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Wendelin Werner is a renowned mathematician and currently the Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge (since 2023). Previously, he held professorships at ETH Zürich (2013–2023) and the University of Paris-Sud in Orsay (1997–2013). His research focuses on probability theory, mathematical physics, and complex analysis, particularly Schramm-Loewner evolution and conformal invariance. He has received prestigious awards, including the Fields Medal (2006), SIAM George Pólya Prize (2006), and Fermat Prize (2001). His work bridges stochastic processes and geometric structures, with implications for statistical mechanics and critical phenomena. Werner studied at the École Normale Supérieure (1987–1991) and earned his PhD from Université Paris VI under J. F. Le Gall (1993). Early career positions included postdoctoral research at Cambridge (1993–1995) and roles at CNRS (1991–1993, 1995–1997). His academic contributions span stochastic geometry, critical systems, and random curves, with seminal papers on loop measures, percolation, and SLE. He has delivered major lectures globally, including at the International Congress of Mathematicians (IMC 2006) and the College de France's Cours Peccot. Werner’s honors include membership in the French Academy of Sciences (2008), the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy (BBAW), and the German National Academy Leopoldina. He is also an honorary fellow of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge (2009). His research has advanced understanding of universal scaling limits in two-dimensional models, earning recognition as a leader in probability and mathematical physics.

• Schramm-Loewner Evolution
• Probability Theory
• Mathematical Physics
• +3 more

Stanislav Smirnov is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Geneva, where he has been a faculty member since 2003. He also holds a part-time position at the Chebyshev Laboratory of St. Petersburg State University. As Director of the National Centre of Competence in Research SwissMAP since 2014, he leads a major research initiative funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. His education includes a mathematics degree from St. Petersburg State University (1992) and a PhD from the California Institute of Technology (1996). Prior to joining Geneva, he held positions at Yale University, the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, the Max Planck Institute in Bonn, and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. Professor Smirnov's research focuses on the mathematical foundations of statistical physics, with particular emphasis on conformal invariance in two-dimensional lattice models. His work has revolutionized our understanding of critical phenomena through rigorous mathematical approaches, establishing deep connections between probability theory, complex analysis, and statistical mechanics. He develops novel discrete complex analysis techniques to prove continuum limits of lattice models at criticality. His publication record shows consistent advancement in understanding random planar geometry, percolation theory, and the Ising model, with increasing attention to Liouville quantum gravity in recent years. His work bridges deep mathematical analysis with physical insights, often providing rigorous proofs for phenomena previously understood only through physical intuition. Fields Medal (2010) for the proof of conformal invariance of percolation and the planar Ising model in statistical physics As an advisor, Professor Smirnov has mentored doctoral students including Ekin Arikök and Nikolai Bobenko. He leads the ANALYSE, PHYSIQUE MATHÉMATIQUE ET PROBABILITÉS research group at the University of Geneva. His research is supported by major grants including the NCCR SwissMAP, European Research Council's AG COMPASP, and Swiss National Science Foundation grants 200020_143434 and 200020_141329. Professor Smirnov has organized numerous influential conferences, including the "Conformal maps from probability to physics" workshop at Monte Verità (2010) and multiple "Random Planar Geometry" meetings in Les Diablerets, fostering collaboration between mathematicians and physicists working on critical phenomena and random geometry.

• Mathematical Physics
• Statistical Physics
• Probability Theory
• +4 more

Stanislav Smirnov is a Professor at the University of Geneva's Department of Mathematics since 2003 and Head of the Chebyshev Laboratory at St. Petersburg State University since 2010. He holds a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology (1996) and a B.Sc./M.Sc. from St. Petersburg State University (1992). His research focuses on mathematical physics, probability, complex analysis, and dynamical systems, with groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of critical phenomena in statistical physics. Key achievements include receiving the Fields Medal (2010), the highest honor in mathematics, for his work on percolation and the Ising model. He has organized major international conferences, such as the 'St. Petersburg School in Probability & Statistical Physics' (2012) and the '2D Statistical Physics Workshop' (2013). His academic career includes positions at Yale University, the Max-Planck Institute, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Education: Ph.D., Mathematics, California Institute of Technology (1996) B.Sc./M.Sc., Mathematics (with honors), St. Petersburg State University (1992) Awards: Fields Medal (2010) European Research Council Advanced Grants (2008, 2013) Rollo Davidson Prize (2002) Salem Prize (2001) Smirnov’s research bridges probability theory and complex analysis, with notable results on conformal invariance in two-dimensional models. His work has advanced understanding of critical exponents, percolation thresholds, and the universality of phase transitions. He advises doctoral students and collaborates internationally on projects funded by Swiss and European grants. He co-organized over 20 conferences worldwide, including plenary talks at the International Congress of Mathematicians (2006, 2010) and the World Congress in Probability and Statistics (2012). His lab fosters interdisciplinary research, linking mathematics to physics and computer science.

• Mathematical Physics
• Probability
• Complex Analysis
• +3 more

Kazuhiro Saitou is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the College of Engineering. His research focuses on computational design synthesis, topology optimization, and manufacturing process integration. He leads the Algorithmic Synthesis Laboratory (ASL), advancing algorithms for automated design and optimization of mechanical systems. Education: Ph.D. (1996), MIT; M.S. (1992), MIT; B.Eng. (1990), University of Tokyo. He has held tenured positions since 1997, including roles as Founding CEO of Comnext, Inc. (2007–2012) and visiting professorships at École Centrale Paris and Donghua University. Research interests include multi-material topology optimization (M^3 TO), AI-driven design, and sustainable manufacturing. Key projects address additive manufacturing, composite structures, and energy-efficient production systems. He has pioneered methods for manufacturability-driven design and assembly optimization. Notable awards include IEEE Fellow (2018), ASME Kos-Ishii Award (2015), and NSF CAREER Award (1999). He serves as Editor-in-Chief for IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering and holds leadership roles in ASME and IEEE societies. Teaching includes courses on design optimization, CAD, and global product development. His lab has advised over 30 students, with alumni in academia and industry. Current research explores biomechanical modeling, traffic flow optimization, and medical image registration algorithms.

• Computational Design Synthesis
• Topology Optimization
• Manufacturing Process Optimization
• +7 more

Thomas Hartman is a Professor of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University. He received his A.B. in Physics from Princeton University in 2004 and his Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University in 2010. His professional journey includes being a Member of the School of Natural Sciences at the Institute for Advanced Study (2010-2013), Research Associate at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, UCSB (2013-2014), Assistant Professor at Cornell University (2014-2020), Associate Professor at Cornell University (2020-2022), and Professor at Cornell University (2022-present). Hartman's research focuses on theoretical aspects of quantum gravity and quantum field theory, with particular emphasis on black hole information and strongly interacting quantum fields. His work explores four major interconnected areas: gauge/gravity duality (examining how quantum field theory degrees of freedom organize into fluctuating spacetime), black hole information paradox (investigating the relationship between classical black hole solutions and quantum statistical systems), new approaches to quantum field theory using dualities and entanglement dynamics, and the physics of de Sitter space with implications for early universe cosmology. His research employs techniques from string theory, holographic duality, general relativity, and quantum information theory. Analysis of Hartman's publication record reveals a strong focus on resolving fundamental questions in quantum gravity, particularly through the development of replica wormhole techniques that address the black hole information paradox. His work spans both highly mathematical approaches to quantum gravity and connections to potentially observable phenomena, with increasing emphasis on connections between quantum information science and gravitational physics in recent years. Member, School of Natural Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study, 2010-2013 Hartman has advised graduate students including Jeevan Chandra Namburi and Wan Zhen Chua, contributing to the next generation of theoretical physicists. His research group actively investigates the emergence of spacetime from quantum information principles and develops new mathematical frameworks for understanding quantum gravity. The group maintains strong connections with other leading institutions through collaborative projects and participates in major theoretical physics initiatives including Snowmass planning for future research directions in high energy physics. Hartman's research program represents a vital bridge between abstract theoretical concepts in quantum gravity and potential experimental tests, working to develop frameworks that could ultimately connect quantum gravity to observable phenomena in both high-energy physics and cosmological observations.

• Quantum Gravity
• Quantum Field Theory
• String Theory
• +4 more

Ewain Gwynne is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Chicago, affiliated with the Committee on Computational and Applied Mathematics (CCAM) and the Statistics Department. He previously held postdoctoral positions at the University of Cambridge and earned his Ph.D. from MIT in 2018 under Scott Sheffield. His research focuses on probability theory, particularly random geometric structures in statistical mechanics, including Schramm-Loewner evolution (SLE), Liouville quantum gravity (LQG), and random planar maps. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics, MIT (2018); M.Sc., MIT (2015); B.Sc., Northwestern University (2013). Research Interests: Random geometric objects in statistical mechanics Liouville quantum gravity and its metric properties Random planar maps and their scaling limits SLE and its relationship with LQG Random walks on random planar maps Percolation and permutons His recent articles explore topics such as supercritical LQG, Gaussian curvature on random maps, and harmonic balls in LQG. He has advised multiple Ph.D. students and serves as an associate editor for Probability and Mathematical Physics . His work bridges probability theory, geometry, and mathematical physics, with applications to understanding critical phenomena in random systems.

• Probability Theory
• Liouville Quantum Gravity
• Random Planar Maps
• +7 more

Bradley D. Olsen is a full professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he leads research at the intersection of polymer science, soft matter physics, and bioengineering. His work focuses on designing materials for critical applications in biotechnology, hemostasis, and sustainable polymer development while advancing fundamental understanding of polymer network mechanics and self-assembly. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California Berkeley (2007) S.B. in Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003) Olsen's research spans protein-based materials, block copolymer phase behavior, and mechanochemical hydrogels. He has pioneered methods for quantifying polymer network topology, developing hemostatic nanoparticles, and creating bio-inspired materials for selective biomolecular transport and medical applications. His recent publications emphasize data-driven approaches to polymer characterization and educational outreach in materials science. Scientific Awards: American Physical Society (APS) Fellow (2023) Fulbright Amazonia Scholar (2023) Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Chair in Chemical Engineering (2021) ACS Macro Letters Young Investigator Award (2021) MIT Committed to Caring Honor (2019) AIChE Owens Corning Early Career Award (2019) APS Dillon Medal (2018) Kavli Emerging Leader in Chemistry (2017) ACS Polymer Division Fellow (2016) Camille Dreyfus-Teacher Scholar (2015) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2014) NSF Career Grant (2013) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2009) Hertz Fellow (2003-2007) Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (2002) Olsen has received significant grant support including NSF Career (2013) and AFOSR (2012) awards. His teaching activities include innovative international outreach like the 2025 soccer-themed science camp in Brazil. The Olsen Group at MIT explores advanced materials with applications ranging from trauma care to sustainable polymers.

• Polymer Science
• Materials Engineering
• Soft Condensed Matter Physics
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Malte Oppermann is a full Professor at the University of Basel , leading the Ultrafast Chiral Dynamics Laboratory within the Department of Chemistry. His group specializes in developing cutting-edge time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to probe molecular transformations on femtosecond to microsecond timescales, focusing on chirality and structural dynamics in complex systems. Research Focus: Ultrafast Chiral Spectroscopy : Using circularly polarized laser pulses to resolve structural changes in chiral systems. Molecular Motors & Protein Dynamics : Capturing conformational changes in synthetic motors and proteins in native environments. Photoactive Materials : Investigating light-energy conversion mechanisms in chiral photochemical systems. His research bridges physics and chemistry, employing state-of-the-art laser technology and collaborating internationally across synthesis, spectroscopy, and theory. Publications & Impact: Prof. Oppermann’s work (2011–2025) spans ultrafast spectroscopy , chiral dynamics , nanomaterials , and biomolecular photophysics . Key themes include spin-crossover dynamics, DNA photodamage, and plasmonic nanoparticles, with techniques like transient X-ray absorption and deep-UV circular dichroism. Team & Opportunities: The group actively recruits MSc/PhD students and postdocs in physics, chemistry, and materials science. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Oppermann directly.

• Ultrafast spectroscopy
• Chiral dynamics
• Molecular dynamics
• +4 more

Maxim Kontsevich has been a permanent professor at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHÉS) since 1995, holding the AXA-IHES Chair for Mathematics . He is also Professor at Rutgers University (one month per year since 1997) and was Professor at University of California, Berkeley (1993–1995). Born 25 August 1964 in Khimki, former USSR, he became a French citizen in 1999. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Bonn, March 1992. Research Interests: Prof. Kontsevich’s work lies at the intersection of algebraic geometry , mathematical physics , and quantum theory . He introduced revolutionary ideas in mirror symmetry , non-commutative geometry , and deformation quantization , creating new algebraic structures that have found applications far beyond their original contexts. His current ERC Synergy Grant “ReNew Quantum” (2019-2025) explores recursive and exact new quantum theory . Publications & Trends: Across more than 50 influential papers, Kontsevich has consistently pushed the boundaries of enumerative geometry , motivic integration , and topological field theory . His recent work delves into symplectic aspects of homological algebra , motivic Donaldson-Thomas invariants , non-archimedean geometry , and integrable systems , revealing deep connections between geometry, algebra, and physics. Scientific Awards & Honors: Fields Medal (1998) Crafoord Prize (2008) Shaw Prize in Mathematical Sciences (2012) Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics (2012) Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics (2014) ERC Synergy Grant “ReNew Quantum” (2019) AMS Moore Prize (2025) Doctor Honoris Causa: Aarhus University (2014), Universität Wien (2015), Syddansk Universitet (2023) Member of Académie des Sciences, Institut de France, Academia Europaea, National Academy of Sciences (foreign), London Mathematical Society (honorary) Grants & Leadership: As Principal Investigator of the ERC Synergy Grant “ReNew Quantum” (€10 million, 2019-2025), Kontsevich coordinates an international team advancing exact methods and resurgence in quantum field and string theories. Editorial Service & Community Roles: He serves on the editorial boards of Compositio Mathematica , Publications Mathématiques IHÉS , Journal of Noncommutative Geometry , and several other leading journals, shaping the direction of contemporary mathematical research.

• Algebraic Geometry
• Mathematical Physics
• Mirror Symmetry
• +7 more

David Kutasov is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Chicago, affiliated with the Enrico Fermi Institute. His research focuses on string theory and quantum field theory, particularly addressing dynamics of strongly coupled systems, supersymmetry breaking, black hole physics, and cosmological singularities. Kutasov has contributed to understanding the interplay between string theory and field theory, including mechanisms for vacuum selection in early universe scenarios and brane dynamics. His work explores theoretical frameworks such as holography, time-dependent backgrounds, and tachyon condensation, with applications to particle physics and cosmology. Key research directions include analyzing string theory's predictions for nature and applying string-based insights to experimental particle physics and cosmic phenomena. Notable contributions span topics like D-brane interactions, non-supersymmetric vacua, and dualities in Chern-Simons theories. Kutasov's publications often bridge abstract string theory constructs with observable phenomena, emphasizing tools for analyzing string theory's implications in diverse physical contexts. Despite extensive contributions, no specific scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials. His research remains active across multiple frontiers of theoretical physics, maintaining a strong focus on foundational questions in high-energy physics.

• String Theory
• Quantum Field Theory
• Supersymmetry Breaking
• +6 more

Takemichi Okui is a Professor of Physics at Florida State University (FSU), part of the Department of Physics within the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley (2003), and a B.Sc. from Hokkaido University, Japan (1998). His research focuses on High Energy Theory, with expertise in particle physics, cosmology, and quantum field theory. Okui has been recognized with awards such as the FSU Developing Scholar Award (2017) and University Teaching Award (2016). He has mentored multiple graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Okui's academic roles include serving on FSU's Graduate Affairs Committee and organizing events like the Dirac Lectures. He has taught advanced courses in high energy physics, quantum field theory, and relativity. His research has been supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Japan's JSPS, totaling over $10 million in funding. Key research interests include neutrino physics, dark matter, and axion models. Recent work explores primordial black holes and B-meson decays at the Belle II experiment. Okui actively contributes to professional services, reviewing grants for NSF/DOE and refereeing top journals like Physical Review Letters.

• High Energy Physics
• Particle Physics
• Theoretical Physics
• +3 more

Andrew Spakowitz is a Professor of Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and by courtesy, Applied Physics and Chemistry at Stanford University. He currently serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs and holds the Tang Family Foundation Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering. His academic career at Stanford spans from Assistant Professor (2006-2014) to Associate Professor (2014-2020) and now Professor since 2020. Dr. Spakowitz earned his PhD in 2004, MS in 2001 from the California Institute of Technology, and his BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1999. He completed postdoctoral training in Molecular and Cell Biology and Biophysics at UC Berkeley from 2004-2006. His research focuses on theoretical and computational approaches to understanding biological processes and complex materials. The Spakowitz lab addresses fundamental chemical and physical phenomena through four main research themes: chromosomal organization and dynamics, protein self-assembly, polymer membranes, and charge transport in conducting polymers. His group employs diverse theoretical and computational methods including analytical theory of semiflexible polymers, polymer field theory, continuum elastic mechanics, Brownian dynamics simulation, equilibrium and dynamic Monte Carlo simulations, and reaction-diffusion modeling. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on epigenetics and chromatin dynamics, with significant work on DNA methylation patterns, nucleosome clustering, and chromosome organization. His research also extends to polymer physics applications in biological systems, particularly in respiratory diseases, water purification membranes, and bacterial phage interactions with human mucus. Tang Family Foundation Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering Professor Spakowitz mentors several graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the Chemical Engineering and Materials Science departments. His lab members work on diverse projects spanning from chromatin dynamics to polymer membranes for water purification. He teaches multiple courses including CHEMENG 120B (Energy and Mass Transport), CHEMENG 340 (Molecular Thermodynamics), CHEMENG 466 (Polymer Physics), and CHEMENG 467 (Physics of Biomacromolecules). The Spakowitz lab operates from Clark S295 at Stanford University, conducting theoretical and computational research that bridges chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering disciplines to address complex problems across multiple length and time scales.

• Chromosomal organization and dynamics
• Protein self-assembly
• Polymer membranes
• +7 more

Thomas Faulkner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he has been a faculty member since 2014. His research bridges condensed matter physics, high energy physics, and quantum information science through the framework of holographic duality (AdS/CFT correspondence), exploring connections between quantum field theories and gravitational theories. Dr. Faulkner received his BSc in Physics from the University of Melbourne in 2003 and his PhD from MIT in 2009 under Hong Liu and Krishna Rajagopal. He held postdoctoral positions at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (2009-2012) and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton (2012-2013) before joining the Illinois faculty. His primary research focuses on three interconnected areas: entanglement entropy as a tool to study quantum phases and gravity; string-inspired models of strongly correlated phenomena including non-Fermi liquids and quantum criticality; and holographic approaches to QCD under extreme conditions. His work leverages theoretical tools from both condensed matter and string theory communities to address fundamental questions in quantum gravity and many-body physics. Dr. Faulkner's publication record shows an evolving research trajectory from early work on strange metal transport and QCD applications toward increasingly sophisticated investigations of entanglement structure, quantum information aspects of holography, and fundamental constraints on quantum field theories. His recent work demonstrates deep connections between quantum information theory, gravitational physics, and condensed matter phenomena. DOE Early Career Award (2018) DARPA Young Faculty Award (2015) Dr. Faulkner has taught a comprehensive range of physics courses from undergraduate College Physics to advanced graduate-level field theory courses. His research program receives significant external funding, supporting his investigations into the quantum structure of spacetime and its connections to condensed matter phenomena. He participates in a vibrant research ecosystem exploring the quantum information foundations of spacetime geometry, contributing to collaborative efforts that are reshaping our understanding of the relationship between quantum mechanics and gravity.

• Condensed Matter Physics
• High Energy Physics
• Quantum Information Science
• +5 more

Simone Giombi is a Professor of Physics at Princeton University and currently serves as Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies. He holds a B.Sc. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Bologna, Italy, and a Ph.D. in Physics and Astronomy from Stony Brook University (2007). His research focuses on high-energy theoretical physics, quantum field theory, string theory, and their interconnections, particularly exploring higher-spin gravity and holographic dualities. He has held postdoctoral positions at Harvard University and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Giombi's work includes groundbreaking contributions to AdS/CFT correspondence, Wilson loop defects, and quantum M2 branes. He has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the New Horizons in Physics Prize (2017) and the SIGRAV Prize (2014). His recent articles (2022–2025) emphasize non-planar corrections in ABJM theory, boundary reparametrizations in AdS2, and RG interfaces from double-trace deformations. His research also engages with fermionic CFTs, line defects, and quantum fluctuations in Wilson loops. Awards: New Horizons in Physics Prize (2017), SIGRAV Prize (2014) Advising: Students include Yagmur Erhan and Jieru Shan Labs/Teams: Active in Princeton's High Energy Theory Group

• High Energy Theoretical Physics
• Quantum Field Theory
• String Theory
• +3 more

Silviu Pufu is a Professor of Physics at Princeton University, where he earned both his A.B. (2007) and Ph.D. (2011) in Physics. Prior to his faculty position, he was a Pappalardo Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT (2011–2013). His research focuses on quantum field theory, string theory, and gravity, with emphasis on conformal field theory, gauge/gravity duality, and lattice gauge theory. He has received the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2017) and led the Simons Collaboration for Nonperturbative Bootstrap (2016–2023). His work explores advanced topics such as AdS/CFT correspondence, M-theory corrections, and non-perturbative bootstrap methods. Pufu advises three graduate students: Ross Dempsey, Debaditya Pramanik, and Benjamin Søgaard. His research outputs span theoretical frameworks like super-Yang-Mills theories, M-theory orbifolds, and lattice Hamiltonian formulations of QCD. His 2020–2025 publications highlight contributions to bootstrap techniques, holographic calculations, and precision studies of strongly coupled systems.

• Quantum Field Theory
• String Theory
• Gravity
• +3 more