Max Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesGermany
Dr. Kenneth Zick is a Research Professor at the University of Southern California's Information Sciences Institute (USC ISI), where he serves as Research Director of Transformational Computing. His work focuses on game-changing computer architectures, hardware, and systems for solving critical government problems, with expertise in unconventional computing, quantum computing, and bio-inspired systems. Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor M.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Dr. Zick's research interests span unconventional computing , bio-inspired systems , Ising machines , quantum annealing , FPGA-based solutions , and neuromorphic computing . His group develops hardware-centric algorithm discovery and Cosm, a heuristic algorithm for sparse Ising optimization. Current projects include superconducting digital architectures, analog-digital hybrid computing, and human-AI co-design for breakthrough hardware. His team leverages advanced facilities such as USC ISI's MOSIS 2.0 and the California DREAMS hub in the DoD Microelectronics Commons, with expertise in high-speed I/O, FPGA prototyping, and radiation-hardened systems. He has received a NASA Fellowship for his Ph.D. work and mentored students like Aditi, who won the USC ECE Outstanding Academic Achievement Award.
Professor Jana Zaumseil is a distinguished academic at Heidelberg University, holding the position of Professor for Applied Physical Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences since 2014. She also maintains a co-opted position with the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy since 2016. Currently serving as Executive Director of the Institute for Physical Chemistry and Spokesperson for the DFG Research Training Group GRK 2948, she leads the Zaumseil research group (also known as the Nanomaterials for Optoelectronics group) at Heidelberg University's Institute for Physical Chemistry. Her educational background includes a PhD in Physics from the University of Cambridge (2003-2007) with a Gates Cambridge Trust Scholarship, and a Diplom (equivalent to M.Sc.) in Chemistry from the University of Leipzig (1997-2022). Prior to her position at Heidelberg, she served as Professor for Nanoelectronics at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (2009-2014), and completed postdoctoral work at Argonne National Laboratory (2007-2009) following an internship at Bell Laboratories (2002-2003). Zaumseil's research program focuses on the optical and electronic properties of carbon-based nanomaterials, particularly single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and organic semiconductors. Her group specializes in processing, functionalization, characterization and application of these unconventional semiconductors for optoelectronic devices and sensors. They investigate charge transport and light-matter interaction using a wide range of experimental techniques including synthesis, optical spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, device fabrication, and electrical/optical device characterization. Their work bridges fundamental understanding with potential applications in sensing, imaging, circuits, and energy conversion. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward defect engineering in carbon nanotubes, particularly creating and optimizing luminescent sp 3 defects for near-infrared applications. Her research increasingly integrates fundamental studies of charge transport with practical device applications, especially in neuromorphic computing, biosensors, and thermoelectrics. The interdisciplinary nature of her work is evident in the combination of chemistry, physics, and materials science approaches across her publication record. Dan Maydan Prize for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (2024) Jahrespreis der Universität Heidelberg (2023) ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) ERC Starting Grant (2012) Alfried-Krupp-Award for Young University Professors (2010) Professor Zaumseil has secured substantial research funding including multiple ERC grants and leads several major collaborative projects such as the ERC Advanced Grant SCALE-NT, Collaborative Research Center SFB 1249, Cluster of Excellence 3D Matter Made to Order, and Research Training Group GRK 2948. She has mentored numerous doctoral and master's students, with her group recently receiving recognition including a Student Poster Presentation Award for Niklas Herrmann. As Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Science (2019-2021) and current Vice Dean (2021-), she has played significant leadership roles within the university structure. The Zaumseil research group operates within Heidelberg University's Institute for Physical Chemistry, utilizing advanced facilities for nanomaterial synthesis, optical spectroscopy, and device characterization. The group participates in several major collaborative initiatives including the Cluster of Excellence 3D Matter Made to Order and the Collaborative Research Center SFB 1249, reflecting its integration within Heidelberg's broader research ecosystem focused on molecular systems and materials science.
Max Planck Institute of Microstructure PhysicsGermany
Dr. Jae-Chun Jeon is a leading experimental physicist at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics in Halle, Germany, where he works within the NISE department (Nano-Systems from ions, spins and electrons). He joined the institute in 2018 after completing his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta, Canada. His research focuses on spintronics, unconventional computing devices, and cryogenic systems, with emphasis on developing novel memory and logic technologies for next-generation computing. Dr. Jeon earned his Ph.D. in condensed matter physics from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, in 2016. He continued his research as a postdoctoral fellow at the same institution, focusing on strongly correlated magnetic oxide materials for spintronic and neuromorphic applications before joining the Max Planck Institute. Dr. Jeon's research centers on unraveling the physics of complex systems including spintronics, correlated oxides, and atomically engineered materials to discover their advanced functionalities. He specializes in manipulating spin textures and states using spin electrons, with particular focus on current-induced domain wall motion and spin-orbit torque-induced magnetization switching for memory and logic applications. His work explores the potential of racetrack memory for both conventional binary memory and unconventional analogue systems such as probabilistic-bit and neuromorphic devices. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on advanced spintronic devices, particularly racetrack memory systems, domain wall logic, and Josephson junctions for quantum applications. The research spans fundamental physics of chiral domain walls, spin-orbit torque effects, and novel materials for spin-based computing. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Science, Nature family journals, and Advanced Materials, reflecting the significance of his contributions to the field. Dr. Jeon's research is supported by cutting-edge facilities including atomically thin film deposition systems, state-of-the-art electronics, and advanced device fabrication techniques such as electron beam lithography and ion beam etching/deposition. His work involves close collaboration with the research group led by Prof. Stuart Parkin, a director at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics.
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Marco Rahm is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, where he leads the junior research group on Metamaterials and Transformation Optics. His research focuses on the design and application of artificial electromagnetic materials for terahertz (THz) technology, including active modulation, sensing, and novel optical components. He maintains close collaborations with the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques (IPM) and Duke University’s Center for Metamaterials and Integrated Plasmonics. Research Interests: Marco Rahm's research lies at the intersection of metamaterials, transformation optics, and terahertz photonics. He investigates how engineered materials can manipulate electromagnetic waves in unconventional ways, enabling applications such as invisibility cloaking, subwavelength sensing, and dynamically tunable optical devices. His work emphasizes both theoretical design and experimental realization of THz components using metamaterials with reconfigurable properties. Publication Trends: His recent publications reveal a strong focus on terahertz metamaterials, with key themes including gradient-index lenses, surface wave control, active modulation using graphene or semiconductors, and transformation-optical devices. The works span high-impact journals in optics and applied physics, demonstrating expertise in both fundamental theory and device engineering. Scientific Awards: Excellent Poster Award, 4th Workshop on Terahertz Technology (2009) Advising and Grants: He supervises multiple PhD and diploma students, including Benjamin Reinhard, Peter Weis, and Jens Neu, guiding research in THz sensing, tunable metamaterials, and surface waves. His group benefits from institutional support through the Fraunhofer Attract program and international partnerships, particularly with Duke University, enabling cutting-edge research in electromagnetic metamaterials. Labs and Teams: Rahm leads the junior research group 'Metamaterials and Transformation Optics' at TU Kaiserslautern, closely linked with the Fraunhofer IPM group he also directs. The team includes physicists and engineers working on micro/nanofabrication, optical characterization, and simulation of metamaterials, forming an interdisciplinary effort in advanced THz optics.
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of SolidsGermany
Elina Zhakina is a Post Doctoral Research Scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Germany, where she conducts research in the Spin3D group focused on three-dimensional magnetic systems. Her work centers on microstructuring and scanned probe spectroscopy of quantum materials, with emphasis on superconducting nanoarchitectures and electron irradiation effects. Her academic background includes: MSc in Physics from Moscow State University (2016) PhD from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids (2016-2021) under the supervision of Prof. Andy Mackenzie Dr. Zhakina specializes in quantum materials, particularly superconductivity and transport phenomena in delafossite metals such as PdCrO2 and PdCoO2. Her experimental approach combines nanofabrication, high-energy electron irradiation, and scanned probe techniques to investigate ballistic-ohmic transitions, vortex dynamics, and Planckian scattering behavior. Her research bridges fundamental condensed matter physics with applied nanoscale device engineering, revealing how defect engineering manipulates quantum states in low-dimensional systems. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2025) shows consistent focus on three-dimensional superconducting architectures and electron irradiation effects in quantum materials. Key trends include the development of reconfigurable superconducting nanostructures, investigation of nonlocal transport in microstructured geometries, and systematic studies of Planckian behavior in high-conductivity oxides. Her work demonstrates how controlled defect introduction via electron irradiation serves as a powerful tool for probing fundamental transport mechanisms. No scientific awards are documented in the available information. Dr. Zhakina has no listed advisees or formal mentoring roles, and grant details are not specified. Her research is conducted within the Spin3D group, which explores novel magnetic phenomena through advanced microstructuring techniques and spectroscopic methods.
Marco Crepaldi is an active researcher with a focus on biomedical circuits, wearable systems, and machine learning applications. His work spans collaborations with institutions and researchers globally, contributing to fields such as multisensory rehabilitation devices, ultra-wideband communication, and neuromorphic computing. Research Interests: Biomedical circuits for rehabilitation, wireless sensing, machine learning hardware, and human-robot interaction. Recent publications highlight his innovation in: Transformer and graph neural networks for fall detection Reservoir computing for seizure control Low-power 8-bit neural processors Wearable multisensory systems for visually impaired infants He has co-authored 73+ peer-reviewed publications since 2007, with a technical focus on ultra-wideband systems, asynchronous logic, and embedded biomedical devices.
Denys J.C. Matthies is an Associate Professor at Technical University of Applied Sciences Lübeck and affiliated with Fraunhofer IMTE Lübeck . He specializes in Human-Computer Interaction , particularly focusing on Wearable Computing , Tactile Feedback Systems , and Activity Recognition through smart footwear and body-worn sensors. Key Collaborations: Augmented Human Lab (NUS), Fraunhofer IGD, City University of Hong Kong Research Themes: Smart wearables, haptic interfaces, physiological sensing, assistive technologies His recent work explores: PhantomFolds (2025) - Spatial tactile feedback via fingernail-mounted LRAs PAVES (2025) - Pneumatic terrain simulation in VR Cyber-Placebo (2024) - Ethical implications of fake-AI in CPHS He has contributed to smart footwear systems like ShoeTect2.0 (2024) and SurfSole (2024), integrating capacitive sensing with neural networks for real-time activity and surface recognition. His work spans medical applications (e.g., 2025 study on hepatic encephalopathy screening) and novel interaction paradigms (e.g., Kavy conversational AI 2024).
Max Planck Institute for Solid State ResearchGermany
Andreas Schnyder is a Research Professor and Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany, where he leads the Quantum Many-Body Theory department. His research focuses on topological phenomena in condensed matter systems, non-equilibrium physics, and unconventional superconductivity. He holds a PhD in Theoretical Physics from ETH Zürich and was previously a postdoctoral fellow at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics. Research Interests: Dr. Schnyder's work spans topological insulators, non-Hermitian quantum systems, and synthetic quantum materials. His group develops theoretical frameworks to understand exotic quantum states and their potential applications in quantum computation. Key areas include: Topological classification of quantum matter Non-equilibrium dynamics in superconductors Quantum magnet phenomena and frustration effects His publications demonstrate a strong focus on topological materials characterization, with recent work exploring kagome superconductors and higher-order topological states. Research trends show increased emphasis on experimental validation of theoretical models and material-specific predictions. Awards: Walter Schottky Prize (2015) Polya Prize (2003) Dr. Schnyder leads an active research group including postdoctoral researchers and graduate students. He has supervised numerous PhD candidates who now hold positions at international institutions. His team collaborates extensively within the Max Planck-UBC-UTokyo Center for Quantum Materials.
Dr. Viktoriia Kornich is a Temporary Lecturer (Habilitandin) and Junior Group Leader at the Chair of Theoretical Physics IV, University of Würzburg, Germany. She holds a PhD from the University of Basel and has held research positions at leading institutions including the University of Luxembourg, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Delft University of Technology. Her research focuses on non-Hermitian superconductivity, topological quantum materials, Majorana fermions, and quantum nanostructures. Key areas include Andreev bound states, PT-symmetric systems, and phonon-mediated effects in quantum devices. Her work bridges theoretical condensed matter physics with quantum computing applications. Since 2023, she leads a research group within the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1170, exploring frontier topics in theoretical physics. Recent publications highlight advancements in non-Hermitian superconductors, Majorana-based quantum operations, and hybrid nanostructures. Her contributions have been disseminated through high-impact journals, with a focus on experimental可观测性 of topological phases. Dr. Kornich's academic journey includes a B.S. and M.S. from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, followed by doctoral and postdoctoral training in Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the U.S. She is affiliated with the University of Würzburg's Physics Department, contributing to both teaching and cutting-edge research initiatives in quantum materials and theoretical physics.
Welcome to the spintronics and nanoelectronics research group led by Prof. Dr. Jairo Sinova at the Institute of Physics , Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz . The group specializes in condensed matter theory , focusing on spintronics and mesoscopic electronic transport . Their work explores the coupling of spin and charge degrees of freedom in materials, with major contributions to spin Hall effects and diluted magnetic semiconductor physics . Coordinates DFG-funded Priority Program on "Unconventional Magnetism" ERC Synergy Grant recipient for interdisciplinary organic spintronics collaboration Prominent publications in Nature Physics , Nature Electronics , and Physical Review journals Research philosophy emphasizes multi-scale modeling , from first-principles calculations to semi-classical simulations using software like VOTCA-STP , Quantum ESPRESSO , and ORCA . The group maintains collaborations with leading institutions including Cambridge University , Imperial College London , and Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research . Recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Molecular spin dynamics Spin-orbit coupling quantification Organic semiconductor modeling Antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic hybrid systems Magnetic skyrmion stability analysis Spintronic interface optimization Scientific honors include: Alexander von Humboldt Professorship Leadership of DFG Priority Program (8M€ funding) ERC Synergy Grant coordination The group actively mentors students and early-career researchers, with several members receiving institutional recognition through: PhD thesis defenses (Tobias Wagner, V.K. Bharadwaj) Master thesis completions (Tobias Wagner, Bennet Karetta) Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (Pieter Gunnink) Operating in a state-of-the-art facility at Staudinger Weg 7, Mainz, the team combines theoretical physics with computational materials science to develop next-generation spintronic technologies.
Max Planck Institute of Microstructure PhysicsGermany
Anshuman Padhi is a researcher affiliated to the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, specializing in unconventional superconductivity, quantum physics, and spintronics. He is a student representative at the International Max Planck Research School for Science and Technology of Nano-Systems (IMPRS-STNS), Germany. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics at IMPRS-STNS (2023-Present) Master of Science (2018-2023) in Physics from National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), India His research focuses on the generation and tuning of unconventional superconductivity in interfaces and devices, studying superconducting proximity effects, spin-triplet superconductivity, topological states, and their applications in quantum information processing. He uses cryogenic transport measurements and nanofabrication techniques. His 2020 publication explores the intersection of quantum computational modeling and epidemiology, applying Ising spin interactions to study lockdown effects during the pandemic. This work reflects his interdisciplinary interests in theoretical and applied physics. DAE-DISHA scholarship : Government of India stipend for natural sciences (2018-2023) NTSS scholarship : Government of India award for meritorious high school students (2016-2018) Odisha government scholarship : For zonal rank 1 (2011-2013)
