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.
Prof. dr. ir. C.H. (Caspar) van der Wal is a Full Professor in Physics of Quantum Devices at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen. His research focuses on spintronic and quantum information functionalities using electron/nuclear spins in semiconductor devices, combining quantum optical and electron transport methods. PhD in Quantum Transport (Delft University of Technology, 2001) Postdoc in Quantum Optics at Harvard University (2001-2003) Scientific Director of Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials (2016-2022) Research keywords include Quantum Optics , Spintronics , Quantum Information , and Semiconductor Physics . Recent work explores 2D/3D semiconductor heterostructures , spin defects in SiC , and transition metal dichalcogenides . His scientific contributions have earned him the NWO-Vidi Grant (2005) , ERC Starting Grant (2011) , and multiple teaching awards. Publications since 2001 span topics like quantum superpositions in superconducting circuits, spin relaxation in quantum dots, and telecom-ready spin centers in silicon carbide. Grants : NWO-Vidi (2005), ERC Starting Grant (2011) Leadership : Scientific Director, Zernike Institute (2016-2022) Teaching : Teacher of the Year (2015), Education Prize (2012) Current affiliations include the Physics of Nanodevices group at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. Collaborations span institutions like MIT, Harvard, and AMOLF.
Beatriz Noheda is a Full Professor of Functional Nanomaterials at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, where she chairs the Solid State Materials for Electronics group at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. She also serves as the founding Director of the Groningen Cognitive Systems and Materials center (CogniGron). Her academic journey began with a PhD in Physics from the Autonomous University of Madrid in 1996, followed by research positions at Brookhaven National Laboratory and various European institutions before joining Groningen through the prestigious Rosalind Franklin Fellowship program in 2004. Her research interests span the physics of functional materials with particular emphasis on ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and multiferroic thin films . She investigates the relationship between structure and functionality, focusing on nano-domain control through strain engineering and the unique properties of domain walls. Her work bridges fundamental physics with two promising application areas: piezoelectric energy harvesting for low-power electronics and the development of novel materials for neuromorphic computing . This dual focus reflects her vision of enabling the next technological revolution through materials science. Noheda's publication record shows a clear evolution from fundamental structural studies of ferroelectric materials toward cutting-edge research in hafnia-based ferroelectrics and neuromorphic computing materials. Her most recent work focuses on oxygen migration in hafnium-zirconium oxide systems, metal-insulator transitions in nickelates, and the development of novel ferroelectric phases suitable for next-generation electronic devices. These publications demonstrate her leadership in advancing the field from basic understanding toward practical applications in memory devices and cognitive computing systems. Fellow of the American Physical Society (2011) - awarded for fundamental structural studies of new phases in perovskite-type ferroelectric materials and domain nanostructures IEEE Robert E. Newnham Ferroelectrics Award (2020) - for outstanding contributions to understanding giant piezoelectricity in lead zirconate titanate Member of the Netherlands Academy of Technology and Innovation (AcTI) (2022) Elected Senior member IEEE (2021) Rosalind Franklin Fellowship (2004) - enabling her successful academic career in Groningen Noheda has secured substantial research funding throughout her career, including a Rosalind Franklin Fellowship (2004-2009), VIDI-NWO Fellowship (2004-2008), TOP-NWO project on Functional Nanowalls (2007-2012), multiple Zernike Institute Dieptestrategie grants, and a significant TOP-PUNT grant (2016-2021). She has supervised numerous students and early-career researchers, contributing to the development of the next generation of materials scientists. Her leadership extends to editorial roles on prestigious journals including Science, Physical Review Applied, and npj Quantum Materials. As Director of CogniGron, Noheda leads an interdisciplinary center focused on developing materials and systems for cognitive computing. Her team combines expertise in functional oxides, nanoelectronics, and neuromorphic engineering to create novel computing paradigms inspired by the human brain. The center represents a strategic initiative at the University of Groningen to position itself at the forefront of cognitive systems research.
Professor Jasper van Wezel is a distinguished academic in the field of Condensed Matter Theory at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science, where he serves as Professor in the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) within the Institute of Physics. With a career spanning over two decades, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (2014-2016) to Associate Professor (2016-2024) and currently holds the position of Professor since 2024. His academic journey began with a PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics from Leiden University in 2007, followed by prestigious fellowships at Argonne National Laboratory and Homerton College, Cambridge. PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics (cum laude), Leiden University, 2007 Master's diploma in theoretical condensed matter physics (cum laude), Leiden University, 2003 Dutch VWO Diploma (cum laude), Dalton Scholengemeenschap, Den Haag, 1997 US High School Diploma (cum laude), Sanford High School, Maine, USA, 1998 Professor van Wezel's research focuses on several interconnected areas within Condensed Matter Theory. His work explores competing instabilities in Charge Density Wave materials, including Superconductivity and Charge Order, Combined Charge and Orbital Order, and Transition-metal dichalcogenides. He has made significant contributions to Topology in Condensed Matter, particularly examining the Role of crystal symmetries and Topology in non-Hermitian systems. A major theme in his research involves investigating the Connections between Quantum and Classical behaviour, with special emphasis on Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking both in equilibrium (The role of the Thin Spectrum) and dynamically (Spontaneous loss of Unitarity). Analysis of Professor van Wezel's recent publications reveals a strong focus on quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems, with particular attention to topological aspects, symmetry breaking, and connections to fundamental physics concepts like black hole thermodynamics. His work often bridges theoretical concepts with potential experimental realizations, as evidenced by studies on electron patterns in materials like TaS2 and theoretical frameworks for understanding quantum phase transitions. Bristol Physics Teaching Award (2014) Students' Award for Outstanding Teaching (2014) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2014) Aneesur Rahman Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory (2010-2012) Junior Research Fellowship at Homerton College, Cambridge (2007-2010) Physics 'Discovery of the year' by Leiden University Physics department (2005) 'Onderwijsprijs Natuurkunde' teaching award (2004/2005) Professor van Wezel has secured numerous research grants including an ENW-M grant (2023), an ENW-Groot project with Leiden University (2021), and a prestigious VIDI personal grant from NWO (2014). He has supervised over 50 students at various levels, including PhD candidates, MSc students, and BSc students, fostering the next generation of physicists. His leadership extends to organizing conferences, serving on PhD committees, and holding administrative roles such as chair of the educational committee for the Dutch Research School in Theoretical Physics. His research group at the University of Amsterdam's Institute for Theoretical Physics maintains active collaborations with institutions worldwide, including Leiden University, University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, and research centers in France, Germany, and Poland. The group's work combines analytical theoretical approaches with computational methods to tackle fundamental questions in quantum condensed matter physics.
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.
Tanja Lange is a Full Professor at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Technische Universiteit Eindhoven. She chairs the Coding Theory and Cryptology group and serves as scientific director of the Eindhoven Institute for the Protection of Systems and Information (Ei/Ψ). Additionally, she holds a visiting professor position at Academia Sinica, Taiwan. Research & Teaching Her research focuses on cryptography and number theory , with leadership in post-quantum cryptography (including code-based, lattice-based, hash-based, and isogeny-based systems). She has taught courses like Introduction to Cryptology and Selected Areas in Cryptology at TU/e, covering quantum algorithms, cryptographic protocols, and mathematical foundations. Key Contributions Co-author of 5 recent publications (2023-2025) on differential addition chains, ROLLO-I analysis, CSIDH fault injection, and KpqC evaluations Recipient of the Best Master Lecturer 2016 award Active in NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography competition (e.g., NTRU Prime) Affiliated with the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology Eindhoven Contact MetaForum 5.062, TU/e Email: tanja@hyperelliptic.org (primary) | t.lange@tue.nl (TU/e)
Prof. B.J. (Bart) van Wees is a Professor of Applied Physics at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. He leads research in nanodevices, focusing on spintronics, magnonic spin transport, and quantum materials. His work includes pioneering contributions to spin caloritronics and graphene-based spintronic devices. Education: PhD in Physics from Delft University (1989), postdoc in mesoscopic superconductivity. Research interests include spin transport in 2D materials, chiral systems, and antiferromagnetic spintronics. He has held leadership roles in EU Graphene Flagship (Spintronics Workpackage) and the QuMat Zwaartekracht consortium. Key achievements: 2015 Spinoza Award, 2021 ERC Advanced Grant, Fellow of the American Physical Society. Awards also include KNAW membership and multiple grants. Research spans magnon transistors, graphene magnetism, and van der Waals heterostructures. Lab affiliations: Physics of Nanodevices group, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. Collaborations include EU-funded projects and international teams in spintronics and quantum materials.
Alberto G. Curto is an Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology, specializing in nanophotonics and semiconductor optoelectronics. He leads research on light-matter interactions at the nanoscale, focusing on atomically thin semiconductors and chiral nanophotonics applications. His work spans sensing, imaging, and spectroscopy, with contributions to directional light emission and chiral detection technologies. Education BSc in Physics, Universidad de Salamanca (2002–2007) MSc and PhD in Photonics, ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences (2008–2013) Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University (2013–2016) Research Interests Curto’s research explores semiconductor nanophotonics for sensing and imaging, leveraging atomically thin materials and chiral optics. Key areas include: Enhanced light-matter interactions using nano-optical structures Chiral detection via dielectric resonators and metasurfaces Exciton dynamics in 2D semiconductors Publications His work emphasizes practical applications of nanophotonics, with recent studies on chiral sensing enhancement, silicon metasurfaces, and exciton manipulation. Over 47 peer-reviewed articles highlight his contributions to light confinement and directional emission. Awards ERC Starting Grant (2020) NWO START-UP Grant (2018) OSA Senior Member (2021) ICFO PhD Thesis Award (2014) Grants & Projects He leads the Zwaartekracht PSN Research Centre for Integrated Nanophotonics (2014–2025), focusing on nanowires, photonic crystals, and photonics applications. Labs & Teams His research group at TU Eindhoven develops novel nanophotonic devices and chiral sensing platforms, collaborating on projects like the ERC CHANSON grant.
Daniel Vanmaekelbergh is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Utrecht University, where he leads research in the Condensed Matter and Interfaces group within the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science. His academic career spans over two decades with continuous contributions to nanomaterials science and semiconductor physics. Professor Vanmaekelbergh's research focuses on the fundamental properties of semiconductor nanocrystals, quantum dots, and artificial electronic lattices. His work bridges theoretical and experimental approaches to investigate electron transport, quantum confinement effects, and the optical properties of nanoscale materials. He has made significant contributions to understanding the formation mechanisms of nanocrystal superlattices, the electronic structure of artificial honeycomb lattices, and the dynamics of excitons in confined systems. His research group, known as the Vanmaekelbergh Lab, employs advanced techniques including scanning tunneling spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and optical spectroscopy to probe nanoscale phenomena. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on the physics of quantum-confined systems, particularly in lead chalcogenide and cadmium selenide nanocrystals. His work explores the relationship between nanocrystal structure and electronic properties, with applications in optoelectronics and quantum technologies. Recent research has focused on oriented attachment processes, artificial quantum systems with fractal geometries, and the fundamental limits of light-matter interactions in nanoscale materials. Professor Vanmaekelbergh has established a productive research program with numerous collaborations across the Netherlands and internationally. His work has been published consistently in high-impact journals including Nature Physics, Nano Letters, and ACS Nano, demonstrating the significance of his contributions to the field of nanomaterials science.
Matthias Schlottbom is an Associate Professor specializing in Mathematics of Computational Science, with a focus on numerical methods and their applications in physics, biology, and engineering. His research integrates advanced computational techniques with interdisciplinary problems, including radiative transfer, photonic crystals, and chemotaxis modeling. Research Interests: Schlottbom’s work spans numerical analysis, finite element methods, and machine learning. He develops high-order discretization schemes, iterative solvers for anisotropic transport, and mathematical frameworks for biological network formation. Publications: Recent articles highlight his contributions to accelerating radiative transfer simulations, extending component mode synthesis for Helmholtz equations, and analyzing diffusion limits in kinetic models. His work often bridges computational mathematics with practical applications in photonics and multiscale systems. Collaborations: He actively collaborates on datasets for optical simulations, radiative transfer algorithms, and photonic crystal modeling, contributing to open-access repositories like 4TU.Centre and Zenodo. Activities: Schlottbom has organized workshops such as the Kinetic Theory Workshop in the Netherlands and delivered keynotes on residual minimization and data-driven methods for transport equations. Scientific Awards: No specific awards or fellowships are mentioned in the provided materials. Advising & Grants: Details about students, advising roles, or grant funding are not included in the available data.
Erik Bakkers is a Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology leading research in quantum materials and nanodevices. His group pioneers nanowire-based systems for quantum computing applications, with breakthroughs in Majorana fermion detection and topological materials. Key research directions: Quantum information carriers in semiconductor nanowires Light-emitting silicon and germanium alloys High-efficiency nanowire solar cells He directs the 'Enabling Majorana Braiding' project (2018-2028) and collaborates with IBM, Microsoft, and Philips on quantum technology development. His work has been recognized with multiple ERC grants and the NWO Vici Award.
Karen Barad is Distinguished Professor of History of Consciousness at the University of California, Santa Cruz, with joint appointments in Philosophy and Feminist Studies. She holds a Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics from SUNY Stony Brook and previously held a tenured position in a physics department before transitioning to interdisciplinary work. At UCSC, she is affiliated with the Humanities Division and serves as faculty in the History of Consciousness Department and Philosophy Department. Barad earned her Ph.D. in Physics from SUNY Stony Brook, building a foundation in theoretical particle physics before moving toward more interdisciplinary work. Her unique trajectory from physics to philosophy and feminist studies has shaped her distinctive approach to questions of matter, meaning, and ethics. Barad's research spans multiple disciplines including science studies, multispecies studies, physics, nuclear studies, continental philosophy, epistemology, ontology, ethics, politics, and philosophy of physics. Her theoretical framework of "agential realism" has significantly influenced feminist theory, science studies, and philosophy. She approaches questions of matter, meaning, and ethics through the lens of quantum physics, developing concepts like intra-action, diffraction, and entanglement as philosophical tools. Her work challenges traditional boundaries between subject/object, nature/culture, and human/non-human. Her publications over the last two decades reveal a consistent engagement with the intersections of science, philosophy, and ethics, particularly focusing on how material-discursive practices shape reality. Barad's work increasingly addresses ecological concerns, nuclear legacies, and questions of justice, demonstrating how scientific concepts can inform ethical and political thought. Her writing moves fluidly between theoretical physics, feminist theory, and philosophical inquiry, creating new pathways for understanding the entanglement of matter and meaning. honorary doctorate from Gothenburg University Fulbright fellowship Kresge College Teaching Award Barad has received significant recognition for her scholarship and her research has been generously supported by major funding organizations including the National Science Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Hughes Foundation, the Irvine Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. As Co-Director of the Science & Justice Graduate Training Program at UCSC, Barad has mentored numerous graduate students and shaped interdisciplinary research connecting scientific inquiry with questions of social justice. Her collaborative work with scholars like Jenny Reardon has helped establish science & justice as a vital field of inquiry. Barad's approach to mentoring emphasizes the ethical responsibilities inherent in scientific and philosophical practices. Through her leadership in the Science & Justice Research Center, which she helped found, Barad has fostered innovative collaborations across disciplines, creating spaces where scientists, humanists, and social scientists can work together on pressing contemporary issues. Her work continues to influence multiple fields, with ongoing projects exploring nuclear colonialism, ecological ethics, and the material consequences of scientific practices.
Eugenio Cantatore is a Full Professor in the Integrated Circuits group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where he leads the Emerging Technologies Lab. His research focuses on the design and characterization of electronic circuits fabricated with emerging technologies, as well as the design of ultra-low power micro-systems for biomedical applications. Education: MSc in Electrical Engineering (1993) - Politecnico di Bari, Italy PhD in Electrical Engineering (1997) - Politecnico di Bari, Italy Cantatore's research primarily centers on flexible electronics fabricated on plastic foil, including sensors interfaces, analog-digital converters and transceivers. His work enables the integration of sensors in wearables for improved well-being and seamless medical diagnostics, and can even be embedded in food packaging to measure grocery quality and reduce waste. His research spans multiple disciplines including semiconductor physics, circuit design, and biomedical engineering, with a strong focus on practical applications of emerging electronic technologies. He has made significant contributions to organic thin-film transistor amplifiers and printed flexible electronics. His publications demonstrate a consistent progression from fundamental circuit design with organic transistors to increasingly sophisticated integrated systems with practical healthcare applications. Recent work emphasizes biomedical applications like ECG monitoring systems and ultra-low power sensor interfaces, showing his commitment to translating research into real-world solutions that address societal challenges in healthcare and sustainability. Scientific Awards: IEEE Fellow (2016) - for contributions to the design of circuits with organic thin film transistors Cantatore has been actively involved in professional service, having chaired the Technology Directions subcommittee of ISSCC from 2013 to 2016 and served as ISSCC program chair in 2019. He is currently a member of the ISSCC Executive Committee, member at large of the SSCS AdCom, Associate Editor of TCAS1, and Editor in Chief of the Open Journal of the Solid-state Circuits Society. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 papers in journals and conference proceedings, and 13 patents or patent applications. He leads the Emerging Technologies Lab at TU/e, which works closely with the Center for Care & Cure Technology Eindhoven and the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology Eindhoven. His research bridges fundamental semiconductor physics with practical applications in healthcare technology, environmental sustainability, and next-generation flexible electronic systems.
Florian Bociort is an Assistant Professor at the Optics Research Group , Delft University of Technology (Faculty of Applied Sciences). He holds a PhD in Physics from TU Berlin (1994) and has dedicated his career to optical system design, gradient-index optics, and computational methods in lens design. Research Interests Bociort’s research focuses on design landscapes of optical systems , where he pioneered the use of saddle points to escape local minima in optimization. His work spans Gradient-index optics (conversion of homogeneous lenses to GRIN media) Artificial intelligence in lens design Optics education (simulation-driven learning) Academic Contributions He has supervised multiple PhD theses on topics like: A. M. Boyd (2025): Generalized gradient-index lens optimization Z. Hou (2023): Systematic lens design searches Y. Shao (2021): Imaging coherence and optimization M. Strauch (2020): Tunable optics M. Mout (2019): Ray-based diffraction simulation Recent Publications His 2025-2018 publications show a trajectory from classical optical design to modern computational approaches, including simulation-driven education, gradient-index conversions, and high-NA diffraction modeling. The 2024 paraxial reconstruction and 2025 simulation-education articles exemplify this evolution. Patents & Expertise He co-invented two ASML-related patents in lithographic design and served as expert witness in the 2018 ASML-Nikon patent lawsuit. His personal webpage details his networks of local minima and fractal basins in optimization.
Ivana Nikoloska is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). She is affiliated with the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology Eindhoven and BIASlab (Bayesian Intelligence and Stochastic Agents Lab). Her academic career includes prior roles as a Research Associate at King’s College London and a Visiting Researcher at Aalborg University. PhD: Monash University, Australia (2023) MSc & Dipl.-Ing.: University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, North Macedonia Research Interests span foundational and applied machine learning, quantum computing, and information/communication engineering. Her work focuses on integrating Bayesian inference, variational methods, and quantum technologies for tasks like signal processing, channel estimation, and power control optimization. Quantum Machine Learning Bayesian Simulation-Based Inference Meta-learning for Wireless Systems Hybrid Quantum-Classical Architectures Stochastic Signal Processing Quantum Sensing & Metrology Notable Trends in Publications include quantum recurrent neural networks with adaptive gating, Bayesian frameworks for quantum sensing, and meta-learning applications in communication systems. She explores variational inference for planning and robust algorithms for channel estimation under non-ideal conditions.
