Prof. Rob Timmermans is a Professor of Theoretical Physics and Vice-Dean for Education at the University of Groningen (UG). He is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Precision Frontier — Van Swinderen Institute for Particle Physics and Gravity. His research focuses on theoretical particle physics, quantum mechanics, and precision measurements, particularly in electric dipole moment (EDM) searches using molecules like BaF. His work includes developing methods for molecular beam manipulation, phase-space analysis, and symmetry violation studies. He has contributed to collaborations such as NL-eEDM, advancing techniques for EDM detection and precision physics. Prof. Timmermans has received nominations for teaching awards, reflecting his commitment to education. Research highlights include studies on nucleon decay, antinucleon-nucleon interactions, and chiral effective field theory. His lab activities involve collaborations on laser-cooled molecules and trapping techniques. Prof. Timmermans’ articles often address fundamental physics questions, such as Lorentz violation in beta decay and parity violation in molecular systems. Awards: Nominated for Faculty Teaching Award 2014, Teacher of the Year 2014-15. Grants/Advising: Leads projects on EDM searches and particle physics, with active roles in international collaborations. Labs/Teams: Van Swinderen Institute, Precision Frontier group.
Dr. Hassan Qudrat-Ullah is a Professor at the School of Administrative Studies, York University, and Coordinator of the Certificate in Logistics Management. He holds a PhD in Decision Sciences from NUS Business School and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on dynamic decision making, system dynamics modeling, energy planning, and interactive learning environments. He teaches courses on quantitative methods, logistics, and decision analysis, informed by global industry experience across 20+ countries. Research interests include sustainability, climate change, systems thinking, and educational applications of decision sciences. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Complexity in Applied Science and Technology and is a member of IEEE, DSI, and the International System Dynamics Society. His work has been published in Energy , Decision Support Systems , and others. Key projects include studies on 'structured-debriefing in dynamic decision making' and renewable energy policies in Africa. His recent articles (2023–2025) address AI integration in energy governance, system dynamics for supply chain resilience, and education for sustainability. Hassan advocates for systems thinking in K-12 education and enjoys traveling (visited 129 countries) and bird-watching.
Harvey B. Meyer is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2014. Previously, he held positions including Junior Professor at Mainz (2010), Fellow at CERN's Theoretical Physics Division (2009), Research Scientist at MIT (2008), and postdoctoral roles at MIT (2006-2008) and DESY (2004-2006). He earned his D.Phil. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Oxford (2001-2004) and a Diplome de Physique from the University of Lausanne (1996-2001). His research focuses on lattice field theory, QCD phase diagrams, thermal field theory, and hadron structure. He leads the NEPhEuQCD collaboration and has received the ERC Consolidator Grant (2018) for the SIMDAMA project. Meyer teaches courses in theoretical physics and mathematical methods at Mainz, including 'Theoretische Physik 4' and 'Mathematische Rechenmethoden'. His work integrates advanced computational techniques to address fundamental questions in particle and nuclear physics. Key achievements include pioneering studies on the muon's anomalous magnetic moment, hadronic light-by-light scattering, and quark-gluon plasma dynamics. Collaborations include MIT, CERN, and institutions globally through lattice QCD projects. His lab and team contributions are central to the PRISMA+ Cluster of Excellence at Mainz.
Yaojun Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Department of Biophysics at Johns Hopkins University. She earned her PhD in Physics from the University of California, San Diego (2015), followed by postdoctoral fellowships at the Princeton Center for Theoretical Science (2015-2018) and the Princeton Center for the Physics of Biological Function (2018-2021). Her research focuses on biological physics, particularly the complex behaviors of biomolecules and their assemblies across scales—from single-molecule folding to intracellular transport and biomolecular phase separation. She employs theoretical, mathematical, and computational tools to bridge biological questions with physical principles. Education PhD in Physics, University of California, San Diego (2015) Postdoctoral Fellowships: Princeton University (2015-2021) Research Interests Her group studies biomolecular condensates and liquid-liquid phase separation, exploring how microscopic interactions determine macroscopic properties of cellular compartments. Key areas include: Biomolecular condensate formation and dynamics Phase separation in cellular environments Interactions between biomolecules and cellular components Biophysics of intracellular transport Collaborations & Tools Zhang collaborates with experimentalists to validate theoretical models and develops frameworks for understanding condensate functions, such as surface tension, stoichiometry, and phase diagrams. Her work addresses challenges like condensate stability, molecular exclusion, and biological function regulation. Labs & Resources She leads the Zhang Lab , which integrates experimental and computational approaches. Her team’s research is supported by resources at the Bloomberg Center for Physics and Astronomy.
Professor Mette Eilstrup-Sangiovanni serves as Senior Lecturer in International Studies within the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) at the University of Cambridge and holds a Fellowship in International Relations at Sidney Sussex College. Her teaching portfolio encompasses International Organization, International Relations Theory, International Security, History and Theory of European Integration, and Research Design and Methodology, reflecting her dual institutional commitments. Her research program centers on International Security, International Organizations, and European Integration with specialized expertise in Global Governance and Transnational Networks. She investigates how formal and informal institutions shape security governance frameworks, weapons proliferation regimes, and European defense architectures through rigorous application of network theory. This analytical lens reveals critical insights into cooperation dynamics and institutional evolution within international security contexts. Publication analysis shows consistent thematic development from foundational work on balance-of-power theory (2008-2009) toward contemporary examinations of multipolarity's institutional impacts (2013-2014). Her scholarship demonstrates methodological continuity in applying network analysis to diverse security challenges, from terrorist organizations to EU defense policy, while maintaining focus on institutional interplay in global governance structures.
Andrew Childs is a Professor at the University of Maryland, affiliated with the Department of Computer Science and the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS). He serves as Director of the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation (RQS) and is a Fellow at the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS). His research focuses on quantum algorithms for simulating physical systems, algebraic problems, and quantum walk protocols, with applications in quantum computing and computational complexity. University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS) Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS) NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation Childs' research spans quantum simulation, quantum Fourier transform, phase estimation, and Hamiltonian dynamics. He has developed techniques to reduce quantum computational resources for simulating quantum systems and explored limitations of quantum computers through hidden subgroup problems and non-unitary dynamics. His publications cover diverse areas including quantum walk optimization, Hamiltonian simulation methods, and applications to cryptography and condensed matter physics. Recent works address spatial search algorithms, product formulas for commutators, and quantum routing protocols. As an educator, Childs has taught courses on quantum algorithms and information processing at both the University of Maryland and University of Waterloo, with lecture notes and materials spanning multiple years. Contact: amchilds@umd.edu | Office: ATL 3359 | Affiliated with University of Maryland's quantum research institutes.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Bradley D. Olsen is a full professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he leads research at the intersection of polymer science, soft matter physics, and bioengineering. His work focuses on designing materials for critical applications in biotechnology, hemostasis, and sustainable polymer development while advancing fundamental understanding of polymer network mechanics and self-assembly. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California Berkeley (2007) S.B. in Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003) Olsen's research spans protein-based materials, block copolymer phase behavior, and mechanochemical hydrogels. He has pioneered methods for quantifying polymer network topology, developing hemostatic nanoparticles, and creating bio-inspired materials for selective biomolecular transport and medical applications. His recent publications emphasize data-driven approaches to polymer characterization and educational outreach in materials science. Scientific Awards: American Physical Society (APS) Fellow (2023) Fulbright Amazonia Scholar (2023) Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Chair in Chemical Engineering (2021) ACS Macro Letters Young Investigator Award (2021) MIT Committed to Caring Honor (2019) AIChE Owens Corning Early Career Award (2019) APS Dillon Medal (2018) Kavli Emerging Leader in Chemistry (2017) ACS Polymer Division Fellow (2016) Camille Dreyfus-Teacher Scholar (2015) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2014) NSF Career Grant (2013) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2009) Hertz Fellow (2003-2007) Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (2002) Olsen has received significant grant support including NSF Career (2013) and AFOSR (2012) awards. His teaching activities include innovative international outreach like the 2025 soccer-themed science camp in Brazil. The Olsen Group at MIT explores advanced materials with applications ranging from trauma care to sustainable polymers.
Professor Mikko Haataja is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University's School of Engineering and Applied Science. Holding a Ph.D. from McGill University (2003), he leads the Haataja Research Group focused on theoretical and computational approaches to materials science and physical biology. His office is located in D404C Engineering Quadrangle, and he serves as an advisor to numerous graduate students working at the intersection of physics, materials science, and biology. Professor Haataja's research spans multiple domains including theoretical and computational materials science, physics of materials, and physical biology. His work examines microstructure formation during solid-solid phase transformations and solidification, growth of electrodeposited thin films and quantum heterostructures, dynamics of driven interfaces with mobile impurities, recrystallization kinetics, cell signaling mechanisms, and the regulation & self-organization of 'lipid rafts' in plasma membranes. His group has pioneered concepts in 'dynamically programmable electromechanical 2D materials' and investigates phase separation phenomena in biological systems. His publication record demonstrates significant contributions across several key areas: intracellular phase transitions and biomolecular condensates, 2D transition metal dichalcogenide materials, lipid bilayer membrane physics, solid oxide fuel cells and batteries, and organic semiconductor thin films. His most recent work focuses on amyloid-like fibril formation, liquid-liquid phase separation in biological contexts, and defect engineering in 2D materials, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach that bridges physics, materials science, and biology. Professor Haataja actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with numerous co-authored publications indicating strong advising relationships. His research program encompasses multiple funded projects investigating materials for energy conversion and storage, intracellular organization mechanisms, and novel 2D material systems. The Haataja Group maintains strong collaborations with other Princeton researchers and external institutions, particularly in the fields of biophysics and advanced materials. The Haataja Group operates as a dynamic research laboratory employing computational modeling and theoretical approaches to address fundamental questions in materials science and biophysics. Their work spans from atomic-scale simulations to continuum modeling, with particular emphasis on phase-field crystal models, membrane biophysics, and 2D material systems. The group maintains specialized computational infrastructure for multiscale modeling and collaborates extensively with experimental groups to validate theoretical predictions.
Andrew Spakowitz is a Professor of Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and by courtesy, Applied Physics and Chemistry at Stanford University. He currently serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs and holds the Tang Family Foundation Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering. His academic career at Stanford spans from Assistant Professor (2006-2014) to Associate Professor (2014-2020) and now Professor since 2020. Dr. Spakowitz earned his PhD in 2004, MS in 2001 from the California Institute of Technology, and his BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1999. He completed postdoctoral training in Molecular and Cell Biology and Biophysics at UC Berkeley from 2004-2006. His research focuses on theoretical and computational approaches to understanding biological processes and complex materials. The Spakowitz lab addresses fundamental chemical and physical phenomena through four main research themes: chromosomal organization and dynamics, protein self-assembly, polymer membranes, and charge transport in conducting polymers. His group employs diverse theoretical and computational methods including analytical theory of semiflexible polymers, polymer field theory, continuum elastic mechanics, Brownian dynamics simulation, equilibrium and dynamic Monte Carlo simulations, and reaction-diffusion modeling. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on epigenetics and chromatin dynamics, with significant work on DNA methylation patterns, nucleosome clustering, and chromosome organization. His research also extends to polymer physics applications in biological systems, particularly in respiratory diseases, water purification membranes, and bacterial phage interactions with human mucus. Tang Family Foundation Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering Professor Spakowitz mentors several graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the Chemical Engineering and Materials Science departments. His lab members work on diverse projects spanning from chromatin dynamics to polymer membranes for water purification. He teaches multiple courses including CHEMENG 120B (Energy and Mass Transport), CHEMENG 340 (Molecular Thermodynamics), CHEMENG 466 (Polymer Physics), and CHEMENG 467 (Physics of Biomacromolecules). The Spakowitz lab operates from Clark S295 at Stanford University, conducting theoretical and computational research that bridges chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering disciplines to address complex problems across multiple length and time scales.
David Bindel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, and Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley in 2006. His research focuses on applied numerical linear algebra, eigenvalue problems, and their applications in plasma physics, network analysis, and nonlinear systems. He develops methods for analyzing complex systems, including magnetic confinement in stellarators, stability of MHD systems, and community detection in networks. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical computational tools, such as formal verification of linear algebra algorithms and scalable Gaussian process models. Bindel’s research explores the interplay between structure and computation, leveraging eigenvalue analysis to address challenges in computer vision, opinion dynamics, and engineering design. He has contributed to advancements in numerical methods for large-scale systems, including iterative solvers, spectral approximation techniques, and stochastic optimization. His interdisciplinary approach spans applied mathematics, computer science, and physics, with applications in fusion energy, machine learning, and network science. Recent work highlights include high-order expansions for magnetic confinement, adaptive filtering for dynamical systems, and Bayesian optimization strategies. His publications emphasize rigorous analysis alongside computational scalability, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects of modern scientific computing. Despite no explicitly listed awards, his contributions reflect significant impact in his fields.
Lucien Castaing-Taylor is the John Cowles Professor of Art and Anthropology at Harvard University and Director of the Sensory Ethnography Lab (SEL), currently on leave for Fall 2025. His work bridges anthropology and artistic practice through sensory ethnography, engaging critically with ecological crises and political challenges while maintaining an ethnographic commitment to lived experience. His research spans sensory ethnography, phenomenology, media anthropology, and post-human/multi-species relations, with deep engagement in cultural and political ecology across the Franco-Creole Caribbean, Europe, and American West. Castaing-Taylor interrogates intellectual history and reason while developing methodologies that merge artistic negative capability with ethnographic rigor to capture life's flux without imposing conventional narrative structures. Castaing-Taylor's creative output demonstrates a consistent trajectory from early works like In and Out of Africa (1992) to recent projects such as De Humani Corporis Fabrica (2022), evolving from representational ethnography toward immersive sensory experiences. His filmography and installations increasingly address the Anthropocene, human-animal relations, and embodied knowledge through experimental audiovisual techniques that challenge documentary conventions and expand ethnographic possibilities. His major awards include: Alpert Award in the Arts (2013) True Vision Award (2013) Los Angeles Film Critics' Circle Douglas Edwards Independent and Experimental Film Award (2012) FIPRESCI Award (2012) As Director of the SEL, Castaing-Taylor cultivates a collaborative environment where anthropology converges with experimental filmmaking and installation art. The lab functions as an incubator for boundary-pushing audiovisual research that engages with urgent planetary issues through sensory immersion, fostering new modes of ethnographic inquiry that transcend traditional academic publishing.
Professor Fay Dowker is a leading theoretical physicist at Imperial College London's Department of Physics, affiliated with the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on quantum gravity, causal set theory, and the nature of spacetime. She explores the granular structure of spacetime at Planck scales, emphasizing causal relationships and the interplay between relativity and quantum mechanics. Dowker's work addresses foundational questions such as the cosmological constant problem, the passage of time, and the relationship between spacetime discreteness and consciousness. Her contributions include seminal lectures like A Meditation on General Relativity and Spacetime Atoms and the Unity of Physics , as well as public debates on parallel universes and the hard problem of consciousness. She has held roles such as organizing events for Einstein's general relativity centenary and contributes to outreach via BBC Radio 4 and the Royal Institution. Her Orcid identifier is 0000-0002-6652-1058, and she is part of interdisciplinary teams like Physics of Universe and Quantum Engineering, Science, and Technology. Dowker’s research bridges physics and philosophy, tackling dichotomies such as continuity vs. atomicity, locality vs. non-locality, and objectivity vs. subjectivity. Her work on causal set theory challenges traditional views of spacetime and offers novel insights into quantum gravity and cosmology.
R. Edwin García is a Professor at the School of Materials Engineering at Purdue University, where he has been faculty since 2005. He holds appointments in the Materials Engineering department within Purdue's College of Engineering, specifically in the School of Materials Engineering located in the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering at Purdue's West Lafayette campus. His educational background includes: B.S. in Physics from the National University of Mexico (1996) M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2000) Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering with a minor in Applied Mathematics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003) Professor García's research focuses on the design of materials and devices through the development of a fundamental understanding of the solid state physics of individual phases, their short and long range interactions, and associated microstructural properties and time evolution. His current research emphasizes establishing relationships between material properties and resultant performance and degradation in electrochemical systems. He integrates computational approaches ranging from kinetic Monte Carlo, phase field and level set methods, to finite elements, finite volumes, and symbolic computing. His work particularly addresses microstructure design, crystallographic texture, and grain boundary science and engineering to control the topology of underlying phases and establish practical relations between processing, microstructure, and material properties. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on lithium-ion battery technology, ferroelectric materials, and computational modeling of material behaviors. The research trends show increasing integration of machine learning with traditional computational methods, exploration of novel sintering techniques like flash sintering, and deeper investigation into the fundamental mechanisms of material degradation in energy storage systems. His work spans multiple length scales from atomistic to continuum modeling, reflecting a comprehensive approach to materials design and analysis. Professor García teaches several courses including MSE 230 (Structure and Properties of Materials), MSE 350 (Thermodynamics of Materials), MSE 597G (Modeling and Simulation of Materials), MSE 597I (Introduction to Computational Materials), and MSE 597N (Physical Properties of Crystals). He mentors graduate students in areas related to computational materials science, battery technology, and microstructural evolution. His research group, the Laboratory of Computational Microstructures, focuses on developing home-grown analytical theories and algorithms to resolve relevant time and length scales in materials systems. The group's work has significant implications for portable power sources, including rechargeable batteries and fuel cells, as well as for ferroelectric ceramic applications.
Prof. dr. Steven Hoekstra is an Associate Professor of Atomic and Molecular Physics at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, within the Van Swinderen Institute. His research focuses on precision measurements using cold molecules to explore fundamental physics, including Stark deceleration, laser cooling, and searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. He leads the NL-eEDM program at Nikhef, investigating the electron's electric dipole moment. Hoekstra is also involved in educational innovation, having received the Teacher of the Year award (2020) and a Senior Teacher Qualification (2023). He has supervised over 11 PhD theses and currently mentors 5 students. His work combines experimental techniques with theoretical insights, addressing questions like symmetry violations and quantum dynamics. Key projects include manipulating BaF molecules with electrostatic fields and exploring levitated nanoparticles as sensors. Hoekstra has secured major grants, including NWO VICI (2022) and VIDI (2013), and collaborates internationally on projects like the European Strategy for particle physics. Recent articles highlight advancements in molecular beam control, spin-precession methods for EDM searches, and opportunities in radioactive molecules. He actively participates in the Physics Olympiad Netherlands as chair, contributing to science outreach and education.
Professor Guy Williams is a leading academic at the University of Cambridge with a focus on imaging science and clinical neurosciences, affiliated with Downing College and the Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre . Holding a PhD in Physics from his initial Natural Sciences degree, he specializes in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and MRI techniques for brain imaging. Education: BA, PhD in Physics His research centers on non-invasive imaging of brain structure and function, particularly in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and dementia. His work involves developing novel MRI pulse sequences and advanced data analysis algorithms, including AI-based diagnostic tools. He leads studies on white matter integrity post-trauma, longitudinal dementia assessment, and applications of MRI in disorders of consciousness and addiction. Recent publications highlight collaborations in traumatic brain injury outcomes, AI-guided dementia prediction, and neuroimaging of post-COVID cognitive deficits. His team's work on ultra-high field laminar fMRI and distortion correction methods has advanced clinical neuroscience applications. Key techniques include diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), 7 Tesla MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET/MR). His research spans from basic NMR physics to clinical translation, with a strong emphasis on multi-site studies and real-world diagnostic implementation.
