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Fabian Pfrengle is a full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Institute of Organic Chemistry , Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). He previously led research groups at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (2013-2020) and worked at The Scripps Research Institute (2010-2013). Research Focus: His work bridges carbohydrate chemistry and plant biology , specializing in plant cell wall glycans and glycosyltransferases . He develops synthetic glycan arrays for enzyme characterization and investigates immune response triggering mechanisms in plants through oligosaccharide fragments . His projects include automated polysaccharide synthesis and liposome-based immune tolerance applications. Publication Trends: His 15 most recent articles emphasize chemical synthesis of sugar nucleotides , plant glycan arrays , and enzyme specificity analysis , reflecting his focus on carbohydrate engineering and plant immunity . Key subfields include UDP-sugar derivatization , Xylan structure-function relationships , and Glycosyltransferase profiling . Grants & Projects: Currently leads 5 major projects including Automated Algal Polysaccharide Synthesis (EU-funded, 2023-2028) and Synthetic Glycan Ligands for Plant Immune Receptors (FWF-funded, 2022-2026). His research also explores thrombocyte biology and Rhamnogalacturonan-II fragments with support from FWF and City of Vienna . Community Service: Serves on editorial boards ( Monatshefte für Chemie , 2021-present) and as reviewer for 12 journals including JACS Au , Nature Communications , and Angewandte Chemie . Member of professional societies: Gesellschaft Österreichischer Chemiker (2020), Deutscher Hochschulverband (2019), and Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (2008).

• Organic Chemistry
• Glycobiology
• Plant Biology
• +3 more

Assoc. Prof. Dietmar Pum is a leading researcher at the Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). With a career spanning over three decades, he has pioneered work on S-layer proteins as nanobiotechnological tools and biomimetic surface functionalization. His research bridges microbiology, biophysics, and nanomaterials science. Education & Career Doctorate (1984) and Habilitation (1992) at Vienna University of Technology Awarded FEBS (1987) and EMBO (1982) fellowships Assoc. Univ. Prof. since 1997, Deputy Head of Biophysics Institute since 2014 Research Focus Dr. Pum's work centers on leveraging S-layer proteins for nanoscale fluid mechanics , molecular imprinting , and biohybrid materials . His projects explore: Self-assembly of 2D protein crystals Functionalization of carbon nanotubes Biomimetic sensor development Applications in diagnostics and environmental technology Publication Trends His recent publications (2025-2019) highlight interdisciplinary advancements in: Nanoscale biofluid dynamics Gold nanoparticle synthesis via microbial enzymes Archaeal S-layer characterization Protein-directed nanomaterials Biosensor platforms Lipid quantification via machine learning Scientific Recognition Philip Morris Research Prize (1998) Cardinal Innitzer Prize (1992) ÖAGM Prize (1986) Peer reviewer for Nature Materials , Advanced Materials , and Biophysical Journal Advising & Collaborations Dr. Pum has supervised over 15 theses, mentoring students in topics ranging from Caenorhabditis elegans imaging to nanomembrane fabrication. He leads international collaborations under EU Horizon and FWF grants, including the Stimuli Responsive Materials project (2020-2025). Labs & Networks As a core member of BOKU's Center for NanoBiotechnology and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Molecular Nanotechnology , he develops bioinspired nanomaterials and contributes to global programs in molecular self-assembly.

• Nanobiotechnology
• Biophysics
• Colloid and Interface Science
• +4 more

Nico Sommerdijk is a Professor of Bone Biochemistry at the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen. Previously, he held positions at Eindhoven University of Technology, including Full Professor (2014–2019) and Head of the Laboratory of Materials and Interface Chemistry. His research focuses on biomineralization, biomimetic materials, and advanced electron microscopy techniques, particularly cryo-EM and liquid-phase EM. He earned his PhD (cum laude) from Radboud University Nijmegen in 1995 and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Kent (UK), Radboud University, and Eindhoven University of Technology. He pioneered the use of cryo-EM to study organic-inorganic interactions and founded the Radboud Electron Microscopy Center. His work has been supported by prestigious grants, including an ERC Advanced Grant (2018), NWO VICI (2010), and TOP-PUNT (2016). Notable awards include the Royal Society of Chemistry Soft Matter Award (2015) and the NWO VIDI Award (2006). Key research areas include collagen mineralization mechanisms, crystal nucleation, and biomaterial design. His interdisciplinary approach bridges chemistry, materials science, and biophysics, with applications in biomedical materials and geology.

• Biomineralization
• Advanced Electron Microscopy
• Biomimetic Materials
• +6 more

Nikolai Denkov is a Professor of Physical Chemistry at Sofia University's Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, leading the Laboratory of Active Formulations and Materials since 2017. His administrative roles include Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering (2008–2015), Deputy Minister (2014–2016), and Minister of Education and Science of Bulgaria (2017). He holds a DSc from Sofia University (2007) and has authored over 160 peer-reviewed articles with an h-index of 45. Research focuses on colloid science, surfactant systems, and interfacial phenomena, including foam rheology, emulsion stability, and self-shaping of oil droplets. His studies bridge fundamental physics and industrial applications in cleaning agents, food technology, and pharmaceuticals. Key contributions include discovering antifoam mechanisms and self-emulsification processes. Recipient of the Solvay Prize (2019) and Bulgaria's highest scientific honor, 'Pythagoras' (2010) Supervised 12 PhD students and led 40+ industry-funded projects with companies like Unilever and BASF Active in international organizations: IACIS Council member, ERC panel chair, and ESA advisor His work emphasizes translational research, with patents in formulation technologies and over 7,300 citations. Current research explores smart materials and micro/nanostructured systems.

• Colloid and Interface Science
• Physical Chemistry of Disperse Systems
• Surfactant Aggregation
• +7 more

Univ.-Prof. Christos N. Likos is a world-leading researcher at the University of Vienna , holding the chair in Multiscale Computational Physics since 2010. Affiliated with the Faculty of Physics and directing the Computational and Soft Matter Physics group, he bridges scales from microscopic to macroscopic in soft matter systems. Education: Dipl.-Ing. in Electrical Engineering (NTUA Athens), M.Sc. & Ph.D. in Physics (Cornell University) Honors: Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2013), University of Vienna Teaching Award (2025), Outstanding Referee Award (2009) His research in Soft Condensed Matter focuses on polymers, colloids, and biomolecular systems through coarse-graining , density functional theory , and Monte Carlo simulations . Key collaborations include institutions in Rome, Heraklion, San Sebastian, and Princeton. His work reveals principles of self-organization, non-equilibrium phenomena, and responsive material design with applications in cosmetics, nanotechnology, and biophysics. Recent publications highlight active matter , topological polymers , and electric field-responsive microgels . The group trains 18 current students (Ph.D., M.Sc., B.Sc.) and maintains partnerships with experimental teams across Europe. As Associate Editor of Soft Matter and member of Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Open editorial board, he shapes scientific discourse in his field. Teaching excellence is a hallmark, with courses on Advanced Statistical Physics and Soft Matter Principles . His group website details ongoing projects, while lab facilities in Vienna's Kolingasse campus enable interdisciplinary research.

• Soft Matter Physics
• Theoretical Physics
• Computational Physics
• +4 more

Bruno Chaudret is a Research Professor at INSA-Toulouse, France, and a member of the French Academy of Sciences since 2005. He serves as Director of the Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie des Nano-Objets (UMR 5215) since 2011 and has held leadership roles in CNRS and IFPEN. PhD, Imperial College London (1977) Doctorat d'État, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse (1979) His research bridges organometallic chemistry and nanomaterials , focusing on: Magnetic nanostructures Catalysis via C-H bond activation Dihydrogen complexes Self-assembly of nanoparticles into superlattices Gas sensor materials His scientific work spans nanoparticle synthesis , magnetic properties , and catalytic applications , with significant contributions to controlled nanoparticle shapes and assemblies. Notable scientific awards include: Coordination Chemistry Award, French Chemical Society (1982) CNRS Silver Medal (1997) Geoffrey Wilkinson Prize, Royal Society of Chemistry (2008) Grand Prix Pierre Süe, SCF (2010) He has supervised 36 PhD students and 26 Post-Doc fellows , while contributing to 16 patents and 370+ refereed publications . His work extends to industrial applications through licencing.

• Organometallic Chemistry
• Nanoparticles
• Magnetic Nanostructures
• +4 more

Christopher J. Kiely is the Harold B. Chambers Senior Professor of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Lehigh University (USA) and, since 2017, Professor of Electron Microscopy and Catalysis in the School of Chemistry at Cardiff University (UK). He also serves as Co-Director of the Cardiff Catalysis Institute and Director of the Materials Characterisation Facility at Lehigh. Education Ph.D., Microstructural Physics, Bristol University, 1986 B.Sc. (1st Class Honours), Chemical Physics, Bristol University, 1983 Research Focus Professor Kiely is internationally recognised for applying aberration-corrected analytical electron microscopy (AC-AEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) XEDS/EELS spectrum imaging, and electron diffraction to the study of nanoscale features in particulate materials and interfaces. His work spans catalyst design, nanoparticle self-assembly, quantum dots, carbonaceous materials, and heteroepitaxial interfaces, with a strong emphasis on elucidating structure–activity relationships in supported gold, gold-palladium, and other bimetallic nanocatalysts. Scientific Awards & Distinctions Member of Academia Europaea (2019) Fellow of the Microscopy Society of America (2017) Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales (2015) Harold B. Chambers Senior Professorship (2010) Honorary Visiting Professor, Cardiff University (2009–2016) Innovator Award, NanoTECH Briefs (2005) Personal Chair in Materials Chemistry, University of Liverpool (1999) Leadership & Outreach Dr Kiely has directed the Lehigh Microscopy Summer Schools for two decades (2004–2024), sits on the Council of the Microscopy Society of America, and is a founding member and grant-holder of the UK’s SuperSTEM facility at Daresbury. He has published >350 journal papers and delivered numerous invited lectures across Europe and the United States.

• Catalyst materials
• Nanoparticle synthesis and self-assembly
• Quantum dot materials
• +5 more

Gilles Bourret is a Tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Salzburg, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences. He leads an active research group focused on nanomaterials, combining synthesis, characterization, electromagnetic simulations, and device testing. His work explores how nanoscale geometry influences functionality in complex 3D systems interacting with light. Education: M. Eng. and M.Sc. in Applied Physics and Nanotechnology, National Institute of Applied Sciences, Toulouse, France Ph.D. in Chemistry (Materials’ Chemistry), McGill University, Canada Habilitation in Materials Science, University of Salzburg His research interests center on advanced nanofabrication techniques such as three-dimensional electrochemical axial lithography (3DEAL), enabling the creation of highly uniform silicon nanowire arrays and nanostructured substrates. These are applied in photoelectrochemistry (e.g., water-splitting photocathodes), plasmonic catalysis (including gas-phase photomethanation), and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). His group emphasizes structure optimization through 3D electromagnetic simulations and high-resolution chemical synthesis. His publication record includes high-impact journals such as Nature Nanotechnology , Advanced Materials , Nano Letters , and JACS , with themes revolving around plasmonics, nanostructure design, catalysis, and light-matter interactions. The articles reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend combining materials chemistry, nanophotonics, and energy applications. Scientific Awards and Recognition: 6 awards/fellowships 15 invited lectures 5 interviews in mainstream media (e.g., Kronenzeitung, Die Presse, Salzburger Nachrichten) Gilles Bourret has secured total research funding of €6.3 million (as main or co-applicant), including infrastructure grants, with €468,000 directly awarded to him as principal investigator. He currently supervises four PhD students: Joshua Piaskowski, Amin Farhadi, Theresa Bartschmid, and Gebhard Sabhati (co-supervised). His lab is developing novel nanomaterials for energy conversion and sensing applications, with a strong emphasis on scalable fabrication and reproducible device performance.

• Nanomaterials
• Materials Chemistry
• Plasmonics
• +7 more

Luis M. Liz-Marzán is an Ikerbasque Professor and Scientific Director at CIC biomaGUNE in San Sebastián, Spain. He was previously a Full Professor at the University of Vigo and has held visiting positions at institutions such as Tohoku University, University of Michigan, and Max-Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces. Education: He studied Chemistry at the University of Santiago de Compostela (1983–1988) and earned his PhD in 1992 with a thesis on microemulsions and magnetic nanoparticles. Research Interests: His work focuses on nanoplasmonics , colloid science , and nanoparticle self-assembly . He has pioneered the use of colloidal methods for controlling nanoparticle shape, optical properties, and biomedical applications such as biosensing and early disease diagnostics . His publications span a broad range of topics including plasmonic tuning, nanowire growth, biofilm imaging, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The trend in his work shows a strong integration of synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials, particularly gold and silver-based systems, with a growing emphasis on biomedical interfaces. Awards and Honors: Blaise Pascal Medal in Materials Science (2017) ERC Advanced Grants (2011 & 2018) Highly Cited Researcher (2014–2018) Fellow of EURASC, OSA, and RSC Grants and Collaborations: He has led major international projects, including two ERC Advanced Grants, and has collaborated with institutions across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. His group, the Bionanoplasmonics Laboratory , has reshaped CIC biomaGUNE into a globally recognized center.

• Nanoplasmonics
• Nanoscience
• Colloid science
• +5 more

Colin Ruprecht is a Researcher at the Institute of Organic Chemistry , part of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . His career spans roles at prestigious institutions including the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology . Ruprecht holds a PhD in Molecular Plant Physiology from the Max Planck Institute and a Diploma in Biology from Georg-August University of Göttingen. His research focuses on organic synthesis of carbohydrates , plant cell wall biochemistry , and glycosyltransferase characterization . He utilizes chemoenzymatic methods to create synthetic plant polysaccharide fragments for studying enzyme-substrate interactions and has developed glycan array technologies for high-throughput analysis of carbohydrate modifications. Ruprecht's publications highlight expertise in synthetic carbohydrate chemistry , plant glycan analysis , and cell wall dynamics . Key contributions include methodologies for producing azido-modified sugar nucleotides , defined arabinoxylan structures , and tools for enzyme active site mapping . His work bridges chemical synthesis, structural biology, and plant physiology to advance understanding of biomass composition and modification.

• Organic Chemistry
• Plant Biochemistry
• Glycobiology
• +3 more

Nikolai Denkov is a Professor at Sofia University's Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, where he has served as Head of the Laboratory of Active Formulations and Materials since 2017. Previously, he held leadership roles including Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering (2008-2015) and Vice Dean of the Faculty (2004-2008). His distinguished career includes governmental service as Deputy Minister (2014-2016) and Minister of Education and Science of Bulgaria (January-May 2017), alongside international research positions at Unilever R&D (USA), Rhone Poulenc (France), and Nagayama Protein Array Project (Japan). His research focuses on the fundamental physics of disperse systems and interfacial phenomena. Key interests include: Mechanisms of foam and emulsion formation/stability Solubilization kinetics in micellar solutions Capillary forces and biophysical aspects of oil digestion Engineering of 2D/3D colloid crystals Surfactant applications in detergency and material science His work bridges theoretical modeling with industrial applications, particularly in consumer goods and material science sectors. Over his career, Denkov has established significant industry-academia partnerships driving innovation in soft matter systems. His scientific contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards including the Solvay Prize and election to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Notable honors include: Solvay Prize by ECIS (2019) ESA Physical Sciences Working Group membership National 'Pythagoras' award (2010) Sofia University's Medal of Honor (2013) Denkov has supervised 12 completed PhD theses and led over 40 industry-funded projects with major corporations including Unilever, BASF, PepsiCo, and Dow Corning. His research program combines fundamental investigations with practical applications in formulation science, evidenced by 12 patents and collaborations spanning 20+ countries. He actively contributes to the scientific community through conference organization and editorial roles in colloid science.

• Colloid Science
• Surface and Interface Chemistry
• Surfactant Chemistry
• +7 more

Angela Agostiano is a Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, University of Bari , and serves as Head of the Bari division of the CNR-IPCF . Her research spans nanostructured materials , photochemical processes , and biomaterials . President Elected of the Italian Society of Chemistry Past Delegate of the Rector for postdoctoral policy Former Member of Academic Board of the University of Bari Her work focuses on nanosized semiconductors for environmental and sensing applications, photosynthetic systems , and biomaterials in energy transduction. She has authored over 220 publications with an H-index of 31. Her recent articles explore flexible nanocrystal solar cells , ionic liquid interactions , multivariate food analysis , and biofunctionalized heterostructures , demonstrating interdisciplinary applications in chemistry and biophysics. President Elected of SCI (2015) Delegate of Rector for doctoral policy (2015) Member of INSTM Scientific Board (2009)

• Nanotechnology
• Photochemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• +7 more

Univ.Prof. Dr. José Luis Toca-Herrera is a distinguished Professor of Biophysics at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), where he serves as Head of the Institute of Biophysics within the Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources. With a career spanning over two decades in biophysics and nanotechnology, he has established himself as an international leader in the application of atomic force microscopy to biological systems. His research bridges physics, chemistry, and biology to investigate the mechanical properties of biological materials at micro- and nanoscales. Prof. Toca-Herrera's research focuses on colloidal and molecular interactions, mechanical properties of biological materials, cell-substrate and cell-cell interactions, and self-assembly interfacial phenomena. His work applies mathematical and physical models to life sciences, social sciences, and education. He specializes in spectroscopy, surface analytical techniques, soft matter physics, and scanning probe microscopy. His laboratory investigates how physical forces influence cellular behavior, particularly in cancer research, where mechanical properties serve as biomarkers for disease progression. His publication record demonstrates a consistent trajectory of high-impact research in biophysics, with recent work spanning cancer cell mechanics, protein-lipid interactions, environmental applications of nanotechnology, and interdisciplinary studies bridging physics with social sciences. His team regularly publishes in top journals across physics, biophysics, and materials science, with multiple cover features recognizing the significance of their work. Scientific Recognition: Multiple cover features in prestigious journals including Small, Microscopy Research and Technique, Biotechnology Journal, and Toxins Visiting professorships at AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland Best poster awards at European Colloid and Interface Society conferences Major research grants including Marie Curie, Ramón y Cajal, and Wellcome Trust funding Prof. Toca-Herrera leads several major research projects including the Human ECM-based platform for anti-cancer drug testing (CARES), Hierarchical polymer niches for enhanced cell attachment, and Adaptations for fog and dew harvesting in cactus spines. His international collaborations span Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with presentations delivered in over 15 countries. His laboratory combines atomic force microscopy with other biophysical techniques to create a comprehensive understanding of biomaterials at multiple scales. His research group operates within BOKU's advanced facilities for biophysics and nanotechnology, contributing significantly to the university's research profile in sustainable resource management and life sciences. The team's work has important implications for cancer diagnostics, drug delivery systems, and environmental applications of nanotechnology.

• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology
• Soft Matter Physics
• +6 more

Professor Alexander Bismarck serves as a full Professor and Head of the Institute of Material Chemistry at the University of Vienna. His academic career centers on pioneering sustainable materials solutions with emphasis on composite engineering, polymer science, and bioinspired material design. His primary research domains include: Composite Materials: Development of high-performance biocomposites using cellulose, lignin, and fungal biomass for structural applications Polymer Chemistry: Synthesis and characterization of sustainable polymers with tailored properties Porous Materials: Design of advanced porous systems for separation, filtration, and energy storage Sustainable Engineering: Circular economy approaches to waste valorization and eco-friendly manufacturing Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strategic research trajectory toward multifunctional sustainable materials. Dominant themes include fungal-based material innovation (mycomaterials), structural batteries for aerospace applications, lignin valorization from black liquor, and photothermal deicing technologies. His work consistently bridges fundamental material properties with practical environmental solutions, particularly in water treatment and renewable energy storage systems. Scientific Awards: No specific awards documented in available sources Professor Bismarck actively supervises research projects and bachelor/master theses through courses like 'Polymer and Composite Engineering Seminar' and 'Research Examples: Sustainable Materials'. His leadership of the Institute of Material Chemistry suggests substantial grant management responsibilities, though specific funding details remain unreported in current documentation. The research group operates within the Institute of Material Chemistry at Währinger Straße 42, Vienna. Current focus areas include mycomaterials development, structural battery engineering, nanocellulose water filters, and bioinspired deicing coatings - all reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable material innovation with real-world applicability.

• Composite Materials
• Polymer Chemistry
• Porous Materials
• +4 more

Olga Igorevna Vinogradova is a Full Professor at the Department of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University (since 2009) and Director of Laboratory at the A.N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry RAS (since 1993). She holds concurrent roles as Associated Leading Scientist at Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials (since 2007) and has held prestigious positions such as Joliot Chair (2007-2008) and Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (1998-2000). Her research focuses on soft condensed matter, micro/nanofluidics, and colloid science. Key contributions include studies on superhydrophobic surfaces, hydrodynamic slip mechanisms, and electrokinetic phenomena. Over 100 publications have earned her a Google Scholar h-index of 41. Awards include the Joliot Chair (2007-2008) and State Research Fellowship (1994-1996). Her work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with applications in microfluidic systems and surface engineering.

• Soft condensed matter
• Micro- and nanofluidics
• Colloid and interface science
• +3 more