Suyang Xu is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Harvard University, affiliated with the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. He is actively accepting graduate students and leading the TopoXu Lab. Education : Bachelor's degree from Peking University, PhD work under Professor Zahid Hasan at Princeton University on Weyl semimetals. Postdoctoral Experience : Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), collaborating with Professors Nuh Gedik and Pablo Jarillo-Herrero on topological materials and 2D material fabrication. Research Interests : Xu specializes in exploring electronic and optical properties of quantum materials, particularly topological and broken symmetry states. His lab employs Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy (ARPES), optical/THz spectroscopy, and electronic transport techniques to study nonlinear electronic responses in topological materials, aiming to uncover quantum crystal phenomena through interdisciplinary collaboration. Scientific Recognition : His work on Weyl semimetals was recognized as a PhysicsWorld Top-10 Breakthrough of the Year Labs & Collaborations : The TopoXu Lab at Harvard integrates physics, chemistry, and biology approaches while leveraging global beamline facilities and national labs. Xu emphasizes international collaborations to address challenges in fundamental science and emerging technologies like low-power electronics.
Stephen Bradforth is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Southern California and Senior Advisor to the Dean for Research Strategy and Development in the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences . He earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley (1992) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago . B.A., Natural Sciences, Cambridge University (1987) Ph.D., Physical Chemistry, UC Berkeley (1992) Postdoctoral Associate, University of Chicago (1993–1996) His research focuses on ultrafast laser spectroscopy to study chemical reactions in complex environments like aqueous systems and molecular materials . Key projects include: Solar Energy Conversion : Investigating photosensitizers based on earth-abundant elements (Cu, Zn, Zr) and organic photovoltaics with BODIPY cores. DNA Photodamage : Mechanisms of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) formation under UV exposure, emphasizing base-stacking effects. Electronic Structure in Ethereal Solvents : Studying solvated electrons in liquid ammonia and their role in carbanion stabilization. His 15 most recent articles (2004–2024) highlight advancements in photoelectron spectroscopy , singlet fission for solar cells, and DNA damage pathways . Collaborations span medicine, physics, and engineering . Scientific Awards include the ACS Physical Chemistry Division Senior Experimental Award (2023) , STAR Awardee (2019) , Cottrell Scholar , and Fellow of APS and AAAS . He has received both Junior (2001) and Senior Raubenheimer Awards (2022) at USC. Advising has been a cornerstone, with 23 PhD students graduated and 4 current candidates. His 15 most recent publications (2012–2024) emphasize ultrafast dynamics , charge transfer mechanisms , and environmental photochemistry . Labs & Teams : The Bradforth Group operates advanced time-resolved photoelectron spectrometers , liquid microjet systems , and high-repetition-rate laser facilities . Current projects include metallic water solutions (Nature 2021), DNA photophysics (FASEB J 2011), and carbanion electronic structure in ammonia.
Jani Kotakoski is a Full Professor at the University of Vienna's Faculty of Physics, leading the Physics of Nanostructured Materials research group. He additionally holds an adjunct professorship at the University of Helsinki since May 2011. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of Helsinki (2007). Dissertation: Irradiation-mediated tailoring of carbon nanotubes Research Focus: Kotakoski pioneers atomic-scale manipulation of 2D materials using electron and ion beams. His work centers on defect engineering in graphene, carbon nanotubes, and transition metal dichalcogenides to control electronic, mechanical, and catalytic properties. Key methodologies include scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), slow highly charged ion irradiation, and in situ characterization within integrated vacuum systems. His fingerprint reveals dominant expertise in graphene (100%), two-dimensional materials (27%), carbon nanotubes (26%), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (20%). Publication Trends: Recent works (2024-2025) demonstrate a strategic shift toward functional applications: pore-engineered MoS 2 for hydrogen evolution catalysis, corrugation-controlled mechanical properties in graphene, and metal atom chains at graphene edges. His group increasingly combines defect creation with advanced imaging techniques like ptychography to resolve atomic structures of dopants and vacancies. Research Leadership: MECS (2023-2028): Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage Quantum Centers in Diamond (2021-2025): Creating quantum emitters DCAFM (2020-2025): Doctoral College for Advanced Functional Materials training Laboratory Infrastructure: His group operates an integrated vacuum system coupling graphene growth, manipulation, and atomic-resolution STEM imaging, enabling real-time observation of beam-induced dynamics from pristine to amorphous structures.
Professor Tobin J. Marks is the Vladimir N. Ipatieff Professor of Catalytic Chemistry, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Professor of Applied Physics, and Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University. He also serves as a Distinguished Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M Qatar University and is a Senior Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study at City University of Hong Kong. Dr. Marks is a member of the US National Academy of Engineering, the US National Academy of Sciences, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK. Dr. Marks received his BSc in Chemistry from the University of Maryland in 1966 and his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from MIT in 1970. His academic career at Northwestern began as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in 1970, progressing to Associate Professor in 1974, Professor of Chemistry in 1978, Charles E. & Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry from 1986-1999, Vladimir N. Ipatieff Professor of Catalytic Chemistry since 1999, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering since 1987, Professor of Applied Physics since 2009, and Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering since 2017. Professor Marks' research spans numerous areas of chemistry and materials science. His work focuses on transition metal and f element organometallic chemistry, catalysis, vibrational spectroscopy, synthetic facsimiles of metalloprotein active sites, carcinostatic metal complexes, solid state chemistry and low-dimensional molecular metals, nonlinear optical materials, polymer chemistry, tetrahydroborate coordination chemistry, macrocycle coordination chemistry, molecular electro-optics, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, polymerization catalysis, printed flexible electronics, solar energy, and transparent conductors. His research group consists of nearly 40 researchers working across four laboratories. Analysis of Professor Marks' recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced materials for electronic and energy applications. His work spans organic electronics, flexible and stretchable devices, catalysis for sustainable chemistry, and novel materials characterization techniques. Key trends include the development of organic electrochemical transistors, high-efficiency organic solar cells, advanced catalysts for polymer recycling, and quantum materials for next-generation electronics. Professor Marks has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including: US National Medal of Science American Chemical Society Joseph Priestley Medal Camille and Henry Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences Principe de Asturias Prize for Technical and Scientific Research US National Academy of Sciences Award in the Chemical Sciences Materials Research Society Von Hippel Award Harvey Prize in Science and Technology Karl Ziegler Prize from the German Chemical Society Professor Marks has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers throughout his career, with his group currently consisting of nearly 40 researchers. He has received substantial research funding from multiple agencies including NSF, DOE, and DoD. His entrepreneurial spirit has led to the founding or co-founding of 15 startups, with technologies generating an estimated USD 100 billion in sales. Professor Marks leads several research teams focused on catalysis and organic electronic materials. His work has significant implications for sustainable chemistry, renewable energy, and next-generation electronic devices. He continues to be highly active in research, with numerous publications in 2025 demonstrating his ongoing scientific leadership.
Andrea Di Falco serves as Professor and Director of Impact at the School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews. He leads the Centre for Biophotonics and maintains an active research group focused on cutting-edge photonics research. His institutional affiliations include editorial work for Photonics and Nanostructures: Fundamentals and Applications journal since 2013. University of St Andrews - School of Physics and Astronomy (Current) Centre for Biophotonics (Current) Photonics and Nanostructures: Fundamentals and Applications (Editor since 2013) Professor Di Falco's research spans multiple photonics domains with particular expertise in nano-photonics, metamaterials, plasmonics, and biophotonics. His work bridges fundamental optical physics with practical applications, especially in metasurface technology and flexible photonics. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between physics, materials science, and biomedical applications, contributing to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals. His recent publication portfolio shows a clear trend toward increasingly sophisticated metasurface applications, with growing integration of machine learning techniques for photonic design. The research spans fundamental optical physics, novel material development, and practical biomedical applications, demonstrating remarkable breadth while maintaining technical depth in photonics. EPSRC Fellowship (2010) for flexible metamaterials and plasmonics research ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) for biophotonic applications of optically trapped photonic membranes Professor Di Falco actively supervises postgraduate research students and has led numerous significant research projects, including the current Holographic Integrated Photonic Platform project (2024-2025). His research program has secured substantial funding from EPSRC, European Research Council, and Medical Research Council, demonstrating strong recognition of his work's significance and potential impact. His group maintains the SynthOpt research website as a hub for their collaborative work. The SynthOpt research group operates within the School of Physics and Astronomy at St Andrews, maintaining strong connections with both theoretical and experimental photonics researchers. The team focuses on developing novel photonic structures with applications ranging from fundamental optics to biomedical sensing and human-computer interaction technologies.
Tyler L Cocker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Michigan State University , pioneering ultrafast terahertz nanoscopy. His research focuses on developing lightwave-driven THz-STM to capture femtosecond-scale electron dynamics at atomic resolution, with recent work revealing molecular orbital dynamics and black phosphorus heterostructures. Education: Ph.D., University of Alberta (2012) B.Sc., University of Victoria (2006) His group explores ultrafast processes in quantum materials using complementary techniques like s-SNOM and THz spectroscopy, addressing fundamental questions about nanoscale charge transport and elementary excitations. Recent publications include Nature Photonics and Nature Nanotechnology papers on atomic-scale THz spectroscopy and interlayer transport in 2D materials. Awards include the 2024 DOE Early Career Award, 2021 ARO Young Investigator Award, and 2020 IRMMW-THz Young Scientist Award. Scientific Awards: DOE Early Career Award (2024) MSU Teaching Award (2023) ARO Young Investigator Award (2021) IRMMW-THz Young Scientist Award (2020) Jerry Cowen Endowed Chair (2019) The group has secured multiple grants from ONR, AFOSR, and DURIP, supporting development of third-generation THz-STM systems. Former students like S. Eve Ammerman (first PhD graduate, 2022) and Vedran Jelic (now at NRC Ottawa) have received prestigious fellowships and awards.
Niamh Nic Daeid is Professor of Forensic Science and Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) at the University of Dundee, leading the £15m Just Tech Institute for Innovation. She holds fellowships with the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Royal Society of Chemistry, and multiple forensic science bodies while serving on committees for INTERPOL, the International Criminal Court, and the United Nations. Her research focuses on forensic chemistry applications in prison drug analysis, explosives detection, and fire investigation. Recent work emphasizes science communication, particularly using comics to improve juror comprehension of forensic testimony. She leads major projects including Clarus (bias prevention in digital forensics) and the Smart Digital Forensic Advisor initiative. Nic Daeid's publications span forensic methodology development, from quantum dots for fingerprint detection to machine learning for footwear impression analysis. Her team's 2025 research includes prison drug studies using seized Scottish evidence and advanced cartridge case imaging techniques. European Network of Forensic Science Institutes Distinguished Forensic Scientist award (2018) Royal Society of Edinburgh Senior Medal for Public Engagement Peter Ganci Award for fire investigation services Gold Engage Watermark for Public Engagement (2019) Best Short Paper Award, International Conference on eXtended Reality (2022) She supervises 13 research students and early-career academics across forensic chemistry, digital forensics, and science communication projects. Current grants include the Leverhulme Trust's £10m LRCFS (2016-2026), UK government's Tay Cities Regional Deal funding, and Dundee City Council's VR/5G initiative. Her team maintains active collaborations with Scottish prisons, international forensic networks, and law enforcement agencies.
Maxime Malnou is a Senior Research Fellow in the Advanced Microwave Photonics Group, focusing on quantum-limited microwave amplifiers and parametric circuits for quantum computing and dark matter detection applications.
Souvik Paul is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physics at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, where he leads the Computational Materials Science (CMS) Laboratory established in 2023. His research employs advanced computational techniques to investigate fundamental properties of magnetic materials and topological phenomena. Education: Ph.D. (2015), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India M.Sc. (2008), Presidency College, Kolkata, India B.Sc. (2006), University of Calcutta, India Dr. Paul's research focuses on computational materials science with particular emphasis on magnetism in two and three dimensions, topological magnetic quasiparticles like skyrmions, surface physics, strongly correlated systems, and multifunctional materials including Heusler alloys. His work primarily utilizes Density Functional Theory (DFT) to predict and explain material properties at the atomic scale, bridging computational predictions with experimental observations through international collaborations. His publication record reveals a consistent trajectory in magnetic skyrmions research, transition metal systems, and Heusler alloys, with significant contributions to understanding spin interactions, stability mechanisms, and electronic properties. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Physical Review Letters, Nature Communications, and npj Computational Materials, demonstrating both theoretical depth and practical relevance to materials design. Scientific Awards: Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (2025) from Anusandhan National Research Foundation Departmental Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015), Uppsala University Doctoral fellowship (2009), IIT Guwahati Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) (2009), MHRD, India Dr. Paul actively mentors graduate students including Moinak Ghosh and Bipin Babu. Through the International PhD Program, he has established formal collaborations with Prof. Stefan Heinze at CAU Kiel, Germany, providing students with international research opportunities, access to high-performance computing facilities, and extended research stays at partner institutions. His recently awarded Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant supports innovative work on antiferromagnetic skyrmions. The Computational Materials Science Laboratory employs Density Functional Theory to investigate structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of materials at the atomic level. The lab maintains strong international collaborations with research groups at CAU Kiel and Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany, focusing on discovering novel materials, explaining fundamental material behaviors, and developing predictive materials theory with applications in electronics and energy technologies.
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Hillert is a leading physicist at the University of Hamburg , serving as the Bjørn-Wiik Professor for Accelerator Physics since 2016. Affiliated with the Institute of Experimental Physics under the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, he specializes in Accelerator Physics , Superconducting Accelerator Technology , and Free-Electron Lasers (FEL) . His work focuses on polarized electron beams, SRF cavity optimization, and gravitational wave detection methods. Education: Physics degree from University of Bonn (1987), Promotion in Atmospheric Physics (1992), Habilitation in Physics (2001) Leadership Roles: Head of Accelerator Physics Group (2016–present), Managing Director of Institute of Experimental Physics (2019–2021) Research Trends: His recent work spans superconducting RF cavities for gravitational wave detectors ( 2025 ), resonant slow extraction in electron boosters, and atomic layer deposition of superconducting thin films. Publications highlight advancements in beam dynamics , cryogenic systems , and terahertz generation . Teaching & Outreach: He has lectured on Accelerator Physics since 2002 and engaged in public science communication, including talks on Physics of Music (2005–2021) and teacher training programs at DESY. Labs & Collaborations: Leads the Accelerator Physics Group at DESY, collaborates on projects like XFELO and BGO-OD beamline , and contributes to international schools (CAS) and symposia.
Stanislav Evlashin is an Assistant Professor at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), affiliated with the Center for Materials Technologies and its Additive Manufacturing Laboratory. His research focuses on advanced materials engineering, particularly for energy systems, superconducting technologies, and thermal management solutions in electronics. Recent publications highlight his work on plasma-treated electrode materials for fuel cells niobium carbide coatings on diamond substrates for superconducting detectors flaky compounds to enhance thermal dissipation in computer chips . Laboratory affiliations include: Additive Manufacturing Laboratory Center for Materials Technologies .
Andreas Honecker is a Professor at the Theoretical Physics and Modeling Laboratory (CNRS UMR 8089) of CY Cergy Paris Université, where he has been employed since September 2014. He currently serves as Adjoint Director of the Institut des Sciences et Techniques (since April 2023) and was previously Director of the Physics Department (October 2020-April 2023). He also co-directs the Master Program in Physics at CY Cergy Paris Université. Professor Honecker's research focuses on condensed matter physics, particularly strongly correlated electron systems, quantum magnetism, and magnetocaloric materials. His work bridges theoretical physics with practical applications in quantum information and low-temperature refrigeration. He has made significant contributions to understanding quantum phase transitions, frustrated spin systems, and the magnetocaloric effect, with a notable Nature publication in 2021 on critical points in SrCu 2 (BO 3 ) 2 . His research activities are characterized by a strong emphasis on numerical methods for many-body systems, including quantum Monte Carlo techniques, density matrix renormalization group approaches, and advanced diagonalization methods. He has organized numerous international workshops on quantum materials, magnetocaloric effects, and quantum information, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work. Among his notable recognitions are the APS Outstanding Referee award (2019) and being named a distinguished referee of The European Physical Journal (2015). He previously held a prestigious Heisenberg fellowship from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (2007-2011). Honecker has extensive experience in academic service, including membership in the Conseil National des Universités (section 29, 2017-2023) and the Commission de la formation et de la vie universitaire at Université de Cergy-Pontoise (2016-2019). His collaborative work spans institutions across Europe, including previous positions at Göttingen University, ETH Zürich, and TU Braunschweig.
Prof. Dr. Stefan Huber is a Full Professor (W3) at the Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Ruhr-Universität Bochum , Germany. His research focuses on non-covalent interactions in organocatalysis , particularly halogen bonding , chalcogen bonding , and cyclopropenium derivatives for applications in molecular recognition , crystal engineering , and radical stabilization . Full Professor since 01/2022 Associate Professor (W2) 2014-2021 Independent Researcher at TU Munich 2009-2013 Research Interests include: Design of halogen/chalcogen bond donors for catalysis Supramolecular chemistry in solution and solid phases Quantum chemical modeling of transition states and binding strengths His work bridges experimental synthesis (NMR, X-ray, ITC) with computational methods , supported by the ERC Starting Grant (2015-2020) and collaborations within the RESOLV Cluster . Scientific Awards : Hoechst Dozentenpreis (2016) Robert-Sauer-Preis (2014) Hans-Fischer-Gedächtnispreis (2013) Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Lehrpreis (2012) Thieme Chemistry Journals Award (2010) Students : Over 20 Ph.D. and Master’s students, including Dominik Reinhard, Tim Steinke, Raffaella Papagna, and Julian Stoesser. The group maintains modern synthesis labs and collaborates with institutions like the University of Geneva and TU Munich .
Wolfgang Windl is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University with a joint appointment in Physics. He co-founded Goniotech LLC and previously worked at Motorola as a Principal Staff Scientist. He holds a doctoral degree in physics from the University of Regensburg and completed postdoctoral research at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Arizona State University. His research specializes in computational materials science, focusing on: Atomistic simulations and density-functional theory Machine learning applications in materials design Semiconductor transport and layered materials (e.g., Dirac semimetals) Atom probe tomography and characterization techniques Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals dominant themes: advanced simulations of field evaporation, topological quantum materials (PtTe 2 , PdTe 2 ), and computational frameworks for materials characterization. His work frequently integrates spectroscopy, tomography, and Bayesian methods to study alloys, 2D materials, and additive manufacturing defects. Awards and Honors Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Award (2006) Four Lumley Research Awards Boyer Award for Teaching Excellence (2015) Faculty Diversity Excellence Award (2020) Two Mars Fontana Best Teacher Awards (2006, 2015) ASEE Best Paper & Diversity Awards (2019) He advises 11+ graduate students (7 alumni, 5 current) and leads the Windl Group research team focused on computational materials modeling. His group develops simulation tools for atomic-scale characterization and collaborates with national laboratories.
Dr. Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani is an Associate Professor in Robotics at the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Anglia Ruskin University , where she serves as Deputy Leader of the BORI research group and leads the Automation & Robotics MSc program. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans mechatronics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and serious games , with a focus on applications for rehabilitation, medical training, and autonomous systems . As a Chartered Engineer and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy , she has secured significant funding from Innovate UK, Horizon 2020, and GCRF , with grants exceeding £3 million. Education PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University BSc (First Class) in Statistics & Mathematical Science, Shahid Beheshty University Her research integrates AI with robotics for societal impact, exemplified by the open-source SROBO ground robot and projects like Rehabgame and the Assistive Feeding Robot . She has published over 45 peer-reviewed articles and contributes to academic communities as a journal guest editor and conference organizer . Key collaborations include IET, IMechE, and the Nuffield Foundation as a mentor for young students. Scientific Awards & Recognitions: Chartered Engineer (CEng), Engineering Council UK Senior Fellow (SFHEA), Higher Education Academy Student-Voted 'Made a Difference Award' (2018) Post-Graduate Certificate in Higher Education
