Jürgen Mlynek is a Professor of Experimental Physics at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, with a distinguished career spanning academia and research leadership. He served as President of the Helmholtz Association (2005–2015), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (2000–2005), and held a Vice-President role at the German Research Foundation (DFG) (1996–2001). His academic journey includes faculty positions at the University of Constance (1990–2000) and ETH Zürich (1986–1990), along with research roles at IBM and the University of Hannover. Research Interests: Experimental quantum optics Atomic physics Surface physics Scientific Awards: Physik-Preis (1987) Gottfried-Wilhelm-Leibniz Preis (1992) Max-Born Prize and Medal (1996) Urania Medal (2003) Order of Merit of Berlin (2008) Grand Cross of Niedersachsen (2009) Officer's Cross of Germany (2010) Honorary doctorate from Ulm University (2012) Ring of Honor of Garbsen (2014) His publications highlight innovations in quantum measurement techniques , atom interferometry , optical resonators , and single-photon states , reflecting contributions to quantum optics and precision measurement.
Jie Chen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). She completed her Bachelor of Science at Lanzhou University in 2011 and her Ph.D. in Science at Peking University's Department of Technical Physics in 2016. She has held postdoctoral positions at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Michigan State University's Rare Isotope Facility (FRIB), and served as a Research Fellow at ANL before joining SUSTech. Education: 2011 – Bachelor of Science, Lanzhou University 2016 – Doctor of Science, Peking University (Department of Technical Physics) Research Interests: Jie Chen's research is centered on understanding exotic nuclear structures through direct nuclear reactions. Her work spans multiple areas including exotic atomic nuclear structure , nuclear science and technology , and nuclear astrophysics . She employs techniques such as single-particle transfer and elastic/inelastic scattering experiments to probe unstable nuclei, contributing to the broader understanding of nuclear forces and open quantum systems. Scientific Awards & Invited Talks: Invited talk: "Investigating the Spin-Orbital splitting in N=19 isotones using SOLARIS" at Nuclear Structure conference 2022, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Special report: "Probing nuclear structures with light-ion induced reactions using SOLARIS at ReA" at APS April Meeting 2022, NYC Special report: "Investigating the low-lying states of Be isotopes via one-nucleon transfer reactions" at GANIL seminar Invited talk: "Experimental study of single particle strength in exotic psd-shell nuclei using transfer reactions" at University of Notre Dame Research Impact & Collaborations: As a spokesperson for multiple international collaborations, Jie Chen has conducted experiments at world-leading facilities including RCNP at Osaka University, ATLAS at ANL, FRIB at Michigan State University, and ISOLDE at CERN. Her research has resulted in over 40 publications in top-tier international journals, establishing her as a leading figure in experimental nuclear physics.
Professor Hongbin Li is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia. His research program focuses on single molecule biophysical chemistry, biomaterials, and protein engineering. He leads an active research group investigating the mechanical properties and conformational dynamics of elastic proteins using advanced single molecule techniques. Professor Li received his B.Sc in Polymer Engineering from Tianjin University, China in 1993. He earned his Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics from Jilin University, China in 1998 under the supervision of Profs. Jiacong Shen, Xi Zhang and Hermann E. Gaub. During his doctoral studies, he was a visiting PhD student at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany (1996-1997) working with Prof. Hermann E. Gaub. Following his Ph.D., he completed a Research Fellowship at Mayo Medical Center, USA (1999-2002) with Prof. Julio M. Fernandez. Professor Li's research program centers on understanding the mechanical properties and conformational dynamics of elastic proteins at the single molecule level. His laboratory combines protein engineering with single molecule atomic force microscopy (AFM) and computational approaches to rationally design and engineer proteins with tailored mechanical properties. Using AFM as their primary tool, his team directly manipulates proteins one molecule at a time to measure mechanical properties and monitor folding/unfolding trajectories in real time. His research spans four main directions: (1) Protein Mechanics and Engineering, where they design proteins with specific mechanical properties; (2) Single Protein Folding/Unfolding Dynamics, investigating folding mechanisms at the single molecule level; (3) Protein-based Biomaterials, designing biomaterials with tailored mechanical properties for biomedical applications; and (4) Polymer physical chemistry using single molecule AFM. His work bridges fundamental protein mechanics with practical applications in biomaterials design. Professor Li has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to biophysical chemistry and protein engineering: 2020: AAAS Fellow (the American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2012: Changjiang Guest Chair Professorship (Jilin University, China) 2011: JILA Visiting Fellowship (JILA and University of Colorado, Boulder) 2011: Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (Technical University of Munich, Germany) 2010: JILA Distinguished Short-term Visiting Fellow 2010: Charles McDowell Award for Research (UBC) 2006: Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Career Investigator Award 2005: Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies Early Career Award (UBC) Professor Li has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows throughout his career at UBC. His research has been supported by multiple grants, including his Canada Research Chair position which he has held continuously since 2004. His work bridges chemistry, physics, and biology, attracting funding from diverse sources including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, and international collaborations. His laboratory maintains strong connections with research groups worldwide, particularly in China and Germany, reflecting his international research profile. Professor Li leads an active research group within the Department of Chemistry at UBC that combines expertise in protein engineering, single molecule biophysics, and biomaterials science. His laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art atomic force microscopes and optical trapping systems, enabling cutting-edge single molecule studies. The group maintains close collaborations with researchers in the Michael Smith Laboratories and other interdisciplinary centers at UBC, fostering a highly collaborative research environment focused on understanding protein mechanics and developing novel protein-based materials.
Prof. K. George Thomas is a distinguished Professor and J C Bose National Fellow at the School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM). He currently serves as the Dean of Faculty Affairs and has been instrumental in building IISER TVM since its inception in 2010, having previously served as the founding Dean of Academics and Faculty Affairs (2010-2015) and as Director (additional charge) in 2013-2014. His leadership extends internationally as President of the Asian and Oceanian Photochemistry Association. Prof. Thomas received his academic training at prestigious Indian institutions: B.Sc. (First Class) from Kerala University (1981) M.Sc. (First Class) from Savitribai Phule Pune University (1983) Ph.D. from University of Kerala (1990) Prof. Thomas's research focuses on light-matter interactions at the nanoscale, with particular emphasis on molecular systems, plasmonic nanostructures, and semiconductor quantum dots. His group employs advanced spectroscopic techniques including steady-state and time-resolved methods, as well as single-molecule and particle spectroscopy/microscopy. Key research thrusts include plasmon-exciton coupling, chiroptical properties of nanostructures, and the organization of molecules on 2D surfaces. His work bridges fundamental photophysics with practical applications in sensing and energy conversion. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on quantum dot photophysics, particularly InP and perovskite nanocrystals as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional materials. His group has made significant contributions to understanding chiral phenomena at the nanoscale and developing plasmon-enhanced spectroscopic techniques for practical sensing applications. Prof. Thomas has received numerous prestigious accolades recognizing his contributions to nanoscience and photochemistry: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in Chemical Sciences (2006) J C Bose National Fellowship (2014-2019 and 2019-2024) Elected Fellow of Indian Academy of Sciences (2008) Elected Fellow of Indian National Science Academy (2015) Materials Research Society of India (MRSI) Medal (2005) Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI) Bronze Medal (2004) MRSI-ICSC Superconductivity & Materials Science Prize (2015) C. N. R. Rao Prize Lecture in Advanced Materials (2020) Prof. Thomas has supervised twenty doctoral students, all of whom now hold important positions in prestigious academic institutions worldwide. His research is generously supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) through multiple research projects. He has served on numerous national scientific committees and advisory boards, including the editorial advisory committee of the Journal of Physical Chemistry of the American Chemical Society (2012-2015). His group has developed innovative technologies, including a surface-enhanced spectroscopy based device for rapid detection of pesticide residues. Leading the KGT Research Group at IISER TVM, Prof. Thomas oversees a vibrant research environment focused on cutting-edge nanoscience. The group collaborates extensively with theoretical scientists from IISER TVM, Argonne National Laboratory (USA), University of Parma (Italy), and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (India). Their laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for nanomaterials synthesis and advanced optical characterization, supporting both fundamental research and translational applications in sensing and energy technologies.
Filip Vostal is a senior researcher at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences with a PhD in sociology from the University of Bristol (2013). He teaches Science & Technology Studies (STS) courses at Charles University and serves on the editorial board of Time & Society . As an active member of EASST and 4S professional organizations, his work bridges academic research with practical applications across multiple disciplines. Dr. Vostal's research primarily focuses on the sociology of time, examining how temporal structures shape academic work and scientific research. His notable book Accelerating Academia: The Changing Structure of Academic Time (Palgrave, 2016) established him as a leading scholar in academic temporality studies. His current research investigates the temporality of knowledge production in x-ray free electron laser experiments, exploring the epistemic role of speed in time-resolved structural biology methods including "single particle imagining" and "serial femtosecond crystallography". His recent publications reveal a strong thematic focus on time, acceleration, and temporal structures across academic and scientific contexts. The articles demonstrate expertise spanning theoretical examinations of social acceleration to practical analyses of time in fusion research and even numismatics (the study of currency). His interdisciplinary approach connects temporal studies with science & technology studies and critical social theory. Among his scientific contributions, Vostal serves on the editorial board of Time & Society and has received research support through Czech Science Foundation grants including GA ČR(CZ) GJ16-18371Y and GA ČR(CZ) GA19-15511S. He is currently a project (co-)investigator on the TIMED project ("TIMe experience in Europe's Digital age") running from 2022-2025. Dr. Vostal maintains an active research profile with numerous publications in sociology, STS, and interdisciplinary journals. His work demonstrates consistent engagement with both theoretical frameworks and empirical investigations of time structures in contemporary academic and scientific practices.
Justus Ndukaife is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University (2017), an M.S. from Purdue, and a B.S. from the University of Lagos. His research focuses on nanophotonics, microfluidics, and bio-inspired soft robotics, with emphasis on optical trapping, programmable self-assembly of nanostructures, and optobiomechanical actuators. Key research areas include nano-optical trapping using plasmonic and dielectric metasurfaces, energy harvesting systems, and single-nanoparticle analysis for biomedical and environmental applications. Notable achievements include the 2017 Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation Award for his doctoral work and the NSBE Golden Torch Award. His recent work explores advanced optical tweezers, quasi-bound states in the continuum (BIC) for thermal emission control, and lab-on-a-chip technologies. He leads interdisciplinary projects funded by NSF grants, including the CAREER grant for EV analysis (2022) and the NOTED quantum photonics initiative (2023). Grants: NSF CAREER (2022), NSF CQIS (2023) Labs/Teams: Interdisciplinary nanophotonics and optofluidics research groups Publications: Over 60+ peer-reviewed articles in Nature Nanotechnology , Science , and ACS Nano , emphasizing optical manipulation and nanoscale systems.
Christy F. Landes is the Jerry A. Walker Endowed Chair in Chemistry and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with additional appointments as Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Materials Research Lab, and as an Affiliate in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. She joined UIUC in 2023 after serving as the Kenneth S. Pitzer-Schlumberger Chair of Chemistry at Rice University. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, George Mason University (1998) Ph.D. in Chemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology (2003) Postdoctoral positions at University of Oregon and University of Texas at Austin Professor Landes' research focuses on physical, analytical and materials chemistry with emphasis on predictive separations, spectro-electrochemistry, protein dynamics at interfaces, imaging and signal processing, and single-molecule spectroscopy. Her work aims to understand complex structure-function relationships in biological processes to inspire innovation for materials design. The Landes Research Group develops new spectroscopic tools to image chemical dynamics at interfaces at the limit of a single event, creating new models to understand and predict macroscale processes like protein separation and photocatalysis. Her research spans several specific areas including predictive separations, spectro-electrochemistry, protein dynamics at interfaces, computational imaging/AI/data science, and interfacial energy and charge transfer in hybrid nanomaterials. By studying individual molecules rather than ensembles, her group can identify the chemical complexity of nanoscale interfacial dynamics and reveal underlying populations that form ensemble measurements. Scientific Awards: 2023 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science 2024 Kazuhiko Kinosita Award in Single-Molecule Biophysics 2020 Award for Special Creativity, National Science Foundation 2019 Kavli Fellow, U.S. National Academy of Sciences 2016 Early Career Award in Experimental Physical Chemistry, American Chemical Society 2011 NSF CAREER Award Professor Landes has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students throughout her career at University of Houston, Rice University, and now at UIUC. Her research has been supported by various grants including NSF funding. Her group has developed innovative methods to break the Abbe diffraction limit, achieving spatial resolutions of just a few nanometers and time resolutions faster than traditional cameras frame times. The Landes Research Group at UIUC continues to develop new spectroscopic tools to image chemical dynamics at interfaces, with specific focus areas including predictive separations, spectro-electrochemistry, protein dynamics at interfaces, computational imaging/AI/data science, and interfacial energy and charge transfer in hybrid nanomaterials.
Sarbajit Banerjee is a Senior Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University. His research spans solid-state and materials chemistry, focusing on nanoscale materials, electronic structure, x-ray spectroscopy, thin films, light metals, and nanocomposites. 2022: Distinguished Achievement Award in Graduate Mentoring 2021: Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Science 2017: Fellow, Institute of Physics His recent work explores neuromorphic computing , Li-ion diffusion , and redox photocatalysis , with over 15 publications (2022–2025) addressing battery cathode design, corrosion protection, and advanced material synthesis. Awards highlight his contributions to graduate mentoring and early-career research excellence. 2010: Cottrell Scholar Award 2009: NSF CAREER Award
Christian Ludwig is an Adjunct Professor at EPFL and head of the joint EPFL-PSI Professorship, leading the Chemical Processes and Materials (CPM) research group at the Paul Scherrer Institute. His work bridges sustainable resource management, waste treatment technologies, and nanomaterials development with applications in energy and environmental systems. Education: PhD in Inorganic, Analytical, and Physical Chemistry from University of Berne (1993) Master's degree from University of Berne (1990) Research interests focus on developing sustainable technologies for resource management. His group investigates thermal and aqueous waste treatment systems, bioenergy technologies, nanoparticle-based materials for clean technology applications, analytical methods for real-time environmental monitoring, and recycling strategies for minerals and rare earth elements. Recent work examines nucleation processes, trace element fate in bioenergy systems, and algal biomass applications. Publication trends show strong focus on sustainable materials processing, environmental nanotechnology, and waste valorization. Recent articles demonstrate innovative approaches to nanoparticle characterization, supercritical fluid applications, and resource recovery from complex waste streams. Scientific awards: No major awards documented in provided materials. Advising and lab leadership: Supervised 23 PhD students and leads the Ludwig Group (EPFL) and CPM group (PSI), focusing on sustainable energy carriers and processes. Research integrates synchrotron methods, nanoparticle synthesis, and environmental technology development.
Marco Farina is a Full Professor in Electromagnetics at the Department of Information Engineering, College of Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy. His research spans electromagnetic modeling, scanning microwave microscopy, and nanotechnology, with applications in 2D materials, biosensors, and advanced measurement systems. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and actively contributes to Technical Committees on RF Nanotechnology. Laurea and Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from University of Ancona Research interests focus on quantitative scanning microwave microscopy, electromagnetic analysis of active/passive components, and nanoscale characterization techniques. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical implementation, including the development of the EM3DS software suite and novel inverted SMM systems. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary applications in biomedical analysis and semiconductor physics. Scientific recognition includes the 3M-Nano Best Conference Paper Award and grants from US Army Research Laboratory and US Air Force Office of Scientific Research. He holds an ESA-funded patent for VNA calibration and has co-authored a book on planar structure analysis. Collaborative projects emphasize RF device optimization and biological imaging.
Jaime Ortega Arroyo is a Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Professur für Nanophotonik. His research focuses on developing interdisciplinary methods combining optics, chemistry, microfluidics, and computer vision to address challenges in biological systems and nanoparticle characterization. Key projects include studying cellular secretion dynamics, real-time biological observations, chiral detection technologies, and optofluidic platforms for label-free sensing. His work emphasizes innovative optical microscopy techniques such as interferometric scattering and holographic imaging for high-throughput nanoparticle analysis. Recent contributions include advancements in 3D optofluidic control, molecular fingerprinting of nanoparticles, and thermal regulation of microfluidic systems. These efforts aim to bridge gaps in understanding complex biological processes and enable precise engineering solutions in nanotechnology. Active in publishing, his research spans optofluidic platforms, nanoparticle detection, and biomedical applications. He leads the Professur für Nanophotonik laboratory, fostering collaborations in optical instrumentation and biological systems analysis. His expertise bridges mechanical engineering, photonics, and life sciences, positioning him at the forefront of interdisciplinary nanotechnology research.
Scott L. Anderson is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Utah, with a distinguished career in nanoparticle chemistry and catalysis. He received his B.A. from Rice University (1977), Ph.D. from UC Berkeley (1981), and trained at Stanford (1981-1983). His research focuses on size-dependent catalytic behavior, high-temperature reaction kinetics, and advanced analytical techniques like single nanoparticle mass spectrometry. Chair, Division of Chemical Physics, American Physical Society (2018-2019) ACS Physical Division Award in Experimental Physical Chemistry (2016) Robert W. Parry Teaching Award (2015) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2011) Distinguished Scholarly and Creative Research Award (2007) His work spans cluster model catalysts, oxidation mechanisms, and functional nanoparticle synthesis, with significant contributions to understanding coking resistance, sintering suppression, and surface interactions. He has held visiting positions at institutions in Japan, Germany, and France, and currently serves as Associate Director for Surface Analysis and Nano-imaging at the Utah Nanofab. Selected publications reveal a focus on nanoscale catalysis, thermal stability of nanoparticles, and innovative applications of mass spectrometry. His research bridges fundamental studies of cluster reactivity and practical applications in energy and materials science.
Adam Kaufman is an Associate Professor and Adjoint Fellow at JILA, a joint institute of the University of Colorado Boulder and NIST. He holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Physics at CU Boulder and collaborates closely with NIST researchers. His research focuses on quantum science, leveraging atomic, molecular, and optical physics to explore entanglement in complex systems, quantum coherence, and precision measurement. Key interests include quantum metrology with atomic clocks, quantum simulation using optical tweezers, and the development of qubit architectures with alkaline-earth atoms. Research Interests: - Investigating entanglement in quantum systems for both fundamental understanding and practical applications in condensed matter physics. - Pushing the limits of quantum coherence in optical tweezers to build scalable quantum states. - Developing tools like microscopy and precision spectroscopy to study ultra-cold atoms. Publications reflect advancements in optical clocks, quantum error correction, and boson sampling with atoms. Notable trends include innovations in multi-qubit gates for precision timing, Rydberg atom arrays for quantum magnetism, and cryogenic systems for extended coherence times. Scientific Awards: PECASE, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Grant, Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award. Advising includes mentoring students like Aaron Young (Deborah Jin Award recipient) and Matthew Norcia (IUPAP Prize). Grants include NSF Q-SEnSE funding and collaborations through CUbit Quantum Initiative. Lab activities focus on JILA’s optical tweezer arrays, cryogenic systems, and Ytterbium-based qubit development. Projects aim to realize scalable quantum processors and novel quantum sensors.
Professor David A Ritchie is a Fellow in Natural Sciences (Physics) and Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Cambridge. He leads the Semiconductor Physics Group at the Cavendish Laboratory, focusing on quantum physics and semiconductor technology. Education: MA in Physics (University of Oxford, 1980), DPhil in Low-Temperature Liquid Helium Physics (University of Sussex, 1985) His research explores semiconductor physics, quantum dots, and terahertz technology, with contributions to spintronics and low-dimensional electron systems. Recent work addresses quantum entanglement and artificial bandstructures in GaAs heterostructures. He has published extensively on THz modulation, quantum cascade lasers, and electron correlation effects. His awards include the 2008 Tabor Medal and Prize from the Institute of Physics. Current publications analyze quantum Hall systems, spin-resolved magnetic focusing, and scalable entangled photon generation. Ritchie’s group develops cryogenic THz delivery systems and hybrid superconducting-semiconducting nanostructures.
Ioannis Sgouralis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He holds a Ph.D. from Duke University and specializes in Data Science and Applied Mathematics with a focus on interdisciplinary research in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Medicine. His research group integrates computational methods with experimental data to address challenges in biophysics, biochemistry, and biomedicine. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in a relevant field (specific details not provided). His research interests span Bayesian nonparametrics, computational statistics, mathematical biology, and multiscale modeling. He leads projects on single-molecule biophysics, image analysis, and cardiovascular system modeling. Key research areas include: Single molecule experiments and analysis Super-resolution microscopy and multi-particle tracking Biomedical systems modeling (cardiovascular/urinary) Statistical methods for noisy experimental data Ioannis actively recruits graduate/undergraduate students for projects in Data Science, Mathematical Biology, and Applied Mathematics. His group uses advanced computing techniques such as Hamiltonian Monte Carlo and topological data analysis. Labs/Teams: Sgouralis Research Group focuses on cross-disciplinary computational methods for biological systems. Their work involves collaborations across departments and institutions.
