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Dr. Tommaso Marcato is a Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich. He earned his MSc in Chemical and Bioengineering from ETH Zürich after completing his BSc in Chemical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, Italy. His research focuses on perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs), emission anisotropy, and light-outcoupling efficiency, with a particular emphasis on transition dipole moment orientation and nanocrystal self-assembly. His publications span topics such as Stabilization of CsPbI₃ nanoplatelets via metal iodide doping Molecular orientation engineering in OLEDs Ultraflexible self-powered optoelectronics Electroluminescent metasurfaces using perovskite nanocrystals His work aims to overcome photon trapping in devices by manipulating emitter orientation and exploring quantum confinement effects. Dr. Marcato's recent articles (2019–2025) demonstrate expertise in Hybrid perovskite systems Quantum dot applications Photonic device architecture Surface passivation techniques . He is part of the Shih group at ETH Zurich and has received funding from ETH-33 18-2 for his research on graphene-templated molecular alignment in LEDs.

• Materials Science
• Optoelectronics
• Nanotechnology
• +3 more

Prof. Raffaele Mezzenga is a Full Professor at ETH Zürich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology and Head of the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health. He earned his master's from Perugia University (Italy) and a PhD in Polymer Physics from EPFL, followed by postdoctoral work at UC Santa Barbara. His career includes roles at the Nestlé Research Center and the University of Fribourg before joining ETH in 2009. His research focuses on self-assembly processes in polymers, biopolymers, and colloidal systems, with applications in environmental remediation, bioplastics, and biomedical materials. Key contributions include pioneering protein-based materials and advancing understanding of amyloid fibrils. Education: Master's, Materials Science & Engineering, Perugia University PhD, Polymer Physics, EPFL Research Interests: Self-assembly, biopolymers, amyloid materials, sustainable technologies, food colloids, and soft condensed matter. Awards: 2011 AOCS Award, 2017 APS Fellowship, and 2013 Biomacromolecules Young Investigator Award. Visiting Roles: Held visiting professorships at Aalto University, RMIT, Monash University, Nanyang Technological University, and others. Labs/Teams: Leads the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health at ETH, focusing on interdisciplinary research in food science and biomaterials. His work bridges fundamental science and applied innovation, addressing global challenges in sustainability and health through materials science. Recent projects include creating bioplastics from food waste, developing amyloid-based water purification systems, and advancing targeted drug delivery via lipidic mesophases.

• Self-Assembly Processes
• Biopolymers
• Protein-Based Materials
• +6 more

Maartje Bastings is an Associate Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , leading the Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory (PBL) within the School of Engineering (STI) . She holds additional affiliations with the Institute of Materials (IMX) , IBI-STI (Bioengineering), and supervises doctoral programs in Biotechnology and Biological Engineering ( EDBB-GE ) and Materials Science and Engineering ( EDMX-GE ). Her research focuses on DNA-based supramolecular materials engineered to achieve dynamic reciprocity —a two-way interaction between synthetic materials and biological systems. By leveraging DNA as a programmable scaffold, she investigates structural mechanics, valency control, and geometric constraints governing self-assembly and cell communication at bio-interfaces. Key applications include immune system modulation, diagnostics , and vaccine development . Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a focus on multivalent interactions for T-cell activation, spatial patterning in immune signaling, and engineered coatings for DNA origami stability. Subfields span T cell receptor engineering , nanoscale protein dynamics , stimuli-responsive biomaterials , and bio-inspired therapeutic design . PhD Students: Chen Yuduo Hendrickx Pauline Bart M. Kononenko Artem Li Shujie Lou Yameng Meyer Pitt Narita Minako Rousseau Benjamin Bila Hale Caroprese Vincenzo Comberlato Alice Kurisinkal Eva Eugene Paloja Kaltrina Rodríguez Franco Hugo José Tekin Cem Wong Siu Ho Contact: maartje.bastings@epfl.ch

• Biomaterials Engineering
• DNA Nanotechnology
• Supramolecular Materials
• +5 more

Nikita Kavokine serves as Tenure Track Assistant Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) within the School of Basic Sciences . His dual appointments span the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC) and the School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (SCGC) , where he leads the Quantum Plumbing Lab (LNQ) and contributes to graduate teaching. Based at Building CH A2 398 in Lausanne, he maintains active research and instructional roles across EPFL's chemistry and chemical engineering programs. His research pioneers quantum nanofluidics and nanoscale transport phenomena , focusing on electron-ion coupling mechanisms in confined geometries. Key investigations include quantum friction in water-carbon interfaces, hydroelectric energy conversion through nanochannels, and plasmon-hydron resonances in two-dimensional materials. His work bridges condensed matter physics, electrochemistry, and fluid dynamics to develop fundamental principles for next-generation nanofluidic devices and quantum sensors. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals three dominant research thrusts: quantum-enhanced energy conversion (evident in hydroelectric drag and electron cooling studies), non-classical ion transport (including ionic Coulomb blockade and interaction confinement), and emergent quantum hydrodynamics (momentum tunneling, collective modes). These publications consistently integrate advanced numerical methods with nanoscale experimental systems, establishing new paradigms for solid-liquid quantum interactions. Kavokine currently supervises three PhD students: Gispert Peter , Lu Hao , and Rigaux Killian David . His teaching portfolio includes graduate courses in Statistical Mechanics for Chemistry and Nanofluidics , emphasizing theoretical frameworks for many-particle systems and nanoscale fluid dynamics. Research funding supports his laboratory's exploration of quantum effects in nanofluidic channels, though specific grant details are not provided in source materials. The Quantum Plumbing Lab (LNQ) operates at the forefront of nanoscale quantum transport research, utilizing advanced nanofabrication and characterization techniques to probe electron-ion coupling phenomena. The lab's interdisciplinary team combines expertise in quantum physics, electrochemistry, and fluid dynamics to investigate fundamental limits of energy conversion and transport at atomic scales, with particular focus on graphene-based systems and angstrom-scale confinement.

• Nanofluidics
• Quantum Transport
• Solid-Liquid Interfaces
• +5 more

Julian Charles Shillcock is a Lecturer and computational modeling specialist at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and the Lashuel Lab. He also serves as a Scientist in the UPDALPE group (Prof. Dal Peraro Group) and teaches in EPFL’s SSV (Teaching) and EDNE (Doctoral Education) sections. His work bridges biophysics, computational modeling, and cellular dynamics. PhD in Physics from Simon Fraser University (1996) Group Leader at Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (2000-2005) Associate Professor at University of Southern Denmark (2005-2011) Blue Brain Project member since 2011 Shillcock’s research focuses on biomolecular condensates , membrane dynamics , and computational cell biology . He develops mesoscale simulation methods like Dissipative Particle Dynamics to study vesicle fusion , neuronal morphology , and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms . Recent work includes POETS computing platforms for accelerating simulations and Shiga toxin clustering on membranes. His publications (2022-2024) reveal trends in soft matter physics , computational neuroscience , and biomolecular condensate structure . Key collaborations include Imperial College London and University of Southampton on the POETS project. Scientific recognition includes: 2021 Polysphère prize for Best Teacher in Life Sciences He has advised PhD student Lida Kanari in computational morphology and contributed to neocortical microcircuit reconstruction . His research spans computational biophysics , toxin entry mechanisms , and novel computational platforms for life sciences education.

• Biophysics
• Computational Cell Biology
• Mesoscale Simulations
• +3 more

Vera Slaveykova is a full professor in Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology at the Department of F.A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences and the Institute for Environmental Sciences at the University of Geneva. She has held leadership roles including Director of the Department and President of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. She currently serves on the National Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation and represents the University of Geneva in the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership. She is also the Specialty Chief Editor for Biogeochemical Dynamics in Frontiers in Environmental Science. Research Interests: Her work centers on the behavior and impacts of trace elements, nanoparticles, and microplastics in aquatic systems. Key areas include: Speciation and bioavailability of trace elements and nanoparticles Aquatic toxicology of inorganic contaminants, nanoparticles, and microplastics Transcriptomics and metabolomics in environmental stress responses Community ecotoxicology and biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems Publication Trends: Her recent articles (2023–2025) show a strong focus on mercury speciation and transformations, nanoplastic and nanoparticle toxicity, eco-corona formation, and advanced analytical techniques like single-cell Raman spectroscopy and asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation. There is a clear emphasis on mechanistic understanding of pollutant-organism interactions across multiple biological levels. Scientific Leadership: She plays a major editorial and advisory role in environmental science, particularly in mercury research and nanoparticle ecotoxicology. Advising and Grants: She has supervised numerous doctoral students whose theses focus on mercury cycling, nanoparticle bioaccumulation, and ecotoxicological methods. Her research is likely supported by Swiss and international funding bodies, given her leadership in national science councils and global partnerships. Labs and Teams: She leads a research group focused on biogeochemical dynamics and ecotoxicology, collaborating with experts in analytical chemistry, microbiology, and environmental engineering, particularly through the Institute for Environmental Sciences and the F.A. Forel Department.

• Environmental Biogeochemistry
• Ecotoxicology
• Trace Element Speciation
• +11 more

Anna Neus Igual Muñoz is a Senior Scientist and Lecturer at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Engineering (STI) and Institute of Materials (IMX). She has held academic roles since 2001, including Professor at the Technical University of Valencia (UPV) and Invited Professor at EPFL (2012-2016). Her work focuses on materials-environment interactions involving corrosion, tribology, and electrochemistry. Education: MSc in Industrial Engineering (Chemical Engineering specialization), PhD in Electrochemical Corrosion (2001) from UPV Postdoc: University of Virginia (2002) in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy Research interests include: Tribocorrosion mechanisms in metallic materials Surface analysis techniques for thin films Development of functional coatings for corrosion resistance Electrochemical behavior of alloys in dynamic environments Recent publications highlight her expertise in: Electrochemical deposition of nanomaterials Tribocorrosion in biomedical implants Stability of cathodes in electrolyzers Passivation of titanium alloys She teaches courses on corrosion, surface analysis, and tribology at EPFL, with a maximum of 18 students per lab session. Her PhD advisees include Lumongsod-Thompson Marian and Nida Sagarino, and she leads the SCI-STI-SM research group.

• Tribology
• Corrosion
• Tribocorrosion
• +3 more

Dr. Antonius Armanious is a Professor at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Department of Physics and the Laboratory of Solid State Physics. His research focuses on nanotechnology, biophysics, and environmental interfaces, particularly the development of nanomaterial-based solutions for virus trapping, water treatment, and environmental sustainability. He has pioneered innovations in colloidal science, neutron reflectometry, and biomimetic materials. Key research interests include viral adsorption mechanisms, advanced sensing technologies, and renewable water harvesting systems. His work integrates experimental physics with biomedical applications, addressing challenges in public health and environmental engineering. Notable contributions include the design of antiviral traps using protein nanofibrils and the development of nanoplasmonic rulers for sub-nanometer resolution measurements. Dr. Armanious collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving material science, microbiology, and environmental chemistry. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques like time-resolved microscopy and mechanical resonator-based mass sensing. While no formal awards are listed, his publications reflect sustained innovation in nanoscale systems and their practical applications. Professional activities include academic teaching within ETH's physics curriculum and leadership in the Solid State Physics Laboratory. His work aligns with global priorities in sustainable materials development and pandemic preparedness through engineered virus mitigation systems.

• Nanotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Dr. Paride Azzari is a researcher in the Sustainable Food Processing group at ETH Zurich , focusing on interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of food science, biophysics, and soft matter physics. His work emphasizes scalable and sustainable bioprocessing techniques, particularly for microalgae and plant-based proteins. Key Research Areas : Pulsed electric field processing, liquid-liquid crystalline phase separation, and viscoelastic material behavior. Methodologies : Multiphysics simulations, experimental rheology, and open-source software development (e.g., Extrudion for tensile testing analysis). Recent publications highlight his contributions to optimizing biocompound extraction, understanding amyloid fibril organization, and advancing environmental bioremediation using agricultural waste. Notably, his work bridges fundamental soft matter research with industrial food processing applications.

• Food Processing
• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• +3 more

Dr. Shivaprakash Narve Ramakrishna is a Lecturer at the Department of Materials, ETH Zürich. He holds a PhD from ETH Zurich (2013) and postdoctoral experience at the Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology until 2020. His research focuses on nanotribology, nanomechanics, and atomic force microscopy (AFM), with particular emphasis on soft matter systems like microgels and polymer brushes. He investigates interfacial behavior at fluid interfaces and the mechanics of colloidal particles. Education: B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Kuvempu University, India; PhD in Materials Science from ETH Zurich (2013). Research Interests: Experimental visualization of soft microgel particles at liquid-liquid interfaces using in-situ AFM, frictional properties of stratified polymer layers, and responsive polymer systems. His work bridges nanoscale mechanics, materials design, and biomedical applications. Recent Articles: Focus on particle dynamics (sliding/rolling contacts), colloidal gel properties, and AFM-based imaging of 3D particle conformations. Key contributions include studies on microgel suspensions, polymer brush interfacial properties, and tribology at nanoscale rough surfaces. Awards: None explicitly listed. Grants and collaborations involve interdisciplinary projects with polymer chemists and engineers. Lab/Teams: Active in the Weiche Materialien u. Grenzflächen group at ETH Zurich, leveraging AFM and nanoscale characterization techniques.

• Nanotribology
• Nanomechanics
• Atomic Force Microscopy
• +4 more

Esther Amstad is an Associate Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. She leads the Soft Matter for Life Sciences Laboratory (SMAL) and directs the doctoral program in Materials Science and Engineering. Her roles include teaching courses on soft matter and mentoring PhD students in interdisciplinary research. Current affiliations: EPFL STI IMX SMAL, EPFL STI STI-SMX SMX-ENS, EPFL VPA-AVP-DLE AVP-DLE-EDOC EDMX-GE (Doctoral Program Director), and EPFL VPA-AVP-DLE AVP-DLE-EDOC CDOCT (Doctoral Commission Member). Her research focuses on soft matter , hydrogels , 3D printing , and colloidal systems . She develops self-healing materials , biocompatible composites , and bioinspired structures using microfluidics and advanced fabrication techniques. Key themes include mechanical reinforcement , stimuli-responsive materials , and multi-sensory integration for biomedical and robotics applications. Recent publications highlight her work on granular hydrogels , 3D-printed biocomposites , and microfluidic encapsulation . These studies span tissue engineering , photonic materials , and sustainable resource conversion . Her lab's output emphasizes soft robotics , structural color , and programmable release systems . Esther Amstad supervises 12 current PhD students and has directed 14 PhD theses at EPFL. Her team explores applications in artificial cells , self-healing e-skin , and mechanoreceptive devices . The lab employs microfluidic platforms , colloidal assembly , and additive manufacturing to address challenges in materials longevity and functionality.

• Soft Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• 3D Printing
• +7 more

Dr. Bruno Silva is a Junior Group Leader at Empa, affiliated with the '400 - Materials Meet Life' program and the '499 - Center for X-ray Analytics'. He leads independent research in advanced materials and bio-nano systems, utilizing state-of-the-art X-ray and neutron scattering techniques. His research focuses on colloidal physical chemistry , materials science , and gene/drug delivery , particularly in understanding self-assembled systems—covering their structure, function, assembly, and stability. He develops novel characterization methods using small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS) and correlation spectroscopy . A key aim of his work is creating bio-nano assemblies for nonviral gene therapeutics by integrating principles from chemistry, physics, and biology. His achievements include the design of lipid- and polymer-based nanocarriers for nucleic acid delivery and the development of microfluidic devices for controlled self-assembly of nanomaterials. Dr. Silva is a member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the Controlled Release Society, American Chemical Society, European Colloid and Interface Society, and Swiss Chemical Society. He is actively contributing to societal challenges in health and equality through his scientific work. Research Interests: Self-assembly, nanomedicine, physical characterization, scattering methods, microfluidics, bio-nanotechnology. Technical Expertise: SAXS, SANS, correlation spectroscopy, nanocarrier design, lab-on-a-chip systems. While no publications or students are listed in the current profile, his research direction suggests strong interdisciplinary activity at the intersection of materials, chemistry, and biomedical engineering. He is actively engaged in advancing analytical methods for life sciences and materials research at Empa.

• Colloidal Physical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Gene Delivery
• +12 more

Jiaqi Su is affiliated with ETH Zürich as part of the Professorship for Food and Soft Materials Science. Their research focuses on the development of advanced materials for food systems, including gels, emulsions, and packaging solutions. The position emphasizes applied and fundamental studies in biomaterials and soft matter. Research interests include: Polysaccharide-protein complexation mechanisms Encapsulation strategies for bioactive compounds (e.g., curcumin, DHA) Thermal and structural stability of food systems Catalytic materials derived from amyloid fibrils Biodegradable food packaging alternatives High-pressure processing effects on emulsions Recent publications (2025–2023) highlight work in food science and materials science, particularly in emulsion stabilization, gel formation, and catalytic systems for CO2 conversion. Their studies often combine experimental methods with theoretical modeling to optimize material performance. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned. They currently have no listed advisees/PhD/Master’s students.

• Food Science
• Soft Materials Science
• Colloids and Interfaces
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Matthias Arenz is a Professor of Physical Chemistry and Director of the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Bern, Switzerland. He leads the NanoElectroCatalysis research group, focusing on electrocatalytic processes for energy conversion and storage. Previously, he held roles including Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen and Emmy Noether Group Leader at the Technical University of Munich. His research bridges fundamental catalyst design and applied systems, emphasizing colloidal synthesis methods (e.g., Co4Cat) and advanced characterization techniques like operando X-ray scattering and in-situ microscopy. Education: Diploma in Physics (University of Bonn, 1999), PhD in Physical Chemistry (University of Bonn, 2002), postdoc at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (2002–2004). He has developed innovative electrochemical instrumentation, including pressurized RDE setups and gas diffusion electrode cells to improve mass transport studies. Collaborations include projects with institutions like the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg and the University of Yamanashi. Research interests span catalyst synthesis, electrochemical method development, and stability evaluation. His group investigates support-particle interactions, nanoporous thin films, and high entropy alloys. Over 100 publications reflect his contributions to electrocatalysis, with recent studies on iridium nanoparticles and NiFe layered double hydroxides for oxygen evolution reactions. Leadership roles include President of the Bernese Chemical Society (2017–2020) and Deputy Director of his department (2021–2023). The research team includes senior scientists, PhD candidates, and international collaborators, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches combining chemistry, physics, and engineering.

• Electrocatalysis
• Catalyst Synthesis
• Electrochemistry
• +3 more

Ashley Peter Williams is a Soft Matter Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, working at the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging (LNS) on the SANS-I instrument. He holds a PhD from Monash University in Australia with a thesis focused on "Surfactant Design for Wormlike Micelles" and previously completed Honours research on developing SANS models for concentrated wormlike micellar systems. His research centers on understanding the behavior of soft, colloidal materials with particular emphasis on molecular design to manipulate behaviors like the self-assembly of surfactant molecules and the gelation and relaxation of nanoparticles. His work has significant implications for cosmetics, personal care products, and the utilization of cellulose as a renewable and sustainable nanomaterial to modify flow and rheology. Williams' publications reveal a strong focus on surfactant chemistry, micellar structures, and rheological properties. His recent work examines how different cations affect the rheological properties of surfactant mixtures, with implications for targeted delivery systems. His research employs advanced techniques including small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to investigate the nanostructural properties of complex fluids. His scientific contributions span multiple high-impact journals including Langmuir, Small Methods, Journal of Physical Chemistry B, and Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, demonstrating expertise in both fundamental soft matter physics and practical applications in consumer products and sustainable materials. Specializes in neutron and X-ray scattering techniques for soft matter characterization Focuses on surfactant design and molecular structure-property relationships Investigates micellar transformations under various ionic conditions Examines practical applications in cosmetics and sustainable materials

• Soft Matter Science
• Neutron Scattering
• Colloidal Materials
• +5 more