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Prof. Dr. Malte Oppermann is a full Professor at the University of Basel , leading the Ultrafast Chiral Dynamics Laboratory within the Department of Chemistry. His group specializes in developing cutting-edge time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to probe molecular transformations on femtosecond to microsecond timescales, focusing on chirality and structural dynamics in complex systems. Research Focus: Ultrafast Chiral Spectroscopy : Using circularly polarized laser pulses to resolve structural changes in chiral systems. Molecular Motors & Protein Dynamics : Capturing conformational changes in synthetic motors and proteins in native environments. Photoactive Materials : Investigating light-energy conversion mechanisms in chiral photochemical systems. His research bridges physics and chemistry, employing state-of-the-art laser technology and collaborating internationally across synthesis, spectroscopy, and theory. Publications & Impact: Prof. Oppermann’s work (2011–2025) spans ultrafast spectroscopy , chiral dynamics , nanomaterials , and biomolecular photophysics . Key themes include spin-crossover dynamics, DNA photodamage, and plasmonic nanoparticles, with techniques like transient X-ray absorption and deep-UV circular dichroism. Team & Opportunities: The group actively recruits MSc/PhD students and postdocs in physics, chemistry, and materials science. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Oppermann directly.

• Ultrafast spectroscopy
• Chiral dynamics
• Molecular dynamics
• +4 more

Natalie Banerji is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Bern, Switzerland. She previously held positions as Associate Professor (2015–2017) and Assistant Professor (2014–2015) at the University of Fribourg, and was an Ambizione Fellow at EPF Lausanne (2011–2014). Her research focuses on organic electronics, photovoltaic materials, and charge transport dynamics in conjugated polymers and perovskites. She has pioneered studies on electrochemical doping mechanisms, materials engineering for organic electrochemical transistors, and the interplay between material structure and optoelectronic properties. Education: PhD in Physical Chemistry (2009, University of Geneva), Diploma in Chemistry (2003, University of Geneva). Her work integrates advanced spectroscopic techniques like terahertz conductivity, transient absorption, and sum frequency generation to explore ultrafast charge dynamics. Key areas include optimizing polymer side-chain engineering for enhanced device stability and performance, and understanding charge separation in organic solar cells. Her recent articles emphasize advances in flexible electronics, biocompatible materials for bioelectronic devices, and perovskite-based optoelectronics. She has been funded by SNSF grants and collaborations with institutions like UCSB and EPFL.

• Organic Electronics
• Photovoltaic Materials
• Materials Chemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Sonja Pullen is a Visiting Professor at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science, affiliated with the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences. Her research focuses on photocatalysis, coordination chemistry, and supramolecular systems, with particular emphasis on developing sustainable energy conversion technologies. Key areas include molecular catalyst design, confined-space catalysis, and light-driven chemical transformations. Her work integrates advanced spectroscopic techniques (e.g., ultrafast spectroscopy) to study catalytic mechanisms, particularly in systems like diiron complexes and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Recent projects explore oxygen-tolerant catalysts, substrate-binding effects in photocatalytic dehalogenation, and the role of hydrogen bonding in catalytic activity. She also investigates functional materials such as coordination cages for artificial photosynthesis. Dr. Pullen’s publications highlight breakthroughs in catalyst stability, reaction selectivity, and energy-efficient processes. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges organic/inorganic chemistry, materials science, and renewable energy applications. Current trends in her work emphasize environmental sustainability and scalable photocatalytic systems for hydrogen production and CO2 conversion. Her lab at the Van 't Hoff Institute collaborates widely on topics like molecular encapsulation, MOF functionalization, and bioinspired catalysts. Ongoing projects aim to enhance photocatalytic efficiency through structural design and confinement strategies.

• Photocatalysis
• Coordination Chemistry
• Renewable Energy
• +3 more

T. Alan Hatton is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering within the School of Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His career spans over four decades with significant contributions to electrochemical separation processes and sustainable engineering solutions. Current research focuses on developing next-generation electrochemical systems for critical environmental challenges. Education: Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1981 M.Sc. Eng, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 1976 B.Sc. Eng, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 1972 Professor Hatton's research centers on electrochemically-mediated separation processes , specifically targeting carbon capture from diverse sources (post-combustion flue gas, ambient air, and ocean water) and advanced water purification systems. His work integrates fundamental transport phenomena with innovative electrochemical engineering to create energy-efficient solutions. Key methodologies include redox-active materials, electro-swing adsorption, and molten salt electrochemistry, with strong emphasis on scalability and real-world implementation. Recent breakthroughs involve oxygen-stable quinone systems for direct air capture and marine carbon dioxide removal technologies. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a concentrated focus on electrochemical CO 2 capture and conversion , with 87% of works directly addressing carbon management. Dominant themes include redox-active material design (particularly quinones and iron complexes), process thermodynamics optimization, and novel reactor architectures like fiber sorbents and photoelectrochemical systems. The research demonstrates consistent progression toward practical implementation, with increasing attention to marine carbon removal and integration with renewable energy sources. Scientific Awards: Founding Fellow, AIMBE, 1992 Merck Faculty Development Award, 1989 Class of '22 Career Development Chair, 1988 Presidential Young Investigator Award, NSF, 1985 Everett Moore Baker Award for Excellence in UG Teaching, MIT, 1983 Professor Hatton leads an active research group developing electrochemical separation technologies with significant industry and environmental impact. His laboratory operates at the intersection of fundamental electrochemistry and applied environmental engineering, securing sustained funding for projects targeting carbon capture scalability and water purification innovation. Current efforts focus on translating electro-swing adsorption technology to commercial applications through startup ventures, while maintaining strong educational contributions through MIT's chemical engineering curriculum. The research team maintains collaborations with national laboratories and industry partners to accelerate technology deployment.

• Electrochemical Separation Processes
• Carbon Capture
• Water Purification
• +4 more

Gavin Craig is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, where he leads an independent research programme on porous molecules, mechanochemistry and materials fabrication. He joined Strathclyde in 2019 as Chancellor’s Fellow, was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2023, and currently supervises two post-docs and a PhD student while accepting new doctoral researchers. Education & Career: PhD Inorganic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 2013 – spin-crossover materials Post-doc University of Glasgow 2013-2016 – high-pressure crystallography & molecular magnetism JSPS Fellow & Assistant Professor, Kyoto University 2016-2019 – porous molecules for gas storage Research Interests: His group combines coordination chemistry and supramolecular design to create metal–organic cages and polyhedra that act as selective gas sponges or stimuli-responsive gels. Using mechanochemistry, 3-D electron diffraction and high-pressure crystallography he interrogates how self-assembly and external stimuli modulate porosity, with direct relevance to CO₂ capture, carbon-monoxide delivery and membrane technologies. Funding & Impact: Craig is Principal Investigator on two active Leverhulme Trust grants (£500k+) investigating cooperative gas uptake in adaptable cages and sustainable porous membranes. Work contributes to UN SDGs on Affordable & Clean Energy and Climate Action. Awards & Recognition: Strathclyde Medal – Team Award 2022 Advising & Collaboration: He has successfully graduated one PhD student (Dr Beatriz Doñagueda) and one PDRA (Dr Valentyna Slyusarchuk) and currently mentors Dr Emma Regincos Marti (PDRA), Dr Matthew Snelgrove (PDRA) and Megan Wilkinson (PhD). He maintains active international collaborations across UK, Spain, Japan and Italy evidenced by 58 publications and 20 invited seminars/examinations.

• Porous materials
• Metal-organic polyhedra
• Gas storage and separation
• +5 more

Professor Paolo Fornasiero is a Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Trieste, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he has worked since 1998. He serves as Deputy Director of the department since 2021 and Scientific Responsible of the CNR Research Unit associated with the Institute of Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (ICCOM) since 2008. His career spans EU projects, bilateral collaborations with China, India, and Argentina, and leadership roles in journals like ACS Catalysis (Executive Editor since 2021). Full Professor (2016–present) Associate Professor (2006–2016) Assistant Professor (1998–2006) Post-Doc, University of Reading (1996–1997) His research focuses on multi-functional metal-oxide nanosystems for energy and environmental catalysis, including green hydrogen production , CO2 valorization , and methane emission control . He pioneered core-shell catalysts and single-atom systems for stability and selectivity. His work extends to solid oxide fuel cells and photocatalytic water depollution . Recent publications highlight trends in photothermal catalysis , single-atom catalysts , and CO2 electroreduction . His 280+ papers (3 in Science , 2 in Nature Communications ) reflect expertise across Environmental Catalysis , Nanomaterials , and Green Energy . 2022 Malatesta Medal 2021 European Academy of Sciences member 2017 Edoardo Kramer Award 2016 Heinz Heinemann Award 2013 Chiusoli Gold Medal He oversees PhD/postdoc advising and participates in global capacity-building via UNIDO and World Academy of Sciences . His lab collaborates with institutions like KAUST , Czech Academy of Sciences , and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics .

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Nanostructured Materials
• Environmental Catalysis
• +7 more

Amit Sachdeva is an Associate Professor of Bio-Organic Chemistry at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he leads the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology's Department of Chemistry. He serves as Director of Postgraduate Research in Chemistry, overseeing doctoral training and academic strategy. His research focuses on Chemical Biology and Synthetic Biology, with a specific emphasis on expanding genetic code capabilities to engineer novel proteins for biomedical applications. Dr. Sachdeva completed his PhD at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, investigating DNA-based enzymes, followed by postdoctoral work at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. His current work includes developing light-responsive antibodies for targeted therapies and ultrafast viral diagnostics. Notable achievements include pioneering photoactive antibody fragments and securing patents (e.g., WO-2020193981-A1) for light-controlled antigen binding. Key Projects: Designing cancer biotherapeutics (Leverhulme Trust), fluorescent switches for SARS-CoV-2 detection (Royal Society of Chemistry), and biomolecular wire development (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council). Grants: Over £5M from institutions like The Big C Appeal and Wellcome Trust. Research Interests: Genetic code expansion, protein engineering, non-natural amino acids, and their applications in diagnostics/therapeutics. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and innovation. Publications: Over 25 peer-reviewed articles in top journals like Nature Chemical Biology , Angewandte Chemie , and Nature Reviews Chemistry , with several highly cited contributions (e.g., 99th percentile in 2023).

• Chemical Biology
• Synthetic Biology
• Protein Engineering
• +4 more

William S. Oates is the Cummins, Inc. Professor of Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Florida A&M / Florida State University. He holds affiliations with the Mechatronics and Energy Center and the Florida Energy Systems Consortium (FESC). His research focuses on solid mechanics of multifunctional materials, quantum-informed continuum modeling, and applications in robotics, aerospace, and energy systems. He has advised over 20 graduate students and holds awards including ASME Fellow (2018) and NSF CAREER Award (2011). Education: Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology. Research spans smart materials, fractal media mechanics, and quantum computing for material modeling. Key projects include high-temperature sapphire pressure sensors, photomechanical polymers, and Bayesian uncertainty quantification in materials science. Notable awards include DARPA Young Faculty Award (2009) and FSU Guardian of the Flame Teaching Award (2010). His lab collaborates with the National High Magnetic Field Lab and Challenger Learning Center for K-12 outreach. Current research includes quantum algorithm implementation for engineering applications and fractal-based viscoelastic models.

• Solid mechanics of active materials
• Smart material device design
• Nonlinear control
• +6 more

Larissa Gomes Franca is a Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge's Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, affiliated with the Photoactive Materials Group. She holds a PhD from Durham University as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early-Stage Researcher and earned her BSc and MSc in Physics at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research focuses on energy-efficient materials for optoelectronic applications like OLEDs , solar cells , and photon upconversion . She explores stimuli-responsive liquid crystal hosts for spectral conversion systems and investigates photophysical processes in organic materials using optical spectroscopy techniques. Key publication trends include advancements in thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) , room temperature phosphorescence , and triplet-triplet annihilation for energy upconversion. Her work bridges materials informatics with liquid crystal engineering to enhance solar energy harvesting. Scientific awards: Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellowship (2023) Contact: lg735@cam.ac.uk | Personal Webpage

• Organic Electronics
• Optical Spectroscopy
• Photophysics
• +3 more

Dr Andrew Thomas is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Materials at The University of Manchester, based in the Photon Science Institute. He holds a PhD in Adsorbate Studies of Titanium Oxides from the University of Liverpool (1994) and an MSc in Instrumentation and Analytical Science from UMIST (1990). His roles include Research Fellow and membership in professional committees such as the Thin Films and Surfaces Group of the Institute of Physics and the Diamond Light Source User Committee. His research focuses on surface science, biomaterials, catalysis, and photovoltaic materials. He has led projects like the £2 million bid to the Sir Henry Royce Institute for advanced spectroscopy instruments. Education: PhD (University of Liverpool), MSc (UMIST), BSc (University of Manchester) Research Groups: Biomaterials, Corrosion and Protection, Ceramics and Inorganics Key Projects: Manchester Bioelectronics Network, development of novel spectroscopy instruments His research interests span organic molecule interactions with surfaces, corrosion mechanisms, and solar energy materials. He has published over 119 articles and contributed to datasets on material characterization. Thomas is actively involved in outreach, including lectures and partnerships with schools for science education initiatives.

• Biomaterials
• Catalysis
• Corrosion Science
• +4 more

Professor Rajesh Ramanathan is a renowned interdisciplinary scientist and research leader at RMIT University's School of Science. He holds the rank of Professor and co-leads the NanoBiotechnology Research Lab (NBRL). His work focuses on nanotechnology, materials chemistry, and sensor development for healthcare applications, with over 85 peer-reviewed publications and 20 patents. He has secured AUD $22 million in research funding and mentored 16 PhD students and 3 postdocs. Education: PhD in Science (RMIT University, 2012), Master of Biotechnology (RMIT, 2006), and Bachelor of Science (Ruia College, 2004). Awards include the Hartung Lecturer Award (2022), Rising Star Award (2022), and Philip Law Postdoctoral Award (2019). Research interests span nanobiotechnology, nanozymes, antimicrobial surfaces, and sensors for environmental/clinical analytes. He leads projects in supercapacitor materials, inflammation theranostics, and UV protection textiles. Current students include Pyria Mariathomas (antibacterial nanozymes) and Shalu Yadav (2D nanocomposites for viral biomarkers). Professional roles include President of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute VIC Branch and leadership roles in the Australian Nanotechnology Network. His work bridges academia and industry, with collaborations in biomedical imaging and sensor commercialization.

• Nanobiotechnology
• Materials Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• +6 more

Katherine Villa is a Group Leader at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), where she leads cutting-edge research in light-driven systems for energy, health, and environmental applications. Her work bridges chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology, focusing on nanostructured photocatalysts and self-propelled micro/nanorobots. PhD in Chemistry from Autonomous University of Barcelona Former senior scientist at Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Prague Current research group leader at ICIQ, Tarragona, Spain Her research interests center on photocatalysis, nanomaterials, renewable energy, and environmental remediation . She designs nanostructured materials for solar fuel generation and develops photoactive micromotors for water purification and biomedical applications. Her work aligns with EU Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in clean energy and environmental protection. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in functional micro/nanorobots , gas-phase CO2 conversion , and advanced photocatalytic systems . These works span from fundamental charge transport studies to real-world applications in pollution removal and green hydrogen production. Scientific awards and honors include: ERC Starting Grant (2022) BBVA Leonardo Grant in Basic Sciences (2023) RSEQ Young Investigator Award – Group Leader (2023) Member, Young Academy of Spain (2023) BIST Mother of Science Award (2021) Member, Early Career Editorial Board, Applied Catalysis B She actively mentors a diverse team of PhD and master's students , and her group receives substantial funding from the European Research Council (ERC) , Horizon Europe , Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions , and Spanish national programs such as Juan de la Cierva and FPI . She is also involved in outreach, training workshops for grant applications, and public science communication. Her research group operates within a collaborative ecosystem at ICIQ, leveraging advanced scientific core facilities for material characterization, synthesis, and analysis. Projects like PhotoSwim , TherMotors , and PhotoClean reflect the interdisciplinary and innovative nature of her lab.

• Photocatalysis
• Nanomaterials
• Renewable Energy
• +7 more

Nicholas Borotto is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), within the College of Science. His research focuses on advancing mass spectrometry techniques for analyzing biomolecules, particularly proteins, by integrating methods like chemical derivatization, laser irradiation, ion mobility, and radical chemistry. His lab develops tools to study protein three-dimensional structures, post-translational modifications, and the acidic proteome. Education Postdoctoral Scholar (2016-2019), University of Michigan Ph.D., Chemistry (2016), University of Massachusetts B.S., Biochemistry (2007), Northeastern University Research Interests Borotto’s work bridges chemistry and biology, addressing both biochemical questions and methodological advancements in mass spectrometry. Current projects include: 1. Equipping a carbon monoxide laser for IRMPD studies in unconventional pressure regimes. 2. Developing photocaged probes for in vivo protein structure analysis. 3. Applying free-radical initiated peptide sequencing (FRIPS) to complex anion mixtures. Publications His recent work emphasizes trapped-ion mobility spectrometry, protein footprinting, and radical-driven peptide sequencing. Publications highlight innovations in protein conformation analysis, ion mobility separations, and gas-phase chemistry. Labs & Teams The Borotto Lab, part of UNR’s Department of Chemistry, focuses on bioanalytical mass spectrometry. The lab combines instrumentation development with biochemical applications, offering students training in analytical chemistry, proteomics, and biophysical methods.

• Mass Spectrometry
• Proteomics
• Bioanalytical Chemistry
• +3 more

Jaewon Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Missouri. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and BS/MS degrees in Chemical Engineering from Yonsei University. His research focuses on understanding self-assembly mechanisms and crystal growth dynamics, with applications in photonics, energy storage, and biomedical technologies. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Purdue University MS in Chemical Engineering, Yonsei University BS in Chemical Engineering, Yonsei University Research Interests: Jaewon Lee’s work explores the interplay between colloidal forces, nanoparticle dynamics, and material properties. His studies bridge fundamental nanotechnology with practical applications, including thermoelectric materials, energy storage systems, and biocompatible nanoparticles for diagnostics. Key areas include defect engineering in nanocrystals, phase-change material encapsulation, and real-time characterization of self-assembly processes. Awards: Excellent Academic Record, Yonsei University Outstanding Graduate Student in Cancer Research, SIRG Outstanding Postdoctoral Performance, Pacific Northwest National Lab Grants & Collaborations: Lee secured a $1.1M grant ($800K NSF + $300K university) to develop real-time microscale reaction visualization tools. He also collaborates with Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology and the Korea Institute of Chemical Engineers. Labs & Teams: His lab integrates advanced microscopy, computational modeling, and materials synthesis to address challenges in nanotechnology and energy systems. Research is conducted at the interface of chemical engineering and mechanical engineering disciplines.

• Nanotechnology
• Self-Assembly
• Crystal Growth
• +5 more

Lauren N. Pincus is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, George Washington University. Her research focuses on understanding and controlling the fate of inorganic pollutants in the environment using advanced synchrotron spectroscopy. Key areas include developing sustainable materials for contaminant removal, carbon sequestration, and climate change mitigation strategies involving microplastics and geochemical processes. Her work spans environmental chemistry, geochemistry, and materials science, with a particular emphasis on pollutants such as heavy metals (e.g., Pb), microplastics, and CO2. She leads the Pincus Lab, which explores novel technologies for environmental remediation and energy decarbonization. Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding microplastic environmental fate, hydrogen storage, and selective adsorption of contaminants like arsenic. Her research bridges fundamental science and practical applications, aiming to address global challenges in pollution control and sustainability. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, though her grants include the EAR-PF: Microplastics grant (2021). She advises students in her lab and collaborates on projects related to sustainable water treatment and geochemical systems.

• Environmental Chemistry
• Geochemistry
• Materials Science
• +6 more