Nini Pryds is a Professor and Head of the research section 'Functional Oxide Materials' at the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). He leads a team of 25+ researchers focusing on memristors, piezoelectricity, thermoelectricity, electrostriction, and functional oxide thin films. His work bridges physics and chemistry to design novel electronic states in oxide interfaces. Education: UDTU (likely Technical University of Denmark, potential typo). External roles include Editor of Applied Surface Science and Editorial Board Member of APL-Materials . Research interests revolve around quantum phenomena in oxide interfaces, stability enhancement of ionic conductors via coherent interface design, and mechanically tunable magnetism. Key contributions include modulation-doping at oxide interfaces, high mobility 2DEG discovery, and stabilizing δ-Bismuth oxide through multilayer structures. Recent publications emphasize oxide metamaterials, strain-mediated properties, and defect dynamics. Supervises active PhD projects on oxide heterostructures, thermoelectrics, and piezoelectricity. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and innovation.
Ashis K. Patra is a full-time Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). After obtaining his Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore in 2008, he carried out post-doctoral research at Harvard University and the University of Georgia before joining IIT Kanpur in 2012. Education & Academic Training Ph.D. (2008), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore M.Sc. (2002), The University of Burdwan Research Interests Professor Patra leads an interdisciplinary program that sits at the interface of inorganic chemistry, chemical biology, and medicinal chemistry. His work is organized into three principal thrusts: Therapeutic Applications of Metal Complexes: Design and mechanistic evaluation of cytotoxic transition-metal complexes that target nucleic acids and proteins, aiming to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer. Nitric Oxide Delivery from Transition Metal Nitrosyls: Development of photo- and redox-triggered metal nitrosyl complexes for controlled NO release to biological targets such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, and glutathione. Luminescent Lanthanide Complexes: Synthesis and photophysical characterization of Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes that serve as luminescent probes and theranostic agents. Research Output & Impact His group has published extensively in leading journals including Dalton Transactions , Inorganic Chemistry , Chemical Science , and Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry . The collective work demonstrates a clear trajectory from fundamental coordination chemistry to translational applications in drug delivery and bioimaging, with recurring themes of redox control, light activation, and biological targeting. Scientific Awards & Fellowships CSIR Junior & Senior Research Fellowships (2001, 2003) West Bengal SLET Qualification (2001) International Travel Grants from CSIR & INSA (2006) DST Fast-Track Fellowship for Young Scientists (2013) Erasmus Mundus NAMASTE Scholarship for Academic Staff (2014) JSPS Invitation Fellowship (2016) Teaching & Mentoring Professor Patra teaches core and advanced courses in inorganic chemistry, including Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Bioinorganic Chemistry, and Frontiers in Inorganic Chemistry. He actively mentors Ph.D. and master’s students (full list available on his lab website ) and has established the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemical Biology in the Old Core Lab complex at IIT Kanpur.
John Capobianco, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Concordia University and holds the Honorary Concordia University Research Chair in Nanoscience. His research focuses on lanthanide-doped nanoparticles, upconversion luminescence, and biomedical applications. PhD, University of Geneva Key research areas include: Nanomaterials synthesis and spectroscopy Upconversion for biomedical imaging Drug delivery systems Photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment Optical thermometry and sensing Recent publications highlight advancements in: X-ray detection via photochromic nanoparticles Lipid-coated nanoparticles for lung permeation Cooperative energy transfer in Yb3+/Eu3+ complexes Biocompatible nanomaterials for secure information storage Pr3+-doped radiosensitizers for glioblastoma therapy Scientific recognitions: Honorary Concordia University Research Chair in Nanoscience Teaching includes undergraduate and graduate courses in inorganic chemistry and spectroscopy. His work bridges fundamental material science with applied biomedical engineering, emphasizing optical properties and therapeutic applications of lanthanide-based nanomaterials.
State University of New York at BuffaloUnited States
Paras N. Prasad is a SUNY Distinguished Professor with joint appointments in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Electrical Engineering at the University at Buffalo. He serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics (ILPB), which he founded in 1999. Dr. Prasad holds the Samuel P. Capen Chair of Chemistry and has pioneered interdisciplinary research at the interface of photonics, nanotechnology, and biomedicine. Education: BSc, Bihar University, India (1964) MSc, Bihar University, India (1966) PhD, University of Pennsylvania (1971) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan (1971-74) Research Focus: Dr. Prasad's multidisciplinary research spans photonics, nanophotonics, and biophotonics, with emphasis on nonlinear optical processes in nanostructured materials. His work develops photonic technologies for information processing, medical imaging, and cancer therapy through nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and diagnostic platforms. The ILPB laboratory features state-of-the-art instrumentation for advanced optical research. Publication Trends: Recent articles demonstrate strong focus on nanomedicine applications, particularly cancer theranostics using functional nanoparticles. Key themes include drug delivery systems, chiral photonic materials, bioimaging technologies, and nanoparticle synthesis techniques. The research consistently bridges fundamental materials science with translational medical applications. Honors and Awards: SPIE Gold Medal (2016) IEEE Photonics Society William Streifer Award (2021) American Chemical Society Peter Debye Award (2018) OSA Michael Feld Biophotonics Award (2017) IEEE Pioneer Award in Nanotechnology (2017) Fellow of National Academy of Inventors (2016) Guggenheim Fellowship (1997) Leadership: As ILPB Executive Director, Dr. Prasad leads multidisciplinary teams developing photonic technologies with applications in healthcare, energy, and communications. His research has generated nine spin-off companies, including Nanobiotix currently in advanced cancer therapy trials.
Murielle Rivenet is a Professor in the Solid State Chemistry Department at Centrale Lille, specializing in actinide chemistry and materials for sustainable nuclear power. She is affiliated with the Catalysis and Solid State Chemistry Unit (UCCS), a CNRS research unit (UMR CNRS 8181). Her office is located in building C7, room 228 at the Scientific City campus in Villeneuve d'Ascq, France. Dr. Rivenet's research focuses on the solid-state chemistry of actinides and lanthanides, particularly exploring oxalate compounds and their applications in nuclear materials. Her work spans several key areas: Crystal growth and structural characterization of actinide compounds Nuclear waste immobilization materials Coordination chemistry of uranium, thorium, and plutonium Materials for sustainable nuclear power generation Synthesis and characterization of oxalate-based coordination polymers Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on developing materials for nuclear applications, with particular attention to crystal engineering of actinide compounds. She has made significant contributions to understanding the structural chemistry of oxalate-based materials containing uranium, thorium, and other actinides, which have implications for nuclear fuel cycles and waste management. Dr. Rivenet has received recognition for her work in actinide chemistry as evidenced by her extensive publication record in high-impact journals including Inorganic Chemistry, Journal of Solid State Chemistry, and Chemical Communications. She actively collaborates with researchers across France and internationally, working on projects related to nuclear materials science and sustainable nuclear power. Her research group develops advanced materials for nuclear applications, with a focus on understanding fundamental chemical behaviors of actinides in solid-state systems.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Anne-Sophie Chauvin is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Basic Sciences, within the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering and the Supramolecular Chemistry Laboratory. She actively engages in supramolecular and inorganic chemistry, focusing on f-element (lanthanides and actinides) coordination polymers and luminescent bioprobes for biological and technological applications, including invisible inks and dye-sensitized solar cells. PhD in Bioinorganic Chemistry from University Paris V-René Descartes (thesis on Nitrile Hydratase mimetics) Postdoctoral work at University of Geneva on chiral alcohol configuration analysis Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) from University René Descartes (2006) Her research spans Lanthanide and Actinide Chemistry , Luminescence , Coordination Polymers , Metallacages , and Photovoltaic Materials . Recent publications emphasize catalytic spiro stereocenter formation, actinide coordination polymers, and photoredox-enabled biomolecule functionalization. She has supervised PhD students including Andrei Andreichenko , Julien Andrès , Steve Comby , and Aurélien Willauer . Recognitions include Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and membership in the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS). Current roles include teaching General and Analytical Chemistry to first-year Pharmacy and Biology students at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), overseeing practical sessions, and serving on the EPFL School of Basic Sciences Faculty Council.
Associate Professor Judy Hart is a materials scientist at the School of Materials Science & Engineering, UNSW Sydney , specializing in the development of semiconducting materials for renewable energy applications. Her work integrates computational (DFT) and experimental approaches to understand composition-property relationships in systems like solid solutions , heterostructures , and doped materials for photocatalysis and solar cells . She leads projects funded by ARC Discovery and Linkage grants , including work on photo-electro-catalysis systems and stabilizing ceramic materials . Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (Monash University, 2007), BEng (Materials) (Monash, 2002) Professional Experience: Senior Lecturer (UNSW, 2017–), Lecturer (UNSW, 2013–2017), University of Bristol (2007–2012) Research Interests Her research focuses on designing materials for renewable energy , particularly photoelectrochemical water splitting and organic oxidation reactions . Key areas include Density Functional Theory (DFT) , defect engineering , band gap tuning , and nanostructured materials . She investigates ferroelectric polarization effects , metal oxide heterostructures , and stability of battery components , with applications in hydrogen production , CO2 conversion , and advanced battery materials . Scientific Awards Ramsay Memorial Fellowship (University of Bristol, 2007–2009) Teaching Contributions She is co-author of the 1st Australian & New Zealand edition of "Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction" , and teaches courses on computational materials science , corrosion-resistant surfaces , mechanical behavior of metals , and materials design .
Professor Liu Xiaogang is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He holds a B. Eng from Beijing Technology and Business University, M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry from East Carolina University and Northwestern University (USA), respectively, and completed postdoctoral research at MIT. His research focuses on supramolecular coordination chemistry, catalysis, chemical sensors, optogenetics, photon upconversion, and X-ray photonics. Key achievements include pioneering work on metal-organic complexes for optoelectronics and developing advanced X-ray scintillators for medical imaging. Education: B. Eng, Beijing Technology and Business University, China M.Sc. Chemistry, East Carolina University, USA Ph.D. Chemistry, Northwestern University, USA Postdoctoral Associate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA Research Highlights: Professor Liu’s lab has produced groundbreaking advancements in luminescent materials, including directive giant upconversion via supercritical bound states and real-time single-proton counting scintillators. His work bridges chemistry, materials science, and biomedical applications, with notable contributions to photon upconversion, X-ray imaging technologies, and nanotheranostics. Awards: RSC Centenary Prize (2024) President’s Science Award (2016) Advising & Grants: As Principal Investigator of the Liu Lab at NUS, he oversees a dynamic research group focused on cutting-edge nanomaterials and their applications in healthcare and photonics. His grants include support for projects on X-ray luminescence imaging and optogenetic tools. Labs & Teams: The Liu Lab operates within NUS’s Department of Chemistry, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to advance materials innovation for biomedical and environmental challenges.
Guido Pintacuda is a CNRS Research Director and Head of the Lyon High-Field NMR Center (CRMN) at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon since 2019. His work centers on advancing solid-state NMR methodologies with ultra-fast magic-angle spinning (MAS) to achieve atomic-level resolution in complex biomolecular and materials systems that are intractable to conventional techniques. Educational background: Undergraduate studies (1992-1997) and PhD in Sciences (1998-2002) at Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy; postdoctoral research at Karolinska Institutet (2001-2004) and Australian National University (2004). Research interests focus on pushing NMR frontiers through high-field instrumentation and fast MAS (up to 160 kHz), with dual objectives: (i) biomolecular structure determination for membrane proteins, amyloid fibrils, and viral assemblies; (ii) solid-state NMR of paramagnetic materials like battery cathodes and catalysts. His innovations include proton detection in fully protonated proteins and DNP-enhanced sensitivity. Recent publications (2021-2024) show heavy emphasis on proton-detected NMR under fast MAS for structural biology, alongside growing work in paramagnetic materials. Key trends include method development for μs–ms dynamics, miniature rotor protocols for membrane proteins, and collaborations with Bruker for 150+ kHz probe technology. Scientific awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (P-MEM-MAS, 2015-2021) Sackler Prize (2017) ISMAR Fellow (2020) Mentoring and grants: Principal investigator for major projects including ERC (2.5 M€), ANR CTRbyNMR (384 k€), and EU PANACEA (5 M€, co-coordinator). Actively mentors PhD student Clément Ollier and postdocs (Z. Sun, S. Medina-Gomez) at ENS Lyon and international schools. Labs and teams: Directs CRMN (UMR 5082 CNRS/ENS Lyon/UCBL), a world-class NMR facility with unique high-field equipment. Leads a research group developing 150+ kHz MAS probes in partnership with Bruker Biospin and maintains strong ties to the University of Delaware (T. Polenova) and European networks.
Sandeep Kumar Mishra, PhD, is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine, where he holds a primary appointment in the Magnetic Resonance Research Center within the Division of Bioimaging Sciences. He completed his doctoral training at Pondicherry University (2017) and finished post-doctoral research at Yale in 2024 before transitioning to his current research-intensive faculty role. Education: PhD, Pondicherry University – 2017 Post-doctoral Associate, Yale University – 2024 Research Focus: Mishra’s work integrates multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, responsive paramagnetic probes, and nano-constructs to quantify the tumor microenvironment. Major themes include in-vivo mapping of interstitial pH and sodium gradients in gliomas, development of Fe(II)/Co(II)/Ni(II)-DOTA tetraglycinate complexes for simultaneous pH–temperature sensing, and engineering dual-modal nano-agents that couple MR angiography with therapeutic delivery (chemo-photothermal, cryo-ablation, MMP inhibition). Publication Trends: Across 28 peer-reviewed articles (2016-2025) he demonstrates a sustained trajectory in cancer imaging, moving from theranostic nanoparticles toward sophisticated spectroscopic imaging of tumor acid–base and ionic homeostasis, with increasing translational orientation involving rodent glioma and hepatocellular carcinoma models. Collaborations & Affiliations: He is embedded in Yale’s inter-disciplinary MR research ecosystem, collaborating recurrently with faculty in Radiology, Biomedical Engineering, and the Magnetic Resonance Research Center (D. Coman, F. Hyder, P. Herman, J. Verhagen, J. Santana, A. Shewarega). Contact: sandeepkmishra11@gmail.com | Magnetic Resonance Research Center, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
Svetlana Kotochigova is a Research Professor in the Department of Physics at Temple University. Her research focuses on theoretical atomic, molecular, and optical physics, with an emphasis on ultracold atoms and molecules, particularly lanthanide systems and precision measurements. She holds a PhD and MS from Saint Petersburg University (1986 and 1982). Her work integrates quantum-mechanical modeling of collisions and interactions among ultracold particles, including studies of magnetic lanthanide dimers, nonadiabatic effects in heavy atom molecules, and development of molecular sensors to detect CP-violating forces. Key projects include simulating Feshbach resonances in erbium and dysprosium gases, exploring quantum control via conical intersections, and designing magic traps for ultracold molecules. Notable contributions include theoretical frameworks for understanding chaotic dynamics in lanthanide dimers and advancing methods for trapping and manipulating ultracold species. She is a Fellow of the American Physical Society (since 2012) and collaborates closely with experimental groups to bridge theory and application in quantum systems.
Muralee Murugesu is a Full Professor and Associate Vice-Rector of Innovation, Partnership & Entrepreneurship at the University of Ottawa's Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences within the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on designing nanoscale inorganic materials to study magnetic, conductive, and optical properties, with emphasis on molecular magnets, hybrid materials, and quantum applications. Notable projects include the development of single-molecule magnets (SMMs), lanthanide-based cluster-aggregates, and energetic materials. The Murugesu Group explores applications in quantum computing, molecular-scale electronics, and luminescence thermometry. Education details are not explicitly provided, but his academic career spans over two decades, initiating the Murugesu research program in 2006. Research interests include inorganic/organometallic chemistry, molecular magnetism, quantum properties, and nanomaterials. Key techniques used are X-ray diffraction, NMR, and SQUID magnetometry. Recent publications highlight advancements in SMMs, hybrid fullerene/carbon nanotube systems, and lanthanide-based optical/thermometric materials. Articles emphasize magnetic relaxation, luminescence thermometry, and energy transfer processes in nanostructured systems. The group's work intersects energy storage (e.g., photocatalytic hydrogen production), security (fingerprint detection), and quantum technologies. While no awards are listed, the research portfolio demonstrates significant contributions to materials science and magnetism. Advising and grants are not detailed here, though the group’s sustained output suggests strong institutional and external support. The lab’s focus on cluster-aggregates and molecular-scale devices reflects a vision for next-generation optomagnetic and energy systems.
University of California , Santa Barbara (UCSB)United States
Professor Trevor W. Hayton is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He leads the Hayton Research Group, which focuses on solving problems in energy science, nanochemistry, and nuclear fuel clean-up through the synthesis and characterization of transition metal, lanthanide, and actinide complexes, as well as metal nanoclusters. Dr. Hayton's research spans several key areas in inorganic and organometallic chemistry: Actinide chemistry, particularly uranium and thorium complexes Synthesis of transition metal nanoclusters Molecular activation of small molecules Investigation of metal-ligand bonding and covalency Energy-related materials and processes Analysis of Professor Hayton's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on actinide chemistry, particularly uranium and thorium complexes with various ligands. His group has made significant contributions to understanding actinide-ligand bonding, especially through NMR spectroscopy. They also continue to advance the field of transition metal nanoclusters, with recent work on nickel, copper, and iron systems. A notable trend is the increasing use of advanced spectroscopic and computational methods to probe electronic structure. Professor Hayton mentors numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, as evidenced by successful PhD defenses and award-winning research presentations. His group members learn advanced synthetic techniques including air-free procedures, and various spectroscopic and analytical methods. The Hayton Research Group operates state-of-the-art laboratories at UCSB, with dedicated spaces for air-sensitive synthesis and characterization. Group meetings are held weekly to discuss ongoing research and foster collaboration among members.
Timothy G. Strein is a Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Bucknell University, where he also held a Presidential Professorship from 2014-2017. He earned his B.S. from North Carolina State University in 1988 and his Ph.D. from Penn State University in 1992, working on electrochemistry at microvoltammetric electrodes with Dr. Andrew G. Ewing. Following a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellowship at Bucknell (1992-1994), he joined the chemistry faculty where he has served as Department Chair (2010-2014), Acting Chair (2006-2007), and Graduate Coordinator (1998-2006, 2015-). His educational background includes: B.S. in Chemistry from North Carolina State University (1988) Ph.D. in Chemistry from Penn State University (1992) Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellowship at Bucknell University (1992-1994) Professor Strein's research focuses on bioanalytical chemistry, with particular expertise in capillary electrophoresis (CE), bile salt micelle structure, chiral separations, aqueous NMR spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). His current work (2025) centers on developing rapid, inexpensive methods for chiral separations using CE, investigating the mechanisms that give rise to chiral separations with bile salt micelles by MEKC-CE, and the underlying thermodynamics driving chiral selection. He also conducts collaborative research using NMR to study bile micelle structure and ICP-MS to determine lithium ion concentrations in human blood, correlating endogenous Li levels with neurological health issues. Analysis of his recent publications (2005-2023) reveals a strong focus on chiral separations using bile salt micelles, with particular emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms of chiral recognition. His work spans analytical methodology development, fundamental studies of micellar structure, and applications in bioanalysis. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in publications spanning chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and medical applications. His scientific recognition includes the Henry Dreyfus Teacher/Scholar Award (TH-98-025). His external funding portfolio demonstrates sustained research support: George I. Alden Trust (2025-2030): $150,000 for HPLC instrumentation Bucknell-Geisinger Research Initiative (2024-2025): $20,000 for lithium concentration studies NSF-ROA Supplement (2021-2022): $29,600 for CE-MS interface development NSF-RUI Grant (2018-2021): $211,552 for chiral separation mechanisms Multiple previous NSF, NIH, and private foundation grants totaling over $1.5 million Professor Strein has mentored numerous undergraduate and MS students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, medicine, and government. His teaching encompasses analytical chemistry, chemical equilibria, instrumental analysis, forensic chemistry, and general chemistry. He has served the department in various leadership roles and promotes undergraduate research as a central component of his scholarly activities.
Prof. Will Raven is a Professor of Physics at Smith College, where he joined the Department of Physics in 2013. He has mentored over 70 undergraduate researchers, published 8 peer-reviewed articles since 2020, and secured five NSF grants, including the NSF CAREER award. His research focuses on high-precision spectroscopy of neutral light atoms to test quantum electrodynamics (QED) and contribute to nuclear structure theory. Ph.D., University of Wisconsin–Madison B.S., Clarkson University Prof. Raven’s research group explores fundamental atomic physics, testing the Standard Model by measuring properties of beryllium, boron, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms. He designed a course, PHY242 Research in High Precision Spectroscopy, accessible to first-year students without calculus or physics prerequisites. His work combines experimental techniques with educational innovation, emphasizing accessible research opportunities. His recent publications (2025–2020) span precision spectroscopy of light atoms, hyperfine structure analysis, and laser stabilization methods. These articles represent fields such as Atomic Physics, Quantum Mechanics, and Optical Physics. American Physical Society 2025 Prize for a Faculty Member for Research in an Undergraduate Institution NSF CAREER award Smith College Student Government Association’s teaching award (twice) Prof. Raven has secured NSF grants for his research, including RUI grants for experimental projects and MRI grants for instrumentation. He leads the Raven Lab, an experimental group dedicated to undergraduate research training and fundamental atomic physics studies.
