David Patterson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). His research focuses on extending atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics tools to prepare polyatomic molecules in single quantum states for the first time. Key areas of interest include quantum information systems, high precision spectroscopy, parity violation in molecular spectra, and single-molecule chemical/chiral analysis. Developed single molecule inelastic recoil spectroscopy for ultraprecise analysis Created non-destructive single molecule infrared spectroscopy (2022 breakthrough) Engineered a "ping-pong" double-well ion trap for Sr+ atoms and molecular ions Collaborates with the Schlemmer group (Cologne) on Doppler-limited spectroscopy The group's work aims to achieve unprecedented resolution (2-3 orders of magnitude improvement) in polyatomic molecule spectroscopy, addressing fundamental questions in nanoanalytics.
Richard Guy Compton is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oxford and Aldrichian Praelector. He has held academic positions since 1981, including Tutorial Fellow at St John's College, Oxford. His research focuses on electrochemistry, sensors, and nanoscience. Compton earned his B.A. (1st Class Honours in Chemistry) and D.Phil. from Oxford University. He is a founding editor of Electrochemistry Communications and has authored influential textbooks like Understanding Voltammetry . His honors include the Khwarizmi Award (2014), Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher distinction, and multiple medals from the Royal Society of Chemistry. Compton has secured an ERC Advanced Grant for 'Nano-impacts' research and holds honorary professorships in China and Ukraine. His work bridges fundamental electrochemistry with applied sensor technologies, contributing to energy storage and biomedical applications.
Notburga Gierlinger is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Biophysics , part of the Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna . Her work integrates plant cell walls , biomechanics , and Raman spectroscopy to explore natural adaptations and sustainable material design. Her PhD research (2003) laid the foundation for her current focus on lignin, suberin, and cutin in plant surfaces and interfaces. Her research interests span wood science , botany , nanotechnology , and biomimetic materials , with a particular emphasis on plant adaptations to extreme environments and sustainable composites. Her publications highlight plant surface chemistry , cell wall mechanics , and nanostructured materials , often leveraging Raman imaging and multivariate data analysis . Recent work explores alpine plant adaptations , self-healing adhesives , and nut shell biomechanics . Scientific Awards : ERC Consolidator Grant (2015) FWF START-Preis (2013) APART Fellowship (2006) Klaus FISCHER-Innovationspreis (2003) Sonderpreis 'Fabrik der Zukunft' (2003) She supervises PhD and Master’s students in projects like Electric Surface Charges in Woodworking , Wood and Walnut Shell-based Particleboards , and Ice Management in Plant Tissues , while serving as a peer reviewer for journals in plant science , biomaterials , and spectroscopy .
Florian Part is a researcher at the Institute of Waste Management and Circularity, part of the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. His work focuses on environmental chemistry, nanomaterials, and the circular economy, particularly for advanced technologies like batteries and photovoltaics. Education: Master and PhD in Environmental Engineering from BOKU University (2008–2012, 2012–2017). Research: He leads the QRACE research group, developing Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) frameworks for nanomaterials and advanced technologies. His projects include lifecycle assessments for lithium-ion batteries, nanocarrier environmental behavior, and circular design for epoxy systems. His recent publications highlight applications of portable X-ray fluorescence in waste analysis, microplastic emissions from tire wear, and recycling strategies for photovoltaics and wind turbines. Awards include the ISWA Austria Stipendium (2019/20), ESG Travel Grant (2018), and Best Poster at Micropol & Ecohazard (2017). Scientific Engagement: He serves as reviewer for journals like Environmental Science & Technology and NanoImpact, and participates in EU standardization committees (CEN/TC 352) and the Austrian Nano-Information Commission (NIK).
Prof. Huixin (Helen) Xiu is an Associate Professor at the School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. She concurrently serves as a visiting scholar at the NG group, Max-Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials. Her research focuses on semiconductor materials, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology, with an emphasis on degradation mechanisms in GaN-based devices and advanced materials characterization techniques like atom probe tomography. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge (UK) and completed postdoctoral research at the National Institute for Materials Science (Japan). Education: PhD, University of Cambridge, UK (2004-2009) Bachelor and Master, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China (2001-2004) Research interests include semiconductor device reliability, nanomaterials for photocatalysis, and sustainable materials engineering. Her work spans atom-scale analysis of defects, optoelectronic device optimization, and environmental applications of advanced materials. Her publications highlight advancements in GaN laser diodes, graphene-based composites, and hydrogen evolution catalysts. She has contributed to understanding stacking fault impacts, Mg cluster formation in lasers, and synergistic effects in photocatalytic systems. Labs/Teams: Member of the Nanoanalytics and Interfaces research group at her university and collaborates with the NG group at Max-Planck Institute.
Dr. Siyuan (Spark) Zhang serves as Project Leader of the Nanoanalytics and Interfaces research group at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in Düsseldorf, Germany, a position he has held since 2019 following his postdoctoral research at the same institute (2015-2019). Prior to this, he conducted doctoral and postdoctoral work at the University of Cambridge, UK (2010-2015). His academic qualifications include: Master of Science, RWTH Aachen University, Germany (2007-2009) Bachelor of Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China (2003-2007) Zhang's research focuses on energy materials, specifically examining how interfaces and microstructural defects govern functionality. His work encompasses (photo)catalytic nanostructures, long-term stability in (photo)electrochemical devices (pioneering illuminated scanning flow cell techniques for operando analysis), and dislocation engineering in thermoelectrics. He employs in situ transmission electron microscopy under heating and electric bias to observe real-time microstructural evolution, as demonstrated in his featured research on Co-catalyst structural dynamics. He leads the Nanoanalytics and Interfaces group, which specializes in correlating nanoscale material behavior with macroscopic energy conversion performance through advanced characterization methodologies.
Peter Pölt is a Senior Lecturer at Graz University of Technology, affiliated with the Institute for Electron Microscopy and Nanoanalytics. He holds a teaching authorization in Applied Physics and is associated with advanced research in materials and nanoscale analytical techniques. Research Interests: His work centers on Electron Microscopy Nanoanalytics Materials Science Nanotechnology Applied Physics where he contributes to cutting-edge advancements in structural and compositional analysis at the nanoscale.
Professor Peter Felfer is a leading expert in atom probe tomography and materials science at Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg. He holds a professorship in Atom Probe Tomography within the Department of Materials Science in the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced materials characterization techniques, particularly for analyzing nanoscale structures and hydrogen behavior in metals. Professor Felfer's research interests span multiple areas of materials science. He specializes in atom probe tomography, which allows for three-dimensional chemical mapping at the atomic scale. His work has significant applications in understanding hydrogen embrittlement in metals, superalloy development, additive manufacturing of metals, and corrosion science. He has made substantial contributions to improving atom probe instrumentation, data analysis techniques, and specimen preparation methods, particularly for challenging materials systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on advancing atom probe tomography techniques while applying them to solve critical materials challenges. A significant portion of his recent work addresses hydrogen analysis in metals, reflecting growing interest in hydrogen as an energy carrier and the need to understand its effects on structural materials. His research also shows increasing integration of computational approaches for data analysis and instrument control. Professor Felfer leads a research group focused on atom probe tomography at FAU Erlangen. His laboratory develops and applies advanced characterization techniques to study materials at the atomic scale, with particular emphasis on metals and alloys for demanding applications.
Dr. André Clausner is the Head of the Department of Microelectronic Materials and Nanoanalysis at the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS in Dresden, Germany. His research focuses on advanced materials and nanoanalytical techniques for microelectronics applications. Institution: Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS Department: Microelectronic Materials and Nanoanalysis Fields of Interest: Materials Science, Microelectronics, Nanotechnology, Ceramic Technologies, Applied Physics, Surface Analysis
Thomas Weißgärber is a Professor of Powder Metallurgy at the Institute of Materials Science, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Dresden University of Technology, and serves as a Member of the Board of Directors and Head of the Dresden site at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM). He has held key leadership roles at Fraunhofer IFAM since 1997, demonstrating a sustained commitment to materials research and technological innovation. His research focuses on advanced materials processing, particularly in Powder Metallurgy , Additive Manufacturing , and Composite Materials . He leads the expert group on Additive Manufacturing within the Joint Committee on Powder Metallurgy and contributes to the steering committee of the Dresden Fraunhofer Cluster Nanoanalytics, highlighting his influence in both academic and industrial materials science communities. Prof. Weißgärber has been instrumental in advancing sintered and composite materials technologies through his long-term leadership at Fraunhofer IFAM. His work bridges fundamental materials research with industrial applications, particularly in high-performance alloys and novel manufacturing techniques. He is actively involved in national technical committees and collaborative research networks, contributing to strategic developments in materials engineering. His career reflects a strong integration of academic scholarship, institutional leadership, and applied R&D. Member, Joint Committee on Powder Metallurgy (DGM, DKG, VDI, VdEH, FV) since 2004 Head, Expert Group on Additive Manufacturing, Joint Committee on Powder Metallurgy since 2018 Member, Steering Committee, Dresden Fraunhofer Cluster Nanoanalytics since 2009 Thomas Weißgärber has supervised research groups and departments at Fraunhofer IFAM, including the Sintered and Composite Materials department from 2001 to 2019. While specific PhD students or grants are not listed, his leadership roles imply extensive mentorship and project oversight in collaborative, grant-funded research environments. He leads a major Fraunhofer research site in Dresden, overseeing a multidisciplinary team focused on advanced manufacturing and materials development. His lab and institutional affiliations are centered at the Fraunhofer IFAM Dresden, a hub for applied research in nanoanalytics, powder processing, and next-generation materials.
Dr. Miquel Vega-Paredes is a Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in Düsseldorf, Germany. He leads the Work Package 'MEA-Entwicklung. Projekt zur Aktivierung von Ultra-langen Lebensdauern (PAULL)' since October 2024. Previously, he completed his PhD in Material Science at RWTH Aachen (2021–2024) with distinction, focusing on improving electrocatalysts via advanced nanostructure characterization. His academic journey includes a Master’s degree in Advanced Chemistry (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 2020–2021) and a Bachelor’s in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (same institution, 2016–2020), both with distinction. His research interests center on electrocatalysis for fuel cells and water electrolyzers, defect engineering, and advanced microscopy techniques like (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), 4D-STEM, EELS, and tomography. He has conducted research stays at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2024) and the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, exploring degradation mechanisms in fuel cell catalysts and materials. Dr. Vega-Paredes’ publications highlight advancements in catalyst stability, nanostructure characterization, and operando insights into degradation. His work bridges theoretical simulations (e.g., atomic cluster expansions) with experimental microscopy to optimize electrochemical systems. Awards include distinctions for his PhD and Bachelor’s degrees. His contributions to labs/teams include the Nanoanalytics and Interfaces department at his institute, focusing on sustainable materials for energy applications.
Dr. Siyuan (Spark) Zhang is a Project Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in Düsseldorf, Germany, focusing on materials for energy harvesting and conversion. His research emphasizes interfaces, microstructural defects, and their impact on material functionality, particularly in thermoelectric, electrochemical, and catalytic systems. He pioneered operando stability analysis in (photo)electrochemical devices and studies dislocations in thermoelectric materials to enhance energy conversion efficiency. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge (2010–2015), with postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Iron Research and the University of Cambridge. Research interests include defect engineering in thermoelectrics, stability of functional materials under in situ conditions, and advanced characterization techniques such as atom probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy. His work bridges fundamental material science with practical applications in energy storage and conversion. Notable contributions include the development of grain boundary engineering strategies, the use of in situ heating systems to study structural evolution, and insights into defect phase diagrams for materials design. Current projects emphasize sustainable materials and high-temperature thermoelectric applications. Laboratory affiliations include the Nanoanalytics and Interfaces group, where he employs cutting-edge microscopy and analytical tools to investigate material behavior at atomic and nanoscale levels.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ina Holfelder is a professor at Berlin University of Applied Sciences' Department of Mechanical Engineering, specializing in design and machine elements. She holds a diploma in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Berlin (2010) and a doctorate from Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) for her work on a wavelength-dispersive von Hamos spectrometer. Her teaching combines CAD techniques with practical machine design, emphasizing project-based learning and industrial applications. Research focuses on X-ray spectroscopy instruments, including high-resolution spectrometers and measurement chambers for thin films. Key contributions include advancements in von Hamos spectrometer design using HAPG crystals, vibration analysis in nanoscale setups, and traceable X-ray emission methods. She has published extensively on spectrometer calibration, crystal optics, and material characterization since 2013. Education: Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (2010), TU Berlin; PhD in Mechanical Engineering (PTB) 2018. Research Interests: Scientific instrument development, X-ray spectrometry, precision engineering, and novel materials for machine elements. Her work bridges mechanical design and analytical instrumentation, with applications in nanotechnology and thin film analysis. Publications Trend: Over 10 peer-reviewed articles and conference papers since 2013, focusing on spectrometer innovation, crystal characterization, and X-ray analytical methods. Her recent work emphasizes compact, calibratable instrumentation for high-resolution applications. Advising/Grants: No specific student names or grants listed, but her active research projects involve collaborations with PTB and international conferences. She advises theses through Berlin University of Applied Sciences. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with PTB for her doctoral work and Berlin University's mechanical engineering facilities. Collaborates internationally on X-ray instrumentation projects.
Dr. Ningyan Cheng is a Research Fellow in the Department of Structure and Nano-/Micromechanics of Materials at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials. Her research focuses on advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques and nanoanalytics for materials characterization. She was recognized with the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship for her contributions to materials science. Her work intersects nanoscale material analysis and mechanical property characterization, with applications in sustainable materials development. Research areas include: Advanced electron microscopy methodologies Interface phenomena in nanomaterials Micromechanical behavior of sustainable materials
Dr. Manman Hu is a Researcher at the Jülich Research Centre , associated with the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg (HIERN). Her work bridges electrochemistry, materials science, and sustainable energy technologies. Research focuses on electrocatalysis for energy conversion Expertise in chemical hydrogen storage (LOHC) and process intensification Investigates membrane synthesis and interface engineering Explores high-throughput methods in photovoltaics She contributes to projects like HydroBot (fuel cell-powered robotics) and collaborates with institutions such as Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and Young Investigator Group (YIG). Her research integrates advanced X-ray spectroscopy and nanoanalytical tools to study thin film interfaces and material transformations in electrochemical systems.
