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Professor Paul Midgley is a leading academic in Materials Science at the University of Cambridge's Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, serving as Professor since 2007 and Head of Department from 2018–2020. He is a Fellow of Peterhouse College and holds multiple prestigious awards, including the Royal Society Fellowship and the Ernst Ruska Prize. Education: PhD in Physics (University of Bristol, 1991), MSc (Distinction) in Semiconductor Materials (1988), BSc (Hons) Physics (1987). Administration: Director of the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite, and active on various University committees including Research, Teaching, and REF. His research focuses on advanced electron microscopy techniques such as convergent beam diffraction, electron tomography, and nanostructure analysis, with applications in nanoscale materials science and 3D reconstruction using compressed sensing. He has pioneered methods like precession electron diffraction and multi-dimensional electron microscopy, contributing to fields like plasmonic nanoparticles and catalytic materials. Key Research Themes: Electron crystallography, nanomaterial characterization, energy materials, and defect analysis in perovskites. Midgley has delivered over 20 invited/plenary lectures globally, including at EUROMAT, the Welch Symposium, and the John Cowley Memorial Lecture. His grant income exceeds £16M as Principal Investigator. Labs/Teams: Leads the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite and collaborates internationally on microscopy advancements and materials innovation.

• Electron Microscopy
• Materials Science
• Crystallography
• +3 more

Cesare Franchini is a full Professor at the University of Vienna's Faculty of Physics, leading the Computational Materials Physics research group. His work focuses on theoretical understanding and computational modeling of quantum materials using first principles methods, particularly VASP. He maintains an active research program with numerous postdocs, PhD students, and collaborations across multiple institutions including the University of Bologna. Professor Franchini's research centers on quantum materials with many interacting degrees of freedom (lattice, spin, and electron orbital) that enable novel electronic and magnetic phases. His specific interests include metal-insulator transitions, polaron physics (electron-phonon interactions), non-collinear spin orderings, topological Dirac/Weyl phases, multiferroism, and superconductivity. He has increasingly incorporated machine learning data-driven tools and diagrammatic Monte Carlo techniques into his computational approaches. Analysis of his recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on polaron physics across multiple material systems, with significant work on hematite, titanium dioxide, and quantum paraelectrics like KTaO3. His research increasingly integrates machine learning with traditional first-principles methods, particularly for studying hydrogen diffusion, surface science phenomena, and electronic structure calculations. There's also substantial work on single-atom catalysis and the application of advanced computational techniques to understand fundamental charge transport mechanisms in energy materials. Professor Franchini actively supervises numerous PhD students and postdocs, including Andrea Angeletti, Viktor Birschitzky, Lorenzo Celiberti, and several others working on diverse aspects of computational materials physics. He leads or participates in major research projects including TACO (Taming Complexity in Materials Modeling), DCAFM (Doctoral College Advanced Functional Materials), and the recently launched Spin-orbit entangled anharmonic polarons project. His group maintains strong collaborations with experimentalists at Charles University, Technical University of Vienna, and other international institutions.

• Quantum Materials
• Computational Physics
• First Principles Methods
• +7 more

Professor Paolo Fornasiero is a Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Trieste, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he has worked since 1998. He serves as Deputy Director of the department since 2021 and Scientific Responsible of the CNR Research Unit associated with the Institute of Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (ICCOM) since 2008. His career spans EU projects, bilateral collaborations with China, India, and Argentina, and leadership roles in journals like ACS Catalysis (Executive Editor since 2021). Full Professor (2016–present) Associate Professor (2006–2016) Assistant Professor (1998–2006) Post-Doc, University of Reading (1996–1997) His research focuses on multi-functional metal-oxide nanosystems for energy and environmental catalysis, including green hydrogen production , CO2 valorization , and methane emission control . He pioneered core-shell catalysts and single-atom systems for stability and selectivity. His work extends to solid oxide fuel cells and photocatalytic water depollution . Recent publications highlight trends in photothermal catalysis , single-atom catalysts , and CO2 electroreduction . His 280+ papers (3 in Science , 2 in Nature Communications ) reflect expertise across Environmental Catalysis , Nanomaterials , and Green Energy . 2022 Malatesta Medal 2021 European Academy of Sciences member 2017 Edoardo Kramer Award 2016 Heinz Heinemann Award 2013 Chiusoli Gold Medal He oversees PhD/postdoc advising and participates in global capacity-building via UNIDO and World Academy of Sciences . His lab collaborates with institutions like KAUST , Czech Academy of Sciences , and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics .

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Nanostructured Materials
• Environmental Catalysis
• +7 more

Johannes A. Lercher is a full Professor of Chemistry at the Technische Universität München (TUM) since 1998 and Director of the Institute for Integrated Catalysis at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, USA. He also holds the title of Battelle Fellow at PNNL and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Catalysis. Education Diplom Ingenieur (summa cum laude), Technische Universität Wien, 1978 Dr. techn. (summa cum laude), Technische Universität Wien, 1980 Postdoctoral researcher, Yale University, 1982 Venia docendi (Habilitation), Technische Universität Wien, 1985 Research Interests Prof. Lercher’s research focuses on fundamental and applied aspects of heterogeneous catalysis. His team elucidates elementary reaction steps on solid catalyst surfaces using advanced in-situ spectroscopic techniques, including IR, Raman, solid-state NMR, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Major themes include the catalytic valorization of biomass, selective methane functionalization, hydrocarbon processing over zeolites and mesoporous materials, and the design of hierarchically structured catalysts that combine shape selectivity with optimized transport properties. Scientific Awards & Honors Alwin-Mittasch-Preis (2021) David Trimm and Noel Cant Lectureship Award (2017) ENI Award for Hydrocarbons (2016) R. B. Anderson Award (2015/2016) Kozo Tanabe Award for Acid Base Catalysis (2013) Francois Gault Lectureship Robert Burwell Lectureship (North American Catalysis Society) Elected Member: Austrian Academy of Sciences, Academia Europaea, European Academy of Sciences Honorary Professor: Chinese Academy of Sciences institutes (Dalian, Qingdao) and China University of Petroleum Leadership & Service Prof. Lercher has held numerous leadership roles including Dean of the Chemistry Department at TUM (2000–2003), Member of the TUM Senate (2003–2007), President of the International Zeolite Association (2001–2004), and current President of the European Federation of Catalysis Societies. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Catalysis and serves on the editorial boards of multiple catalysis journals.

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Surface Chemistry
• Chemical Technology
• +5 more

Jia Min Chin is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry , affiliated with the Institute of Functional Materials and Catalysis . Her research focuses on advanced materials, particularly Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Gold nanoparticles, and N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) chemistry, with applications in catalysis, environmental remediation, and sustainable technology. Her scientific work contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovations in functional materials and catalytic systems. Key projects include Breaking the ice – novel energy efficient hybrid de-icing systems and DYNAMOF: Electric Field Assisted Dynamic MOF Alignment , funded by major research grants. She received the prestigious ERC Grant in 2020 for her contributions to materials science. Chin's research spans MOF-based nanocomposites, photonic assemblies, and biomedical applications. Her publications highlight trends in Stimuli-responsive materials (electric/magnetic fields) Green catalytic systems Anti-icing and humidity-sensing coatings Cancer therapy platforms Scientific Awards ERC Grant (2020) She collaborates globally on cutting-edge topics like MOF alignment, nerve agent decomposition, and CO2 reduction, with recent activities including lectures at international conferences and workshops on material structuring.

• Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
• Nanoparticles
• Gold nanoparticles
• +6 more

Bert F. Sels is a Full Professor at KU Leuven (Catholic University Leuven) in the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Molecular and Microbiological Sciences, where he founded and heads the Center for Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering (CSCE). He is also a Visiting Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Guangzhou and co-founder of the spin-off company Zeopore. Previously, he directed the Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (COK) from 2016-2019 and served as Head of the Division Bio-refinery and Sustainable Chemistry (2015). He obtained his Ph.D. in 2000 from KU Leuven under Professor Pierre Jacobs, specializing in heterogeneous oxidation catalysis. His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable industrial processes, with expertise spanning: Biorefinery and biofactory systems for chemical production Design of hierarchically structured zeolites and carbon materials Spectroscopic characterization of catalytic active sites Methane activation and small molecule kinetics Renewable chemistry and biomass valorization His group has published 350+ papers (h-index 88) and holds 30 patents. Publications demonstrate strong focus on catalytic biomass conversion, zeolite engineering, and sustainable fuel production, with recent work emphasizing lignin valorization, carbohydrate upgrading, and low-carbon chemical synthesis. Key trends include hierarchical catalyst design and integrated biorefinery processes. Awards and Honors: Green Chemistry Award (2015) INEOS Research Award (2019) European Academy of Sciences and Arts Membership (2018) DSM Chemistry Award (2001) TOTAL Research Award (2013) UMICORE Research Award (2012) First Clean Tech Challenge (2009) He leads the CSCE research group and co-founded the European Research Institute of Catalysis (ERIC). As former co-chair of the International Zeolite Association's Catalysis Commission and associate editor of ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, he maintains extensive collaborative networks.

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Biorefinery
• Renewable Chemistry
• +5 more

Prof. Fabian Dielmann is a Professor of Organometallic Chemistry at the University of Innsbruck's Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry. He leads the Dielmann Lab within the Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine. His research focuses on molecular inorganic chemistry, phosphorus chemistry, coordination chemistry, and catalysis. Joined University of Innsbruck as Full Professor in 2020 Previously held positions at Münster University (2013–2020) and UCSD/UCR (2011–2013) Recipient of prestigious awards including the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz-Preis (2019) and Karl-Arnold-Preis (2020) Active in bimetallic catalysis, CO₂ capture, and light-driven materials Research interests emphasize phosphorus-rich compounds, transition metal complexes, and sustainable catalytic systems. His work spans from fundamental reactivity studies to applications in green chemistry and energy storage. Recent articles highlight breakthroughs in photoswitchable carbon dioxide capture and novel phosphorus-based materials. Key grants include Emmy Noether Research Group (2017–present) and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowships. His lab focuses on supramolecular assemblies, dynamic covalent polymers, and reactive intermediates like carbenes and nitrenes.

• Organometallic Chemistry
• Phosphorus Chemistry
• Coordination Chemistry
• +3 more

Annemie Bogaerts is a Full Professor at the University of Antwerp since 2014 and head of the PLASMANT research group , which she established independently after her supervisor's retirement. The group now has 37 members including 2 professors, 15 postdocs, 18 PhD students, and 2 technical coworkers. Academic Career: Lecturer (2004-2007), Senior Lecturer (2008-2011), Francqui Distinguished Research Professor (2013-2016), Full Professor (2012-now) Current Leadership Roles: Chair of Department of Chemistry, Head of PLASMANT group Research Focus : Computer modeling of plasmas, plasma-surface interactions, plasma catalysis for CO 2 conversion into value-added chemicals. Her work combines experimental and computational approaches to develop sustainable plasma-based chemical processes. Scientific Achievements : Over 400 peer-reviewed publications (H-index 52 in Web of Science, 64 in Google Scholar) 11,000+ citations (16,000+ in Google Scholar) 20+ major scientific awards including: Winter Plasma Award 2009 for laser ablation modeling Lester W. Strock Award 2008 for plasma/surface modeling Academia Europaea member since 2011 Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie member since 2012 Academic Service : Editor of Spectrochimica Acta Part B , guest editor for 10 special issues including 'Plasma & Cancer', Chair of International Symposium on Plasma Chemistry (2015), and active in university governance through multiple commissions.

• Plasma Technology
• Gas Discharge Plasmas
• Plasma-Surface Interactions
• +6 more

Prof. Chunli Bai is a distinguished academic leader serving as President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) since 2011 and President of TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) since 2013. He previously led the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) from 2001-2014 and directed the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (2003-2008). His research focuses on nanotechnology, molecular self-assembly, scanning probe microscopy, and catalyst characterization. Education highlights include a Research Associate position at the California Institute of Technology (1985-1987) and Visiting Professorships at Tohoku University (1991-1992). He has held progressively senior administrative roles within CAS since 1996, culminating in his current presidencies. Research interests emphasize nanomaterials synthesis, STM-driven structural analysis, and molecular-level surface interactions. His work bridges fundamental nanoscience with applied technologies, particularly in catalytic systems and nanodevice development. Prof. Bai has received over 15 major international honors including membership in 8 national academies, 6 honorary doctorates, and prestigious medals from UNESCO and the National Academy of Sciences (USA). He authored/co-authored influential books on nanotechnology and pioneered China's nanoscience advancement through visionary leadership. His extensive network includes global collaborations through TWAS and CAS, driving scientific capacity development in developing countries. Leadership in major institutions has positioned him as a pivotal figure in both Chinese and global scientific communities.

• Nanoscience
• Nanotechnology
• Catalysts
• +5 more

Bert Sels is a full Professor at KU Leuven , leading the Center for Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering (CSCE) and previously directing the Center for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (COK) . His work bridges Bioscience Engineering and Heterogeneous Catalysis , with a focus on Renewable Chemistry and Biorefinery applications. He co-founded the spin-off company Zeopore and has held visiting positions at the Chinese Academy of Sciences . Education: Ph.D. in Heterogeneous Oxidation Catalysis (2000), supervised by Professor Pierre Jacobs Research Interests center on designing heterogeneous catalysts for industrial and environmental challenges. His group specializes in Zeolite-based Materials , Kinetics of Catalytic Sites , and Small Molecule Activation , with applications in biorefineries and sustainable chemical production. Scientific Awards DSM Chemistry Award (2001) Green Chemistry Award (2015) INEOS Research Award (2019) Leadership Roles include co-chairing the Catalysis Commission of the International Zeolite Association (2014-2019) , founding the European Research Institute of Catalysis (ERIC) , and serving as Associate Editor for ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering .

• Catalysis
• Biorefinery
• Methane Activation
• +8 more

Elio Giamello is a Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Turin, Italy, where he has been a faculty member since 1986, first as Associate Professor (1986-1999) and then as Full Professor (1999-present). He has held significant administrative roles including Head of the Department of Chemistry (2005-2008), Head of the PhD School in Science and High Technology (2006-2012), and Member of the Board of Governors of the University of Turin (2013-present). Professor Giamello's research focuses on solid state and surface chemistry, particularly metal oxide-based materials. His work centers on the application of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to investigate paramagnetic and radical centers in bulk and surface materials. Since around 2000, he has expanded his research to include visible light-activated photocatalytic systems, developing novel doped oxide materials like zirconium dioxide for environmental applications. His extensive publication record includes 238 ISI-classified journal papers (as of March 2016) with 8,873 citations and an h-index of 49. His research spans fundamental surface chemistry to applied photocatalysis, with particular expertise in EPR characterization of defects and reactive intermediates in oxide materials. Professor Giamello has received significant recognition including membership in the prestigious Accademia delle Scienze di Torino (2013), the European Academy of Sciences (2012), and a Humboldt Research Award (2007): Nominated member of the ACCADEMIA DELLE SCIENZE DI TORINO (2013) Member of the European Academy of Sciences (2012), Discipline: Materials Science Winner of a Humboldt Research Award (2007) for work in Physical Chemistry of Surfaces He has supervised numerous undergraduate and PhD students throughout his career and maintains active collaborations with research groups across Italy, Europe, the United States, and Japan. Professor Giamello has also been active in teaching both at his home institution and as an Invited Professor abroad, including at Advanced Schools throughout Italy and internationally. Currently, he leads a research team at the University of Turin investigating paramagnetic centers in oxide materials and developing new photocatalytic systems activated by visible light.

• Solid state chemistry
• Surface chemistry
• Metal oxide chemistry
• +5 more

Prof. Julio Lloret-Fillol is a Group Leader at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) and an ICREA Research Professor since 2015. His work bridges homogeneous catalysis , material science , and automation to develop sustainable chemical processes and solar fuels. He earned his PhD in 2006 from Universidad de Valencia under Prof. Lahuerta and J. Pérez-Prieto, followed by postdoctoral research at University of Heidelberg (MEyC and Marie Curie Fellowships). Awards: 2024 RSEQ-GEQO Award on Excellence 2023 Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry 2022 Ramón Areces Grant 2019 Thieme Chemistry Journals Award 2017 Young Academy of Europe 2015 Young Researcher RSEQ Award Research Interests: Water oxidation catalysis CO₂ reduction to value-added chemicals Artificial photosynthesis Electrocatalytic hydrogen generation Spin-off technologies for green hydrogen and photoreactors Notable Publications: 2024: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (electrocatalytic ketones from CO₂) 2024: ACS Catal. (Fe-doped NiO for OER) 2023: ACS Catal. (COF-based cobalt catalysts) 2022: JACS (OER mechanism with cobalt complexes) 2022: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (chloroalkane activation) Spin-offs: Treellum Technologies (photoreactors) JOLT Solutions (electrodes for hydrogen production)

• Catalysis
• Inorganic chemistry
• Artificial photosynthesis
• +7 more

Prof. Konstantin Hadjiivanov (b. 1958) is a Full Professor and Director of the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. He holds a PhD (1991) and Doctor of Sciences (2000) from the same institution, where he advanced to Associate Professor (1996) and Full Professor (2002). PhD in Chemistry, 1991, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Doctor of Sciences (Doctor Habil), 2000, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences His research focuses on surface chemistry, particularly the characterization of surface species via vibrational spectroscopy. He is a global authority in identifying nitrogen-oxo species in environmental catalysis, developing theoretical models for geminal adspecies formation, and pioneering methodologies for IR probe molecule analysis (e.g., CO/NO dual probing, isotope labeling). Hadjiivanov's work has been cited over 3900 times (H-index 31), making him the most cited scientist in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. He has collaborated extensively with leading groups in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the USA, resulting in 146 publications including 5 reviews. Scientific Awards & Recognition: Alexander von Humboldt fellowship (1998-1999) Doctor Honoris Causa, University of Caen (2007) Pythagoras award for top Bulgarian scientist in Natural Science (2008) As a research leader, he supervised 8 PhD students and coordinated EU-funded projects like the Centre of Competence (INCO 016414) and the National Centre of Excellence for New Materials (grants DO-02-82 and CVP 02/2009). He also organized international events including Symposia on Advanced Micro- and Mesoporous Materials and MetEcoMat workshops.

• Surface Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Vibrational Spectroscopy
• +3 more

Johan Hofkens is a full Professor at KU Leuven since 2008, with a career spanning over 25 years in advanced spectroscopy and microscopy development. His work bridges chemistry, materials science, and nanobioscience, focusing on optical spectroscopy techniques and superresolution microscopy applications. Current research integrates fluorescence/SEM microscopy (integrated microscopies) Specializes in single molecule detection (SMS) and perovskite synthesis Applies NASCA microscopy and RESOLFT techniques for nanoscale imaging His publications (>400) and high citation counts (H-index 69) reflect significant contributions to molecular (bio)materials and metal cluster spectroscopy. Awards include: ERC Advanced Grant (2012) Proteomass Scientific Society Award (2016) European Academy of Science membership Prof. Hofkens collaborates internationally through guest professorships at University of Parma and Hokkaido University, and has pioneered innovations in single molecule detection techniques.

• Microscopy development
• Advanced spectroscopy
• Optical spectroscopy of molecular materials
• +6 more

Professor Dmitry Murzin holds the position of Professor in Chemical Technology at Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland, since August 2000. He has held senior roles at BASF Rus GmbH in Moscow (1996–2000) and has conducted research at institutions including BASF AG (Germany), Université Louis Pasteur (France), and the Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry (Russia). His research focuses on catalytic processes, biomass transformations, and chemical reaction engineering. Education: Dr.Sc. (1999), Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry, Moscow Ph.D. (1989), Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry, Moscow M.Sc. (1986), Moscow Institute of Chemical Technology Research Interests: Biomass valorization and catalytic conversion Development of heterogeneous catalysts and reaction engineering principles Design of sustainable processes for bio-based chemicals and fuels His work bridges fundamental catalysis research with industrial applications, emphasizing renewable resources and green chemistry. Awards & Recognition: 2017 Honorary Professor, Tianjin University 2016 Knight, First Class, Order of the White Rose of Finland Member of Finnish Academy of Science and Letters (2017) Recipient of the Gadd Prize (2018) and Chancellor of Åbo Akademi Prize (2013) Leadership & Contributions: Organized major conferences such as Europacat VIII (2007), CAFC-10 (2013), and CatBior-5 (2019) Editorial roles in Catalysis Today , Chemical Engineering Journal , and others Member of European Federation of Catalysis Societies (Vice President, 2009–2013) Research Funding: EU Framework projects: Coordinator of Nanocat (2005–2007), Partner in KnowNOx, Ammonore, Copiride, Polycat, SusFuelCat Grants from Academy of Finland and National Technology Agency Academic Engagement: Opponent in 14 doctoral defenses across multiple countries Expert evaluator for research councils in Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, and others

• Biomass transformations
• Chemical technology
• Heterogeneous catalysis
• +3 more