University of California , Santa Barbara (UCSB)United States
Andrea Young is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), where they lead the Young Lab. The lab investigates quantum materials through nanofabrication and electronic measurement techniques. Affiliation: University of California Santa Barbara (Department of Physics) Research Interests: Andrea Young's work focuses on the interplay of symmetry, topology, and correlations in low-dimensional systems, particularly exploring superconductivity, magnetism, and fractionalization in graphene and van der Waals heterostructures . They utilize cryogenic measurements and heterostructure engineering to probe thermodynamic properties of these materials. Publication Trends: Recent articles emphasize twisted bilayer/trilayer graphene , moiré superlattices , and fractional quantum Hall effects , with keywords spanning condensed matter physics, quantum materials, and nanofabrication. Scientific Awards: Moore Foundation grant (2020) NSF fellowship (2020) CAREER award (2017) Advising: Andrea Young has advised PhD students such as Dr. Haoxin Zhou (2021) and Dr. Marec Serlin (2021). Their lab also supports research fellows like James Ehrets, who received an NSF fellowship in 2020. Labs & Teams: The Young Lab at UCSB specializes in creating van der Waals heterostructures and developing techniques like picosecond transport and nanoscale interferometry to study fragile electronic states.
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Ali Yazdani is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Grainger College of Engineering, Department of Physics, and Director of the Princeton Center for Complex Materials at Princeton University. His research focuses on quantum condensed matter physics, leveraging scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy to explore novel quantum phases in materials such as graphene, twisted bilayer graphene, and topological insulators. Key achievements include the first direct observation of Hofstadter's fractal energy spectrum in quantum materials (2025), studies on Majorana fermions in atomic chains, and investigations into strongly correlated Chern insulators. His work bridges theoretical predictions with experimental validation, emphasizing quantum materials' topological and correlated properties. Affiliations: Princeton University, Department of Physics; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Grainger College of Engineering. Research Themes: Quantum fractals, topological insulators, superconductivity, Majorana fermions, moiré materials. Research Summary: Dr. Yazdani’s lab employs advanced STM techniques to visualize electronic wavefunctions and study correlated phases. Notable projects include: - Visualization of Hofstadter’s butterfly in twisted bilayer graphene. - Discovery of valley skyrmions in graphene quantum Hall ferromagnets. - Unconventional superconductivity in magic-angle graphene. - Development of methods to detect Majorana zero modes. Labs/Teams: Yazdani Lab at Princeton University focuses on quantum materials and topological phases, collaborating with theorists and experimentalists globally.
Jon Simon is the Joan Reinhart Professor and Professor of Applied Physics at Stanford University . He leads the Simon Lab , which explores the convergence of condensed matter physics , quantum optics , and quantum information science , focusing on creating synthetic materials from light and investigating topological and strongly correlated quantum systems. His research spans constructing photonic materials in quantum circuits, studying small quantum systems with strong correlations, and applying Hamiltonian engineering to realize exotic states of matter. The lab has achieved milestones like the first Mott insulator of photons and topologically insulating circuits . Collaborative projects with the Schuster Lab leverage superconducting quantum circuits for synthetic matter studies. Jon's students include Adam Shaw (PhD, now at Stony Brook) Lavanya Taneja (PhD, now at Atom Computing) Ruichao Ma (Postdoc, now faculty at Purdue) among others. The lab's recent publications focus on cavity arrays, hybrid quantum systems, and topological photonics. Research is supported by grants and affiliations with Stanford's Department of Applied Physics and interdisciplinary institutes.
Ravindra N. Bhatt is currently a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Princeton University and an associated faculty member in Physics. His academic career spans leadership roles at prestigious institutions, including Director of the Princeton Center for Complex Materials (1999-2005) and Acting Associate Director of the Princeton Center for Theoretical Science (2005-2012). He previously headed Theoretical Physics Research at Bell Laboratories. Ph.D., University of Illinois, Urbana, 1976 M.S., Physics, University of Illinois, Urbana, 1974 B.Sc. Hons., Physics, University of Delhi, India, 1971 Bhatt specializes in theoretical condensed matter physics, focusing on topological materials, quantum Hall effects, and spin-based quantum computation. His work explores disordered systems, many-body localization, and quantum dynamics in low-dimensional structures like graphene and semiconductor heterostructures. His recent publications emphasize topological phases, composite fermions, and critical ground state dynamics, employing methods such as Density Matrix Renormalization Group (DMRG) and Monte Carlo simulations. Key themes include disorder-driven quantum phase transitions and applications in quantum information science. Scientific honors include: Fellow, American Physical Society (1986) Guggenheim Fellowship (1995) Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2004) Bhatt has led major research centers at Princeton and contributed to quantum science initiatives. His group utilizes computational techniques like Transfer Matrix Methods and Sparse Matrix Diagonalization to study complex materials.
David Kutasov is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Chicago, affiliated with the Enrico Fermi Institute. His research focuses on string theory and quantum field theory, particularly addressing dynamics of strongly coupled systems, supersymmetry breaking, black hole physics, and cosmological singularities. Kutasov has contributed to understanding the interplay between string theory and field theory, including mechanisms for vacuum selection in early universe scenarios and brane dynamics. His work explores theoretical frameworks such as holography, time-dependent backgrounds, and tachyon condensation, with applications to particle physics and cosmology. Key research directions include analyzing string theory's predictions for nature and applying string-based insights to experimental particle physics and cosmic phenomena. Notable contributions span topics like D-brane interactions, non-supersymmetric vacua, and dualities in Chern-Simons theories. Kutasov's publications often bridge abstract string theory constructs with observable phenomena, emphasizing tools for analyzing string theory's implications in diverse physical contexts. Despite extensive contributions, no specific scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials. His research remains active across multiple frontiers of theoretical physics, maintaining a strong focus on foundational questions in high-energy physics.
Dmitri N. Basov is the Higgins Professor of Physics at Columbia University, with a joint appointment as Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on quantum materials, utilizing nano-optical techniques to investigate electronic phenomena and polaritonic systems. He leads the Basov Group at Columbia and has pioneered methods for imaging quantum materials at nanoscale resolutions. PhD in Physics, Lebedev Physics Institute (1991) Professor, Columbia University (2016–present) Professor, UC San Diego (2001–present) Postdoctoral Research, McMaster University (1992–1996) His work spans plasmonics , terahertz spectroscopy , and van der Waals heterostructures , with recent emphasis on polariton dynamics, superconductivity modulation, and moiré-driven electronic states. He employs cutting-edge tools like quantum scanning near-field optical microscopy (q-SNOM) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. Besides leading major grants such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Investigator award and Vannevar Bush Fellowship, Basov has received accolades like the National Academy of Sciences membership (2020), Ken Button Prize (2019), and Frank Isakson Prize (2012). His team explores novel quantum phases in 2D and topological materials.
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Thomas Faulkner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he has been a faculty member since 2014. His research bridges condensed matter physics, high energy physics, and quantum information science through the framework of holographic duality (AdS/CFT correspondence), exploring connections between quantum field theories and gravitational theories. Dr. Faulkner received his BSc in Physics from the University of Melbourne in 2003 and his PhD from MIT in 2009 under Hong Liu and Krishna Rajagopal. He held postdoctoral positions at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (2009-2012) and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton (2012-2013) before joining the Illinois faculty. His primary research focuses on three interconnected areas: entanglement entropy as a tool to study quantum phases and gravity; string-inspired models of strongly correlated phenomena including non-Fermi liquids and quantum criticality; and holographic approaches to QCD under extreme conditions. His work leverages theoretical tools from both condensed matter and string theory communities to address fundamental questions in quantum gravity and many-body physics. Dr. Faulkner's publication record shows an evolving research trajectory from early work on strange metal transport and QCD applications toward increasingly sophisticated investigations of entanglement structure, quantum information aspects of holography, and fundamental constraints on quantum field theories. His recent work demonstrates deep connections between quantum information theory, gravitational physics, and condensed matter phenomena. DOE Early Career Award (2018) DARPA Young Faculty Award (2015) Dr. Faulkner has taught a comprehensive range of physics courses from undergraduate College Physics to advanced graduate-level field theory courses. His research program receives significant external funding, supporting his investigations into the quantum structure of spacetime and its connections to condensed matter phenomena. He participates in a vibrant research ecosystem exploring the quantum information foundations of spacetime geometry, contributing to collaborative efforts that are reshaping our understanding of the relationship between quantum mechanics and gravity.
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.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)United States
Alexei Kitaev is the Ronald and Maxine Linde Professor of Theoretical Physics and Mathematics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). His research focuses on quantum computation, topological quantum phases, anyons, topological insulators and superconductors, and the black hole information paradox. He has pioneered the concept of topological quantum computation, where quantum information is protected through topological properties of many-body systems. His recent publications explore quantum error correction, scrambling dynamics, and holographic principles in SYK-like models, reflecting his interdisciplinary impact on quantum physics, computer science, and condensed matter. His work on the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model has advanced understanding of quantum chaos and gravitational phenomena. Kitaev has received numerous accolades, including the MacArthur Award (2008), Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics (2012), Dirac Medal (2015), and Oliver Buckley Condensed Matter Prize (2017). He has taught advanced courses such as 'Quantum Computation' and 'Advanced Condensed-Matter Physics' at Caltech. Scientific Awards: MacArthur Award (2008) Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics (2012) Dirac Medal (2015) Oliver Buckley Condensed Matter Prize (2017)
Jiwoong Park is Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Chicago, and simultaneously Professor of Molecular Engineering in the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. His interdisciplinary research group, the Park Group, is jointly affiliated with the James Franck Institute and the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at UChicago, and operates from the Gordon Center for Integrative Science. Education & Training Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley (2003) B.S., Seoul National University (1996) Junior Fellow, Rowland Institute, Harvard University (2003–2006) Assistant → Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University (2006–2016) Research Interests Park’s research centers on the science and technology of precisely engineered nanomaterials, particularly atomically-thin two-dimensional (2D) crystals and van der Waals solids. Spanning chemistry, physics, materials science and electrical engineering, his group develops novel synthetic, imaging and characterization techniques to uncover new physical phenomena and translate them into scalable device technologies. Key thrusts include growth of wafer-scale molecular crystals, optical and transport spectroscopy of 2D semiconductors, mechanical behavior of polycrystalline nanomembranes, and integration of these materials into photonic, electronic and energy-harvesting devices. Scientific Awards Elected Fellow of the American Physical Society (2022) – “for the development of synthetic, imaging, and characterization techniques of atomically thin materials and the discovery of novel properties of van der Waals solids.” Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2023) – recognition for multiple papers ranking in the global top 1% by citations in Materials Science and Chemistry. Group & Collaborations The Park Group is an interdisciplinary team of postdocs, graduate researchers and undergraduates housed in the Gordon Center for Integrative Science. The group actively collaborates with colleagues across the Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics, and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, leveraging shared facilities at the James Franck Institute and MRSEC to push the frontiers of 2D material science.
Eugene Demler is a Full Professor at the Department of Physics, ETH Zurich. Previously, he held academic positions at Harvard University from 1998 to 2021, including Assistant Professor (2001-2004), Associate Professor (unspecified dates), and Full Professor (2005-2021). His work bridges theoretical condensed matter physics, atomic and molecular physics, quantum optics, and quantum simulations. Education: MSc in Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (1993) Diploma work, Lebedev Physics Institute (1992-1993) PhD in Theoretical Physics, Stanford University (1998), supervised by S.C. Zhang Demler's research focuses on strongly correlated quantum systems, spintronics, quantum sensing, and photo-induced phase transitions. His recent publications explore topics such as quantum polarons, Josephson plasmons, magnon dynamics, and terahertz spectroscopy in superconductors. He has pioneered hybrid quantum-classical methods for electron-phonon systems and cavity-mediated quantum materials. His Google Scholar articles (2023-2025) span theoretical and experimental domains, with keywords including Quantum Physics , Condensed Matter Physics , and Quantum Optics . Subfields include Quantum Control , Superconductivity , Spin Waves , Quantum Sensing , Non-Equilibrium Dynamics , and Quantum Simulation . Scientific Awards: Hamburg Prize for Theoretical Physics (2021) Simons Investigator (2021) Moore Distinguished Scholar (2020) Hanna Visiting Scholar (2019) Highly Cited Researcher (2017-2020) Senior Fellow at ETH Zurich's Institute for Theoretical Studies (2015) Simons Fellowship (2015) Distinguished Scholar at Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (2015) Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher (2014) Siemens Research Award (2006) Johannes Gutenberg Lecture Award (2006) NSF Career Award (2002) Sloan Fellowship (2002) Demler teaches courses such as Statistical Physics and Strongly Correlated Systems in Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics . His work integrates theoretical modeling with experimental collaborations, particularly in quantum optics and condensed matter systems.
Michael Knap is an Associate Professor of Collective Quantum Dynamics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), within the Department of Physics at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. His research group focuses on condensed matter theory, quantum many-body systems, and quantum simulation. Knap holds office in room 5101.01.037 at James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748 Garching b. München, and can be reached at michael.knap@ph.tum.de or +49 (89) 289 - 53777. Prof. Knap's research delves into the rich physics of quantum many-body systems, particularly exploring non-equilibrium dynamics and transport phenomena in ultracold quantum gases, interacting light-matter systems, and correlated quantum materials. His work spans multiple subfields including topological phases of matter, quantum simulation with trapped ions, fracton physics, and quantum computation. He develops novel numerical approaches based on quantum information theory and utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to tackle challenging problems in condensed matter physics. His group's research connects fundamental theoretical questions with experimental implementations in quantum simulators. The analysis of Prof. Knap's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on topological quantum matter, quantum simulation, and emergent phenomena in constrained quantum systems. His work frequently bridges condensed matter theory with quantum information science, as evidenced by publications on fracton hydrodynamics, higher-form symmetries, and quantum error correction. There's a clear progression toward increasingly complex quantum systems and connections to experimental implementations on quantum processors. His research shows significant interdisciplinary reach, connecting condensed matter physics with quantum computing and quantum information theory. ERC Consolidator Grant (2025) ERC Starting Grant (2019) Supervisory Award, TUM Department of Physics (2018) Promotio sub auspiciis Praesidentis rei publicae, Austria (2013) Prof. Knap has established a robust research program supported by prestigious European Research Council grants. His group actively collaborates with both theoretical and experimental groups worldwide, particularly in the quantum simulation community. He has supervised numerous students through Master's Seminars on Collective Quantum Dynamics covering topics like quantum simulation with trapped ions and theoretical quantum computation. His research has received significant attention, with several publications featured as Editors' suggestions and Research Highlights in leading journals. The Collective Quantum Dynamics group maintains strong connections with experimental quantum simulation efforts, particularly in the areas of ultracold atoms and trapped ion systems. Knap's theoretical work often provides frameworks for interpreting experimental results in quantum simulators, creating a productive feedback loop between theory and experiment. His group participates in collaborative research networks focused on advancing quantum simulation capabilities and understanding fundamental aspects of quantum many-body physics.
Prof. Maciej Lewenstein is a Group Leader and ICREA Professor at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), Spain. He leads the Quantum Optics Theory group, focusing on theoretical and computational studies of quantum many-body systems, topological phases, and nonlinear optics. He holds a Dr.rer.nat. in Physics from the University of Essen, Germany. His research interests include quantum simulations, high-harmonic generation, Bose-Einstein condensation, and quantum information processing. He has pioneered work on topological quantum thermometry and ultrafast phase transitions in materials like vanadium dioxide. His group actively explores the intersection of quantum optics with condensed matter physics and quantum computing. Recent articles highlight advancements in tensor network approaches for topological phases, quantum algorithms for many-body systems, and the application of sonification to quantum entanglement dynamics. He has received a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant and the ICREA Professorship, recognizing his contributions to quantum science. Prof. Lewenstein advises over a dozen PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a dynamic research environment at ICFO. His grants include ERC and ICREA funding, supporting projects on quantum simulations and nonlinear optical phenomena. The Quantum Optics Theory group collaborates internationally, with expertise in light-matter interactions, quantum resource theory, and quantum many-body localization. Their lab develops novel methods for probing quantum systems using high-harmonic spectroscopy and quantum trajectory simulations.
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Taylor L. Hughes is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics, particularly topological insulators/superconductors, quantum information/entanglement techniques, and mesoscopic transport in low-dimensional materials. His research also explores connections between high-energy physics, gravity, and condensed matter systems. Education : B.S. in Physics and Mathematics (2003, summa cum laude) from the University of Florida; Ph.D. in Physics (2009) from Stanford University under Shou-Cheng Zhang. Research Interests : Topological insulators and superconductors Quantum entanglement in condensed matter Mesoscopic transport in heterostructures Topological order and quantum Hall effect Spin-orbit coupling and low-dimensional systems Interdisciplinary links to high-energy physics Scientific Awards : Donald Biggar Willett Faculty Scholar (2020, 2022) ONR Young Investigator Award (2015) University of Illinois Center for Advanced Study Fellowship (2014) NSF CAREER Award (2014) Dean's Award for Excellence in Research (2014) Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellow (2013) Teaching and Advising : Hughes has taught advanced courses including Condensed Matter Physics I (PHYS 560) and Special Topics in Physics (PHYS 598 CMX). He actively mentors highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students in computational and theoretical physics projects.
Turan Birol is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Minnesota, with a secondary appointment in the School of Physics. He leads the Theoretical Materials Physics Group , focusing on computational materials design to discover exotic condensed matter phenomena. Education: PhD in Physics (Cornell University), Postdoc (Rutgers University) Research Areas: Ferroelectricity, Charge Density Waves, Multiferroics, Strongly Correlated Systems, Kagome Metals His work combines Density Functional Theory with Dynamical Mean Field Theory to study materials like perovskites, layered antiperovskites, and 2D/3D compounds. Recent projects include Office of Naval Research -funded ferroelectric design and NSF Discovery File -featured transparent conductors. Scientific contributions include 15+ recent articles on topics spanning structural chirality in superconductors, strain-tuned magnetism, and catalytic resonance theory. Former advisees include PhD graduates in Physics and Materials Science.
