Dr. Pavel Trtik is an Instrument Scientist at the Neutron Microscope Project under the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland. His work focuses on advanced neutron imaging techniques for materials science and energy applications. Research Areas: Neutron imaging, hydrogen transport in nuclear materials, battery diagnostics, cement hydration, and liquid metal flow dynamics. Key Technologies: Operando neutron radiography, phase-contrast imaging, high-resolution tomography, and synchrotron X-ray ptychography. Applications: Sodium-ion batteries, zirconium cladding analysis, liquid metal batteries, and construction material characterization. His recent publications highlight neutron imaging as a tool for studying energy devices, corrosion processes, and hydrogen distribution. Notable projects include reactor design optimization and 4D nanoimaging of cement hydration. Contact: pavel.trtik@psi.ch
Jakob Lass is a Researcher at the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging, Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, specializing in advanced neutron scattering techniques for quantum materials research. His work bridges experimental physics and computational tool development to probe complex magnetic phenomena. His research focuses on condensed matter physics with emphasis on quantum magnetism, magnetic materials, and topological spin textures. Key areas include skyrmion phases in centrosymmetric metals, bond-dependent interactions in frustrated magnets, heavy fermion systems like UTe 2 , and quantum critical phenomena. He develops critical software infrastructure such as DMCpy for neutron diffraction analysis and AMBER for spectrometer background estimation. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals a dual focus: methodological innovation in neutron instrumentation (e.g., BIFROST spectrometer development, background reduction techniques) and fundamental discoveries in quantum materials (e.g., magnon band splitting in altermagnets, spin-flop transitions, and skyrmion formation mechanisms). His work frequently employs honeycomb lattice antiferromagnets and centrosymmetric metals as model systems. Dr. Lass actively contributes to PSI's Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging, collaborating on international projects at facilities like the European Spallation Source. His team develops cutting-edge neutron spectrometry techniques while investigating exotic states of matter under extreme conditions including high magnetic fields and low temperatures.
Petia Vlahovska is a Professor of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics at Northwestern University, with a courtesy appointment in Mechanical Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Yale University, an M.S. in Chemistry from Sofia University, and has held fellowships such as the David Crighton Fellowship. Her research spans experimental and theoretical modeling of membrane biophysics, electrohydrodynamics, and active matter. Key projects include studying biomembrane electromechanics, self-organization in active colloids, and electrohydrodynamic instabilities of drops and vesicles. She directs the Complex Fluids and Soft Interfaces Lab, focusing on integrating theory and experiment. Her awards include the 2019 APS Fellowship, 2016 Humboldt Fellowship, and 2009 NSF CAREER Award. She has advised numerous PhD students (e.g., Gerardo Pradillo, Hammad Faizi) and collaborated with researchers at institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Brown University. Her work bridges fluid dynamics, soft matter, and biophysics, with applications in antibiotic development and advanced materials. Teaching includes courses in applied mathematics, fluid mechanics, and active matter. Current lab equipment includes Zeiss microscopes and high-speed cameras. Her research explores emergent phenomena in active systems, such as collective dynamics of microrotors and Quincke rotor-driven motility.
Alireza Talebpour is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois. He leads the Smart City Lab and focuses on advancing transportation systems through research in automated vehicles, traffic flow theory, and quantum computing applications. His work bridges microeconomic principles with microscopic traffic modeling to enhance urban mobility solutions. Education Ph.D. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University (2015) M.Sc. and B.Sc. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Sharif University of Technology (2009, 2007) Research Interests His research spans quantum computing for infrastructure optimization, human-automated vehicle interactions, and AI-driven traffic management. Key areas include: - Mixed traffic systems with connected/autonomous vehicles - Smart city infrastructure and policy design - Microscopic traffic simulation (e.g., TGSIM dataset) - Freight and public transit consolidation strategies Key Contributions Recent work explores: - Charging lanes for EVs and their traffic impacts - Lane-changing behavior in automated driving environments - Quantum algorithms for EV charging station placement - Safety implications of self-enforcing street designs Affiliations He chairs the Traffic Flow Theory Committee at the Transportation Research Board and collaborates on national efforts for autonomous vehicle integration. Current projects include: - Developing game-theoretic frameworks for intersection maneuvers - Enhancing traffic prediction via machine learning - Evaluating infrastructure impacts of truck platooning
Konrad Schönborn is Professor of Visual Learning and Communication at Linköping University's Department of Science and Technology, where he heads the Visual Learning and Communication research unit within Media and Information Technology. He serves as Scientific Leader of the National Graduate School in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Research (FontD) and conducts research at Visualization Center C in Norrköping. His academic journey began with a PhD from University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2005, followed by postdoctoral positions in Germany and Sweden before his appointment as Professor at Linköping University in 2021. Professor Schönborn's research centers on the intersection of visualization and learning in STEM education, with particular focus on how students interpret visual representations in molecular biology, nanotechnology, and evolutionary science. His work spans multiple representations, models and modeling, visual literacy development, and AI-based visualization platforms. He investigates students' and citizens' interpretation of visualizations across different scientific domains, from the bio-microcosmos to the nanoworld and abstract macroscopic properties. His research demonstrates how dynamic, multimodal, and immersive visual environments can enhance science communication and learning. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on epigenetics visualization, systems thinking development through carbon cycle representations, authentic STEM integration, and the application of activity theory to digital learning environments. His work bridges cognitive science, educational theory, and technological innovation to address fundamental questions about how visual representations shape scientific understanding. Professor Schönborn has made significant contributions to understanding how learners navigate complex visual information across different biological organization levels. Associate Editor of Journal of Biological Education Editorial Board Member of International Journal of Science Education Editorial Board Member of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Editorial Board Member of Discover Education Recipient of multiple Swedish Research Council grants Through FontD, Professor Schönborn coordinates numerous graduate courses focused on research methodology, scientific communication, and subject-specific educational research in science, mathematics, and technology. His collaborative work extends across international boundaries, with research partnerships spanning multiple continents. His laboratory work at Visualization Center C explores innovative approaches to making abstract scientific concepts accessible through cutting-edge visualization technologies.
Dr. Matteo Vorabbi is a Lecturer in the School of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Surrey. His research focuses on theoretical and computational nuclear physics, with an emphasis on microscopic optical potentials derived from chiral effective field theory. He specializes in nucleon-nucleus scattering processes, ab initio calculations of nuclear densities, and the application of these methods to study exotic nuclei and nuclear structure properties such as neutron skin thickness and symmetry energy. His work bridges fundamental nuclear theory with experimental data analysis, particularly in rare-isotope beam facilities. Collaborations include contributions to projects like the PREX-II experiment and the development of optical potentials for applications in astrophysics and fusion diagnostics. Key research areas include: Chiral interactions and their role in nuclear dynamics Ab initio methods for light and medium-mass nuclei Optical potential construction for elastic and inelastic scattering Neutron skin measurements and symmetry energy constraints Applications to exotic nuclei and neutron-rich isotopes Recent studies have addressed proton scattering off nonzero spin nuclei, the impact of three-body forces on scattering observables, and the role of weak mixing angles in neutron skin measurements. His work is published in top-tier journals like Physical Review C , Physics Letters B , and Nuclear Physics A .
Dr. Mohammed Sanduk is an Associate Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey, UK. He holds a PhD in Plasma Physics from UMIST (1990) and has extensive academic roles, including serving as Assistant Professor and Head of the Laser and Opto-electronic Engineering Department at Al Nahrain University, Baghdad. His expertise spans quantum mechanics foundational theory (Rolling Circles Theory), renewable energy technologies, magnetohydrodynamics, and magneto-electrochemistry. Education: Diploma in Telecommunication Technology (1973), Higher Institute for Telecommunications and Post, Baghdad BSc in Physics (1983), Baghdad University PhD in Plasma Physics (1990), University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) Research focuses on quantum foundations, renewable energy systems, and plasma physics applications. Over 80 students have been supervised in areas like offshore wind farms, solar desalination, and hydrogen production. His work emphasizes sustainability and innovative energy solutions, including contributions to the Centre for Environmental Strategy’s low-carbon initiatives. Awards and Affiliations: Chartered Physicist (CPhys) Member of the Institute of Physics (MIntP) Expert reviewer for Cambridge University Press and academic journals Teaching includes modules on renewable energy, solar/wind technologies, and plasma physics at the postgraduate level. Active in interdisciplinary projects, such as integrating renewable energy into Bahrain’s power systems and advancing forward osmosis desalination techniques.
Martin Thunemann is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University. He leads the Neurovascular Imaging Laboratory, focusing on neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and neurovascular coupling mechanisms. His work integrates advanced microscopy techniques and preclinical imaging to study cerebral blood flow regulation and neurological diseases. Education: Dr. rer. nat. in Biochemistry from Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Germany. Research interests include cellular neuroscience, transgenic animal models, and neurotechnology. He develops novel imaging systems like adaptive optics microscopes and transparent neural interfaces for in vivo studies. His lab investigates oxygen metabolism, functional integration of brain organoids, and neuromodulation effects across cortical regions. Awards include the 2015 Preis für Biochemie (Elisabeth & Franz Knoop Foundation) and 2014 Rudolf-Buchheim-Preis (DGPT). Key contributions involve scalable neural interfaces, non-degenerate two-photon microscopy, and multimodal monitoring of brain organoid integration. His work bridges basic neuroscience with translational neurotechnology for future clinical applications.
Ute Jungwirth is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) at Newcastle University in the Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit and Translational and Clinical Research Institute, and a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on the tumor microenvironment’s role in cancer progression and therapy resistance, with an emphasis on stromal targeting strategies for metastatic cancer prevention. She holds a PhD in Malignant Diseases from the Medical University of Vienna, alongside degrees in Toxicology and Chemistry from Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna. Her lab at Bath includes PhD students Ioanna Kontou, Tressan Grant, and Ella Rimmer, as well as collaborative projects with Dr. Gurevich. Former students include Emily Lay (PhD 2023) and Carmen Grimaldos Rodriguez (PhD 2023). She leads projects such as the GW4-MRC DTP collaboration and research on fibroblast roles in squamous cell carcinoma. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation. Key projects include collagen remodelling studies in breast cancer metastasis and a multi-user confocal microscope initiative. Despite no explicitly listed awards, her research has garnered significant citations, particularly in immunotherapy resistance mechanisms and biosensing technologies.
Dr. Bart Markvoort is an Assistant Professor in the Computational Biology group at Eindhoven University of Technology's Department of Biomedical Engineering. He heads the molecular simulations subgroup and is a core member of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). His research focuses on molecular simulations of self-assembly and self-organization in biological systems, with applications in phospholipid membranes, proteins, DNA, supramolecular copolymerizations, and nanoparticles using techniques like molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations. Dr. Markvoort's work spans synthetic biology, DNA nanotechnology, bioinformatics, and multi-scale modeling. His research employs computational methods as a 'digital microscope' to reveal how atomic-level interactions drive complex molecular dynamics. Current projects include developing hybrid simulation techniques and applying them to biologically relevant systems. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on supramolecular chemistry, protein interactions, and membrane biophysics, with recent work exploring Bayesian optimization for complex systems and in-situ mapping of polymer dynamics.
Jeremy Shaw is a Senior Research Officer at the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis at the University of Western Australia. His research specializes in X-ray micro-CT imaging, biomineralization processes, and microscopic analysis of biological and geological materials. Shaw's work spans marine organism biomineral structures, fossil analysis, and materials characterization. His publications utilize advanced imaging techniques to study diverse subjects from plant anatomy to coral adaptation under climate change. He leads microscopy platforms and collaborates on projects involving mineral analysis, aquatic technologies, and magnetic properties research. Shaw develops workflows for 3D data analysis and visualization of complex biological structures.
Olaf van der Sluis is an Associate Professor in the Mechanics of Materials section at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His research focuses on multi-scale computational models and experimental methods for understanding failure phenomena in high-tech systems like microelectronics, photonics, and medical devices. He has held roles at Philips Applied Technologies and Philips Research, contributing to EU projects and winning the 2017 Philips Research Outstanding Achievement Award. His work integrates digital twins, reduced-order modeling, and physics-informed machine learning. Education Background: PhD in continuum-based multi-scale modeling from TU/e (2001). Research Interests: Delamination, cohesive zone modeling, finite element methods, and fracture mechanics in high-tech systems. He explores material interfaces and degradation mechanisms at microstructural scales to improve system durability and safety. Teaching: Courses include Digital Twins of Medical Devices, Fracture Mechanics, and Solid Mechanics. Awards: Philips Research Outstanding Achievement Award (2017) Advising & Grants: Supervised 42 academic works (theses/projects). Involved in EU-funded projects and serves as an evaluator for the European Commission. Key Contributions: Developed computational frameworks for life cycle assessment and collaborated on medical device safety through biomechanical modeling.
Mikael Fogelström is a Researcher at Chalmers University of Technology, currently affiliated with the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2). He holds a PhD from Åbo Akademi University (1995), focusing on theoretical and numerical studies of superfluid 3He. Following postdoctoral research at Northwestern University (1996–1998) and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (1998–2000), he joined Chalmers in 2000, transitioning to MC2 in 2003. His research interests primarily revolve around mesoscopic and unconventional superconductivity, with recent expansions into graphene and topological materials. He investigates quantum transport phenomena, surface states, phase transitions, and symmetry-breaking mechanisms in superconductors. His work also explores applications of graphene in optoelectronics and plasmonics, emphasizing impurity effects and nonlocal electronic behaviors. While no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the text, his contributions include developing theoretical frameworks like SuperConga and advancing understanding of nanoscale superconducting systems. His publications span experimental and computational studies in superfluidity, Josephson junctions, and light-matter interactions in quantum materials. No information on advisees or grants is provided in the text. His research is centered at MC2, though specific lab affiliations or teams are not detailed here.
Carla Annink is a researcher affiliated with the Applied Stem Cell Technologies department at the University of Twente. Her work focuses on mineral-fluid interactions, wettability modification, and nano-engineered colloidal systems. Research interests span petroleum engineering , geochemistry , and nanotechnology , with applications in oil recovery, biosensor development, and surface engineering. Recent publications emphasize carbonate diagenesis and temperature-dependent material modifications. Key collaborations include researchers from the SPE Improved Oil Recovery Conference and interdisciplinary teams at the TechMed Centre. Her studies employ microscopic analysis and reservoir mimetic fluids to explore surface reconstruction and organic interactions.
Ludwik Gąsiorowski is a researcher at the University of Warsaw's Department of Comparative Invertebrate Zoology. His work focuses on evolutionary biology, invertebrate morphology, and developmental genetics. He leads projects such as 'Evolutionary perspective on irradiation resistance of stem cells' (SONATA NCN grant) and 'Elucidating ecological and developmental causes of asexual reproduction and colony formation in flatworms' (Polish Returns NAWA grant). His research interests include the evolution of animal body plans, Evo-Devo studies, and biodiversity of microscopic invertebrates. Notable projects explore flatworm regeneration mechanisms, Hox gene evolution in Spiralia, and the phylogenetic relationships of lophophorate groups like phoronids. Key publications span topics such as sensory organ evolution in flatworms, molecular analyses of nemertean brains, and comparative studies of excretory organs. His work combines experimental and morphological approaches to address fundamental questions in evolutionary biology. Grants: SONATA NCN (2024/55/D/NZ3/00555), NAWA (BPN/PPO/2023/1/00002) Advising: No formal advisees listed Labs/Teams: Active in the Comparative Invertebrate Zoology research group
