensed matter physics, and solid mechanics. Her group develops materials for acoustic imaging, thermal sensing, and bio-inspired systems. Recent work includes 3D polycatenated architected materials and biocomposite materials from microalgae. Awards: PECASE, Sloan Fellowship, Brilliant 10, ONR Young Investigator Award, and others. Over 150 scientific publications and numerous patents highlight her contributions to metamaterials, nonlinear dynamics, and bio-inspired design. Advising: Supervises a dynamic group of graduate students and postdocs, with alumni in academia and industry worldwide. Active in outreach, including STEM education and public lectures. Labs: Facilities include 3D printing, high-speed imaging, and advanced mechanical testing equipment at Caltech's Gates-Thomas building.
Fabio Masero is a Researcher affiliated with ETH Zürich's Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry (LAC), part of the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences. His work focuses on bioinorganic and bioinspired chemistry, with a strong emphasis on transition metal complexes and catalytic systems. He contributes to the Bioinorganic and Bioinspired Chemistry professorship group, conducting research in areas such as metal-mediated reactivity mechanisms, CO₂ activation pathways, and the design of novel catalytic materials. His research interests include coordination chemistry, catalytic reaction design, and the study of electronic effects in metal complexes. Notable topics include palladium-catalyzed processes, molybdenum-based catalysts for allylic substitutions, and the synthesis of functional organometallic compounds. His recent work explores structural transitions in germapyramidane clusters and photochemical reactions of fullerenes in aqueous environments. Publications from 2019–2025 highlight advancements in borylation methodologies for acyltrifluoroborate synthesis, electrocatalytic hydride generation, and dinitrogen fixation strategies. While no formal teaching role is explicitly stated, his contributions to the professorship group suggest active involvement in academic mentorship within the department.
Xin Ning is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on lightweight structural design, biomimetic engineering, and multifunctional materials for aerospace applications. He holds a Ph.D. in Aeronautics from Caltech, where he developed shape-adaptive solar concentrators under Prof. Sergio Pellegrino. Prior to Penn State, he held postdoctoral positions at the University of Illinois (advisor: Prof. John A. Rogers) and Caltech. Education: B.Eng., Aircraft Design & Engineering, Beihang University (2009) M.S., Aeronautics, Caltech (2010) Ph.D., Aeronautics, Caltech (2015) Research Interests: Xin's work integrates origami-inspired mechanics, metamaterials, and smart composites to create ultra-lightweight structures. Key areas include: Bistable composite booms for space deployment Origami electromagnetic systems Self-deployable electronic skins Bio-inspired wing structures Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes multifunctional materials and adaptive systems, with 2023-2025 papers focusing on space-qualified structures, origami-based sensors, and biomimetic designs. Over 70% of his 2020+ publications address structural optimization under extreme conditions. Awards: ONR Young Investigator Award (2022) Haythornthwaite Award (2019) William F. Ballhaus Prize (2015) Multiple Caltech teaching/research awards Advising & Labs: Current students include Yao Yao (materials/aero) and Mitansh Doshi (aero). Former advisees include Samuel Schulman (M.S. 2021). His lab develops deployable space structures and smart composite systems through collaborations with NASA and the Air Force.
Tiago Daniel Adriano Fernandes is a Contracted Researcher (CEEC) at the Structural Chemistry Center (CQE) within Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon. He also holds an Invited Auxiliar Professor role at Universidade Aberta’s Department of Sciences and Technology (DCeT/UAb), where he teaches courses in Chemistry and Environmental Sciences. His academic background includes a PhD in Coordination Chemistry (2013) from IST, an MSc from the University of Lisbon’s Faculty of Sciences (2008), and a BSc from the same institution (2006). His research focuses on coordination chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and catalytic processes, particularly involving metal-organic frameworks, antimicrobial materials, and environmental remediation. He has authored over 60 scientific publications, including 43 journal articles, and contributed to 10 research projects totaling €1.3 million in funding. His work spans catalytic oxidation/reduction of organic compounds, degradation of pharmaceuticals, and development of biodegradable polymers with antibacterial properties. Teaching activities include courses like 'Fundamental Chemistry Concepts,' 'Environmental Technologies,' and 'Structural and Analytical Methods.' He also reviews for chemistry journals and serves as a Topic Editor for Materials and Reactions (MDPI). His research has practical applications in sustainable materials, green chemistry, and food preservation technologies.
Prof. Vickie McKee is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy , University of Southern Denmark (SDU), and the School of Chemical Sciences , Dublin City University (DCU). She collaborates closely with Prof. Christine McKenzie (SDU) and Prof. Andrew Kellett (DCU), focusing on X-ray crystallography and synthetic chemistry. Her work emphasizes coordination chemistry , medicinal inorganic chemistry , green chemistry , and structural characterization of bioinspired materials. Affiliations Adjunct Professor, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) Adjunct Professor, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University (DCU) Research Interests : Coordination Chemistry : Designing metal complexes for catalytic oxidation, gas separation, and artificial photosynthesis. Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry : Exploring metal-based radiopharmaceuticals and antimicrobial agents. Green Chemistry : Developing sustainable catalytic processes and non-enzymatic sensors. X-ray Crystallography : Structural analysis of labile intermediates and biologically active compounds.
Nikolay Dimov is a Researcher at the University of Hertfordshire's School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science, Department of Engineering and Technology. He leads the Microfluidics and Microengineering Research Group (MMRG) and collaborates with the Bioengineering research group and Extracellular Vesicle Research Unit. His work focuses on developing lab-on-a-chip biodetection systems for early disease diagnostics and exosome isolation technologies. Key projects include the DIVISIUM chip development and CIBD compact detection systems. His research integrates microfluidics with molecular assays for point-of-care diagnostics, combining engineering and biomedical approaches. Notable collaborations span 3D printing resins for medical applications and bioaerosol sensing systems. Projects like Air DNA Sampling and Mechanical Analysis of 3D Printing Resins highlight his interdisciplinary impact. Dr. Dimov has led or co-led 9 research projects, including EU-funded initiatives. His work emphasizes automated sample processing, high-fidelity biodetection, and exosome-based clinical applications. He has published extensively on centrifugal platforms, RNA purification, and lab-on-a-disc technologies.
Dr. Yao Lu is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), where he has served since 2019. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from University College London (UCL) and a Master of Engineering from Dalian University of Technology. His research focuses on functional materials, particularly surface science and nanomaterials for anti-fouling, anti-icing, and low-carbon manufacturing applications. He leads the Yao Lu Lab, which emphasizes collaboration with academia and industry to translate research into practical solutions for energy conservation and climate change mitigation. Dr. Lu is also affiliated with the Centre for Chemical Research and the Centre for Experimental and Applied Physics at QMUL. Education: PhD in Chemistry, UCL (2013–2017) Master of Engineering, Dalian University of Technology (2010–2013) Research Interests: Superhydrophobic and superoleophobic surfaces Biomimetic materials and droplet manipulation Sustainable coatings for anti-corrosion and anti-icing Functional nanomaterials for energy storage and water treatment Grants & Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) Winner of Bayer Open Science Start-up Pitch at Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting EPSRC Grant: £190,380 for 'Wettability of functionalised micro and nano particles' (2023–2025) Innovate UK Grant: £2,500 for 'Sustainable Fluorine-Free Omniphobic Anti-Fouling Coatings' (2025) Advising & Labs: Dr. Lu supervises PhD students in topics such as self-cleaning surfaces and actuator design. He is recruiting self-funded and government-funded PhD candidates. His lab is actively involved in organizing international conferences like the '2nd International Meeting on Wetting and Carbon Neutralisation (IMWCN 2025)' to advance global Net Zero goals.
Prof. Andrea Kiesel is a Full Professor of Cognitive Psychology at the Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, affiliated with the Institute of Psychology within the Faculty of Economics and Behavioral Sciences. She leads Research Area D as Principal Investigator and Coordinator. Her work focuses on multitasking, action control, unconscious cognition, time perception, and sustainability, particularly involving living materials systems (livMatS). She has advised multiple doctoral students and postdocs, including Michael Gorky and Dr. Julius Fenn. Kiesel’s research integrates psychology with philosophy and engineering, developing tools like Cognitive-Affective Maps (CAMs) to assess societal perceptions of emerging technologies. Her contributions span over 100 peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, and methodological frameworks. She collaborates internationally on projects addressing technology acceptance, interdisciplinary ethics, and human-machine symbiosis. Roles: Full Professor, Principal Investigator (livMatS Cluster) Key Projects: CAM methodology development, biomimetic technology assessment, sustainability research Publications: Over 100 articles in journals like Behavior Research Methods and Philosophical Psychology Research highlights include analyzing public acceptance of photovoltaic installations and biomimetic architecture, as well as advancing frameworks for transdisciplinary sustainability science. Kiesel also leads educational initiatives like the Writer's Studio and Master Lab program to support early-career researchers.
Dr. Johan Liotier is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Cluster of Excellence livMatS (Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies) at the University of Freiburg. His research focuses on synthesizing small molecules capable of functionalizing and crosslinking non-functional polymers via C,H-insertion chemistry. These molecules enable the creation of stimuli-responsive 3D networks using orthogonal triggers like light and temperature, with applications in reversible crosslinking through cleavable moieties. His primary supervisor is Prof. Dr. Jürgen Rühe. Key research areas include polymer functionalization, photochromic materials, photovoltaic systems, and sustainable materials upcycling. He has contributed to advancements in dye-sensitized solar cells and photochromic dyes, with a focus on optimizing optoelectronic properties and dynamic optical control. His work bridges organic chemistry, materials science, and energy technologies, emphasizing practical applications in adaptive materials and renewable energy systems. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry (university detail not explicitly stated) Affiliations: Cluster of Excellence livMatS, University of Freiburg Grants/Projects: LivMatS-funded research on polymer crosslinking and functionalization Dr. Liotier actively participates in academic events like the livMatS Colloquium series and contributes to initiatives such as the Master Lab program and Research Data Management at FIT. His research philosophy emphasizes sustainability through material upcycling and responsiveness to external stimuli, positioning him at the forefront of next-generation materials science.
Dr. Hugo Oliveira is a postdoctoral researcher at the Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT (Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies) at the University of Freiburg. His research focuses on integrating mechanical metamaterials with soft, adaptable electronics and sensors to develop safe, efficient robotic systems and multifunctional materials with distributed actuation, sensing, and control. He collaborates closely with Jun.-Prof. Dr. Edoardo Milana as his primary supervisor. His work spans advanced materials design, sensor technology, and robotic actuation systems. Key projects include meta-origami actuators, proprioceptive metamaterials with capacitive sensors, and flexible electronics for extreme environments. Research outputs emphasize interdisciplinary applications in robotics, smart materials, and environmental sensing. Publications highlight innovations in soft actuators, temperature sensing on unconventional substrates (beeswax, stones), and self-healing strain sensors. His contributions bridge fundamental material science with practical engineering solutions, particularly in adaptive systems and bioinspired technologies. Dr. Oliveira’s work is supported by initiatives like the livMatS Colloquium series and collaborations through IDEASfactory@FIT. He actively engages in outreach through events like the Master Lab program and promotes interdisciplinary innovation in materials science and robotics.
Dr. Claas-Hendrik Stamp is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Freiburg , affiliated with the Cluster of Excellence livMatS (Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies) . His research focuses on microfluidic networks, elasto-hydrodynamic interactions, and droplet transport. He develops microfluidic devices with thin PDMS membranes to study coupled flow patterns and material/information transport. His work addresses applications in adaptive materials and bioinspired technologies. Supervision: Primary supervisor is Dr. Céline Calvino. Key Projects: 'Adaptive Droplets Transport Through Coupled Flow Paths' aims to control dynamic flow patterns via elasto-hydrodynamic coupling. Publications: Recent contributions include work on debonding adhesives in Advanced Materials (2025), photoperformance studies in Macromolecular Rapid Communications (2024), and microfluidic membrane dynamics in Lab on a Chip (2023). Infrastructure: Active in the IDEASfactory@FIT and part of the livMatS team. Engaged in outreach activities like the livMatS Colloquium series.
Dr. Mahesh Pol is a Research Fellow at the Cluster of Excellence livMatS (Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies) within the University of Freiburg. His work focuses on abiotic systems, particularly the formation and hydrolysis of amide bonds in water, leveraging aminoacyl phosphate esters to drive peptide elongation and self-assembly processes. His research bridges organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and material science, with applications in adaptive and active materials. Key projects include investigating how structural changes in amino acids influence reactivity and oligomerization under aqueous conditions. His findings reveal the role of side-chain properties (aliphatic vs. aromatic) in supramolecular assembly and phase-dependent chemistry. Currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Geneva (Winssinger's Lab), Pol continues exploring transient peptide assemblies and phase-driven chemical cascades. Pol’s publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, with recent works published in JACS and Angewandte Chemie . His research highlights the potential of abiotic systems to mimic biological processes, offering insights into prebiotic chemistry and synthetic material design.
Dr. Qingchuan Song is a Researcher at the University of Freiburg's Department of Materials Science and Engineering, affiliated with the liv MatS Cluster of Excellence (Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies). His work focuses on developing stimulus-responsive materials, shape-memory polymers, and additive manufacturing techniques for applications in microfluidics and soft actuators. He collaborates closely with Prof. Bastian Rapp as part of interdisciplinary teams. His research integrates materials science with engineering, emphasizing 3D/4D printing innovations for smart materials. Notable contributions include antifouling coatings, paraffin-based phase change materials, and elastic fluoropolymers for microfluidic systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in programmable soft actuators and multi-material fabrication using stereolithography. His work bridges fundamental material science with practical applications in bioengineering and energy storage.
Ketao Zhang is a Senior Lecturer in Robotics at the School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, and serves as the Industrial Engagement Lead of the Centre for Intelligent Transport. He is also affiliated with the Centre for Advanced Robotics, where he leads research in aerial robotics, soft robotics, and bio-inspired design. Senior Lecturer in Robotics, Queen Mary University of London Industrial Engagement Lead, Centre for Intelligent Transport Research Affiliation: Centre for Advanced Robotics Research Group: Robotic Systems Dr. Zhang's research focuses on advanced robotic systems, particularly in the domains of aerial robotics, soft robotics, kinematics, and reconfigurable mechanisms. His work integrates origami-inspired design, bio-inspired locomotion, and additive manufacturing to develop innovative robotic solutions. Key interests include screw theory, reconfigurable parallel manipulators, soft actuators and sensors, and morphable soft-bodied robots. His research themes are highly interdisciplinary, bridging mechanical engineering, materials science, and autonomous systems. The recent publications of Dr. Zhang span high-impact journals and conferences, with a clear trend toward aerial additive manufacturing, soft-actuated systems, and reconfigurable UAVs. His work often involves multi-robot coordination, bio-inspired design, and novel actuation mechanisms. Themes such as electroadhesion, variable stiffness, and 3D printing with drones are recurrent, indicating a strong focus on autonomy, adaptability, and real-world deployment. ERC SyG 2023: Multi-sensor Eversion Robot for Intelligent Endoscopic Microsurgery NERC: EMPreSS – Methane Monitoring with UAVs Innovate UK: Human-Augmented Robotics for Precision Viticulture Royal Society: Electroadhesion for Perching UAVs Royal Society: Bio-inspired Quadruped Locomotion EPSRC: Core Equipment for Robotics Research Dr. Zhang has secured substantial research funding from major UK and EU agencies, supporting interdisciplinary projects with applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and agriculture. He collaborates extensively with researchers such as Kaspar Althoefer, Lei Su, and Mohamed Thaha. While student advising details are not publicly listed, his active grants and publications suggest mentorship of PhD and postdoctoral researchers. His lab focuses on intelligent transport systems, aerial robotics, and soft robotic platforms, contributing to both fundamental mechanism design and applied autonomous systems.
