Andrea C. Ferrari is a Professor of Nanotechnology in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge, UK. He currently holds multiple leadership roles, including Science and Technology Officer and Chair of the Management Panel for the EU Graphene Flagship, as well as Director of both the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Graphene Technology and the Cambridge Graphene Centre. PhD, University of Cambridge (24 March 2001) Laurea in Nuclear Engineering, Politecnico di Milano (24 July 1997) His research focuses on nanoscience, graphene and related materials, Raman spectroscopy, and optoelectronic applications of nanotechnology. He has authored over 390 papers, amassed >116,000 citations, and delivered >450 invited/keynote talks globally. He has received numerous accolades including: IMR-Lee Hsun Lecture Award (2018) Nanosmat Award (2017) ERC Synergy grant (2013) Philip Leverhulme Prize (2005) As a leading figure in graphene research, he has secured >£60M in research funding, led major EU Flagship projects, and commercialized innovations through patents licensed to companies like Nokia, IBM, and Huawei. He chairs the Executive Board of the EU Graphene Flagship and serves as Academic lead for the Royce Institute's e-beam lithography initiatives.
Andrea C. Ferrari is a Professor of Nanotechnology at the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK. He holds multiple leadership roles, including Director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre and EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Graphene Technology, and serves as Science and Technology Officer for the EU Graphene Flagship. Education: PhD, University of Cambridge (2001) Laurea in Nuclear Engineering, Politecnico di Milano (1997) Ferrari’s research focuses on graphene, 2D materials, and their applications in nanotechnology, photonics, optoelectronics, and Raman spectroscopy. His work bridges fundamental studies and industrial translation, emphasizing scalable synthesis and characterization techniques. His publications span over 390 peer-reviewed articles, including groundbreaking studies on graphene photonics, quantum emitters, and advanced optoelectronic devices. These works are highly cited, with an H-index of 115 and over 116,000 total citations. Scientific Awards: IMR-Lee Hsun Lecture Award (2018) Nanosmat Award (2017) Knight Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy (2017) ERC Synergy Grant (2013) EU-40 Materials Prize (2011) Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award (2010) ERC Starting Grant (2008) Philip Leverhulme Prize (2005) Ferrari has secured over £60M in research funding, including leadership roles in the EU Graphene Flagship and the EU Quantum Technology Flagship. He is a Fellow of the Optical Society, Materials Research Society, Institute of Physics, and American Physical Society.
François Peeters is a Full Professor of Physics at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, holding the position since 2000 (with Dutch title 'gewoon hoogleraar' since 2003). He previously served as Research Director (FWO-VI) at the University of Antwerp (1996-1999), Research Leader (NFWO) (1992-1996), and Senior Research Assistant (NFWO) (1988-1992), establishing a distinguished academic career spanning over three decades. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Antwerp (1982), followed by a Habilitation (Hoger aggregaat) from the same institution (1987), and a postdoctoral fellowship at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey (1982-1983). His academic journey also featured research periods at prestigious institutions including the High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Grenoble, University of California Berkeley, Oxford University, and several Brazilian and Australian universities. Peeters' research focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics , specializing in the electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of nanostructured systems. His work encompasses semiconductors , superconductors , graphene , and hybrid quantum systems , with particular emphasis on strong correlations in both classical (colloids, dusty plasma) and quantum (quantum dots) environments. His theoretical frameworks bridge fundamental quantum mechanics with practical nanotechnology applications, driving innovations in spintronics and quantum device design. Analysis of his publication record reveals a clear evolution from foundational work on polaron physics and quantum Hall systems in the 1980s-1990s toward contemporary research on graphene, topological materials, and programmable quantum nanodevices. His most cited works demonstrate consistent leadership in mesoscopic physics, with recent publications showing increased focus on spin-dependent transport phenomena and two-dimensional material systems. His scientific recognition includes: Fellowship in the American Physical Society (2005) APS Outstanding Referee award (2008) Doctor Honoris Causa from University of Szeged, Hungary (2009) Peeters has supervised 26 completed PhD theses and currently leads the Condensed Matter Theory research group comprising 3 ZAP researchers, 16 PhD students, and 8 postdocs. His grant portfolio includes coordination of an EU Marie Curie Training site on 'Electrons on helium', participation in multiple EU projects, COST actions, and ESF networks, demonstrating sustained success in securing competitive international funding. The Condensed Matter Theory group maintains extensive international collaborations, evidenced by Peeters' research visits to over 10 institutions worldwide and regular hosting of 3-4 international visitors at postdoc or professorial levels. The group's output of over 770 refereed publications with 12,000+ citations reflects its position at the forefront of theoretical condensed matter physics research.
Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov is Professor of Nanotechnology and Molecular Science at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Australia, and concurrently serves as CEO Science Leader and Chief Research Scientist (Plasma- and Nano- Technologies) at CSIRO Manufacturing Flagship. Beyond his primary appointments, he holds visiting or honorary professorships at more than a dozen institutions across six countries, including Peking University, Zhejiang University, the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, University of Wollongong, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Jiangnan University, Kharkiv National University, Nanyang Technological University, and the Jožef Stefan Institute. Education & Fellowships: Distinguished Doctor of Sciences, Kharkiv National University, Ukraine (2009) Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship, Germany (1997–1999) Royal Society Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, United Kingdom (1997) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Invitation Fellowship (2000–2001) Lee Kuan Yew Research Fellowship, Singapore (2002) Australian Research Council (ARC) Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship (2004–2009) ARC Future Fellowship – Level FT3 (2011–2015) Research Interests: Professor Ostrikov is globally recognized as the pioneer of Plasma Nanoscience , a field he established and advanced through seminal reviews in Reviews of Modern Physics (2005) and Advances in Physics (2013). His research targets the fundamental challenge of controlling energy and matter at the nanoscale, translating insights into sustainable technologies. Core themes include: plasma-aided nanofabrication, functional nanomaterials synthesis, plasma catalysis, low-temperature plasmas for energy and environmental applications, plasma medicine and healthcare, and nano-plasmonics. The work bridges physics, chemistry, materials science and biotechnology, aiming at renewable-energy devices, environmental remediation, and next-generation health-care solutions. Grants & Funding: He has secured over AU $15 million in competitive research funding during the last six years alone, including flagship and centre-level grants from the Australian Research Council and CSIRO. Advising & Mentoring: Ostrikov has supervised approximately 65 PhD graduates and more than 92 research students (post-doctoral fellows, master’s and honours students). Alumni hold prestigious fellowships and faculty positions worldwide, attesting to the global impact of his mentoring. Leadership & Community: He is the Convenor of the annual iPlasmaNano international conference series (since 2009) and chairs the Executive Committee of the International Plasma Nanoscience Collaborative Research Network. These roles coordinate a vibrant community of >250 active collaborators, ensuring rapid dissemination of breakthroughs and fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships.
Neil Champness is the Norman Haworth Professor of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. He holds a prestigious academic position following roles at the University of Nottingham, including Professor of Chemical Nanoscience (2004-2020). His research focuses on supramolecular chemistry, crystal engineering, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Champness leads a group pioneering studies on molecular self-assembly, surface chemistry, and functional materials. Education & Career - Began academic career with Teaching Fellowships at the University of Nottingham (1995) and Southampton (1994). - Became Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry at Nottingham (1998), progressing to Reader (2003) and full Professor (2004). - Currently heads the Champness Group at Birmingham, established in 2021. Research Interests Champness’s work spans: - Design of porous materials (MOFs, HOFs) for gas storage and catalysis. - Surface self-assembly of 2D supramolecular frameworks. - Photoresponsive materials and molecular rotaxanes. - Chemical synthesis under constrained conditions. His group emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, linking chemistry with materials science and nanotechnology. Awards & Recognition 2019: Elected Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences 2020: EPSRC Established Career Fellowship 2016: Royal Society of Chemistry Surfaces & Interfaces Award 2011: Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher 2006: Corday-Morgan Medal (Royal Society of Chemistry) Advisory Roles & Grants - Editorial roles include Chem, Crystals, and CrystEngComm. - Served on Royal Society panels, Irish Research Council, and IUPAC. - Secured major grants from EPSRC and Royal Society. Labs & Collaborations His Birmingham group collaborates globally, with visiting professorships in Japan, Australia, and Brazil. Research is supported by advanced facilities in crystallography and surface chemistry.
Elisa Riedo is a tenured Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering, with joint appointments as Professor of Physics in NYU’s College of Arts and Science and as affiliated Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Tandon. She serves as Director of Faculty Development at NYU Tandon and has held prior tenured positions at Georgia Tech (2003–2015) and CUNY ASRC (2015–2018). Her academic career spans over two decades, with a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Milano (2000) and postdoctoral work at EPFL. Her research focuses on nanotechnology , graphene and 2D materials , and thermal scanning probe lithography (tSPL) , with applications in biomedical diagnostics quantum electronics electromagnetic interference shielding mechanical reinforcement of materials She pioneered tSPL for sustainable nanofabrication and discovered diamene—a single-layer diamond structure from graphene under pressure. Her recent work involves transparent infrared electrodes using silver nanowires (2025) and self-organized graphene stacking domains for quantum technologies (2024). She has secured major grants from National Science Foundation , Department of Defense , and Army Research Office . Scientific honors include: 2023 NYU Tandon Excellence in Research Award 2013 American Physical Society Fellow 2005 CREA Innovation Award Membership in the Academy of Europe (2023) She contributes to editorial boards for journals like 2D Materials and Applications and advises companies such as Mirimus Inc. and SwissLitho AG .
Prof. Chunli Bai is a distinguished academic leader serving as President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) since 2011 and President of TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) since 2013. He previously led the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) from 2001-2014 and directed the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (2003-2008). His research focuses on nanotechnology, molecular self-assembly, scanning probe microscopy, and catalyst characterization. Education highlights include a Research Associate position at the California Institute of Technology (1985-1987) and Visiting Professorships at Tohoku University (1991-1992). He has held progressively senior administrative roles within CAS since 1996, culminating in his current presidencies. Research interests emphasize nanomaterials synthesis, STM-driven structural analysis, and molecular-level surface interactions. His work bridges fundamental nanoscience with applied technologies, particularly in catalytic systems and nanodevice development. Prof. Bai has received over 15 major international honors including membership in 8 national academies, 6 honorary doctorates, and prestigious medals from UNESCO and the National Academy of Sciences (USA). He authored/co-authored influential books on nanotechnology and pioneered China's nanoscience advancement through visionary leadership. His extensive network includes global collaborations through TWAS and CAS, driving scientific capacity development in developing countries. Leadership in major institutions has positioned him as a pivotal figure in both Chinese and global scientific communities.
Professor Jonathan Coleman is an Erasmus Smith's Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy at the Department of Physics, Trinity College Dublin. He is affiliated with the CRANN Research Institute and holds simultaneous membership in the Chemical Sciences and Physics sections of the Royal Irish Academy. His research spans materials chemistry and nanotechnology, focusing on graphene, 2D materials, and printed electronics. With 378 peer-reviewed publications in top journals like Nature and Science, his work has accumulated over 107,000 citations (h-index 123) since 2001. Recent papers analyze charge transport limitations in nanosheet networks, defect engineering strategies for 2D materials, and battery electrode performance metrics. These publications reflect his expertise in solution processing techniques and low-dimensional nanostructures. Royal Irish Academy Gold Medal (2023) Tabor Medal, Institute of Physics (2022) Advanced Materials Hall of Fame (2022) Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2014-2021) Professor Coleman secures major EU funding through grants like Graphene Flagship 2D-PRINTABLE (€0.6M, 2023-2026) and HYPERSONICS (EIC Pathfinder, €0.9M, 2024-2028). He serves as Principal Investigator at CRANN while delivering invited plenary/keynote lectures at international conferences including Flatlands and Graphene23.
Anne-Marie Caminade is a distinguished Research Professor and the first woman Deputy Director of the Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination (LCC) at the University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier. She holds the highest CNRS rank (Director of Research Exceptional Class 2) and has led major international projects in phosphorus chemistry and dendrimer research. Her career includes over 30 years of academic and research leadership, including directing the 'Dendrimers and Heterochemistry' group since 2006. Her education includes dual PhDs from Paul Sabatier University (1982-1988) and postdoctoral fellowships in Germany and France. She has pioneered advancements in phosphorus chemistry, dendrimer synthesis, and nanomedicine applications. Her research spans supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and biomaterials, with a focus on therapeutic dendrimer-based drugs. Research Interests: Her work emphasizes phosphorus chemistry (low coordination states, hydride interactions), dendrimer-based nanomaterials, and their applications in nanomedicine, including drug delivery systems and anti-cancer therapies. She also explores the synthesis and characterization of heteroatomic dendrimers. Key Contributions: She has authored 500+ publications, 53 book chapters, and 18 patents, with an H-index of 76. She co-founded two startups (Dendris and IMD-Pharma) and chairs major international conferences (e.g., PEMED 2020, PBSi 2017). Her editorial roles include Chemical Society Reviews and Inorganic Chemistry Communications. Awards: Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur (2021), Achille Le Bel Prize (2021), André Collet Prize (2022), and multiple CNRS honors including the Bronze Medal (1989). She has coordinated France-China, France-India, and France-Morocco projects, advancing international scientific collaboration. Advising & Grants: Mentor to 39 PhD students and 50 postdocs, she leads teams in interdisciplinary research. Her grants include ANR International (2010-2013), CEFIPRA (2015-2019), and MSCA programs. Labs & Teams: Head of the LCC’s dendrimer research group, she collaborates globally on nanomedicine and biomaterials. Her lab focuses on translating dendrimer research into clinical applications and sustainable materials.
Univ.-Prof. Christos N. Likos is a world-leading researcher at the University of Vienna , holding the chair in Multiscale Computational Physics since 2010. Affiliated with the Faculty of Physics and directing the Computational and Soft Matter Physics group, he bridges scales from microscopic to macroscopic in soft matter systems. Education: Dipl.-Ing. in Electrical Engineering (NTUA Athens), M.Sc. & Ph.D. in Physics (Cornell University) Honors: Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2013), University of Vienna Teaching Award (2025), Outstanding Referee Award (2009) His research in Soft Condensed Matter focuses on polymers, colloids, and biomolecular systems through coarse-graining , density functional theory , and Monte Carlo simulations . Key collaborations include institutions in Rome, Heraklion, San Sebastian, and Princeton. His work reveals principles of self-organization, non-equilibrium phenomena, and responsive material design with applications in cosmetics, nanotechnology, and biophysics. Recent publications highlight active matter , topological polymers , and electric field-responsive microgels . The group trains 18 current students (Ph.D., M.Sc., B.Sc.) and maintains partnerships with experimental teams across Europe. As Associate Editor of Soft Matter and member of Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Open editorial board, he shapes scientific discourse in his field. Teaching excellence is a hallmark, with courses on Advanced Statistical Physics and Soft Matter Principles . His group website details ongoing projects, while lab facilities in Vienna's Kolingasse campus enable interdisciplinary research.
Martín Nazario is a Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University Complutense of Madrid and Vice-Director of the IMDEA-Nanoscience Institute. He holds dual honorary doctorates from La Havana University (Cuba) and Castilla-La Mancha University (Spain). His research focuses on carbon nanostructures, molecular electronics, photovoltaic systems, and bio-medical applications of nanomaterials. He has authored over 540 papers, edited seven books, and supervised 39 theses. Education : PhD in Chemistry (1984, University Complutense of Madrid). Postdoctoral work at Universität Tübingen (Germany) and visiting professorships at UCSB, UCLA, and European institutions. Research Interests : Fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene chemistry Supramolecular assemblies and chirality in nanomaterials Organic photovoltaic systems and perovskite solar cells Electron transfer processes mimicking photosynthesis Carbon nanoform applications in bio-medicine Awards : Spain’s highest chemistry award (RSEQ Gold Medal, 2012) ERC Advanced Grant (2012–2019) Richard E. Smalley Award (2013) Miguel Catalán Award (Madrid’s top science honor, 2015) Leadership Roles : Editor-in-Chief of Royal Society of Chemistry’s Journal of Materials Chemistry , President of Spain’s Confederation of Scientific Societies (COSCE), and former President of the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry. Labs/Teams : Heads the Organic Molecular Materials Group at UCM and IMDEA-Nanoscience, focusing on carbon-based functional materials with societal impact.
Salvatore Coluccia is a Full Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, with appointments in the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Biotechnology School. He serves as Vice Rector of the University of Turin, President of ASP (Scientific and Technological Development of Piedmont), and Vice-President of COREP. Academy of Sciences of Turin Former Vice President, Italian Chemical Society Former Member, Ministry for University and Research Committee His research focuses on Chemistry of Materials , Surface Chemistry , and Nanosciences , emphasizing the synthesis/characterization of micro-mesoporous inorganic materials, nanocomposites, and catalysts for environmental applications. He applies surface chemistry to artworks and collaborates globally with scientists like Sir J.M. Thomas and E. Iglesia. Key article trends include photocatalysis , acid catalysts , nanohydroxyapatite , and surface modification in materials science. His work bridges environmental catalysis and green chemistry . Scientific Awards : Medal Cannizzaro, Italian Chemical Society (2011) He has authored 277 publications, edited books, co-edits Research on Chemical Intermediates , and promotes knowledge transfer through EU projects like FP6_FCA and FP7_INNOVASOL.
Christopher J. Kiely is the Harold B. Chambers Senior Professor of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Lehigh University (USA) and, since 2017, Professor of Electron Microscopy and Catalysis in the School of Chemistry at Cardiff University (UK). He also serves as Co-Director of the Cardiff Catalysis Institute and Director of the Materials Characterisation Facility at Lehigh. Education Ph.D., Microstructural Physics, Bristol University, 1986 B.Sc. (1st Class Honours), Chemical Physics, Bristol University, 1983 Research Focus Professor Kiely is internationally recognised for applying aberration-corrected analytical electron microscopy (AC-AEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) XEDS/EELS spectrum imaging, and electron diffraction to the study of nanoscale features in particulate materials and interfaces. His work spans catalyst design, nanoparticle self-assembly, quantum dots, carbonaceous materials, and heteroepitaxial interfaces, with a strong emphasis on elucidating structure–activity relationships in supported gold, gold-palladium, and other bimetallic nanocatalysts. Scientific Awards & Distinctions Member of Academia Europaea (2019) Fellow of the Microscopy Society of America (2017) Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales (2015) Harold B. Chambers Senior Professorship (2010) Honorary Visiting Professor, Cardiff University (2009–2016) Innovator Award, NanoTECH Briefs (2005) Personal Chair in Materials Chemistry, University of Liverpool (1999) Leadership & Outreach Dr Kiely has directed the Lehigh Microscopy Summer Schools for two decades (2004–2024), sits on the Council of the Microscopy Society of America, and is a founding member and grant-holder of the UK’s SuperSTEM facility at Daresbury. He has published >350 journal papers and delivered numerous invited lectures across Europe and the United States.
Gilles Bourret is a Tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Salzburg, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences. He leads an active research group focused on nanomaterials, combining synthesis, characterization, electromagnetic simulations, and device testing. His work explores how nanoscale geometry influences functionality in complex 3D systems interacting with light. Education: M. Eng. and M.Sc. in Applied Physics and Nanotechnology, National Institute of Applied Sciences, Toulouse, France Ph.D. in Chemistry (Materials’ Chemistry), McGill University, Canada Habilitation in Materials Science, University of Salzburg His research interests center on advanced nanofabrication techniques such as three-dimensional electrochemical axial lithography (3DEAL), enabling the creation of highly uniform silicon nanowire arrays and nanostructured substrates. These are applied in photoelectrochemistry (e.g., water-splitting photocathodes), plasmonic catalysis (including gas-phase photomethanation), and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). His group emphasizes structure optimization through 3D electromagnetic simulations and high-resolution chemical synthesis. His publication record includes high-impact journals such as Nature Nanotechnology , Advanced Materials , Nano Letters , and JACS , with themes revolving around plasmonics, nanostructure design, catalysis, and light-matter interactions. The articles reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend combining materials chemistry, nanophotonics, and energy applications. Scientific Awards and Recognition: 6 awards/fellowships 15 invited lectures 5 interviews in mainstream media (e.g., Kronenzeitung, Die Presse, Salzburger Nachrichten) Gilles Bourret has secured total research funding of €6.3 million (as main or co-applicant), including infrastructure grants, with €468,000 directly awarded to him as principal investigator. He currently supervises four PhD students: Joshua Piaskowski, Amin Farhadi, Theresa Bartschmid, and Gebhard Sabhati (co-supervised). His lab is developing novel nanomaterials for energy conversion and sensing applications, with a strong emphasis on scalable fabrication and reproducible device performance.
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.
