Zhi-Xun Shen is the Paul Pigott Professor in Physical Sciences at Stanford University, holding dual appointments in the Physics and Applied Physics Departments. He is a senior fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy and serves on advisory boards for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars and Stanford Science Fellows programs. His research focuses on condensed matter and materials physics, particularly the electronic structures of superconductors, topological insulators, and novel materials. Dr. Shen pioneered advanced spectroscopic techniques, including photon-based imaging and scattering methods, and has authored over 600 publications with significant citation impact. His honors include the Kamerlingh Onnes Prize (2000), E.O. Lawrence Award (2010), and Oliver E. Buckley Prize (2011). He co-founded PrimeNano Inc., commercializing technologies from his lab, such as microwave impedance microscopy. His work bridges fundamental physics with energy-related applications, emphasizing the interplay between electronic structure and material properties. Dr. Shen’s research group explores cutting-edge topics like topological surface states, electron-phonon interactions, and superconductivity mechanisms. His inventions, such as non-resonance microwave imaging, have found applications in materials characterization. He remains active in advancing instrumentation and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations through his academic and industry roles.
Dr. Jung-Fu Lin is a Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, holding the Dave P. Carlton Centennial Professorship. His research focuses on understanding planetary interiors through high-pressure experiments, particularly using diamond anvil cells and synchrotron facilities. Key areas include mineral physics, Earth's core dynamics, and the role of water in mantle processes. Expertise: High-pressure mineral physics, X-ray spectroscopy, and planetary materials science. Current projects: Investigating iron alloys in Earth's core, thermal conductivity of mantle minerals, and carbon storage mechanisms. Research highlights include discoveries on iron spin transitions, elasticity of bridgmanite, and Martian core dynamics. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award and Fulbright Scholarship. Lin supervises graduate students in experimental petrology and mentors postdocs globally. Teaches courses on Earth materials and mineral physics. Active in international collaborations, including with Okayama University (Japan) and Adam Mickiewicz University (Poland). His lab develops advanced laser heating systems and Raman spectroscopy tools for high-pressure studies.
Jörg F. Löffler is a Full Professor of Metal Physics and Technology at the Department of Materials, ETH Zürich , where he has been since 2003. He previously served as Chairman of the Department (2010–2013) and holds Adjunct Professor positions at Tohoku University (Japan) and a Visiting Faculty role at Caltech. His research focuses on bulk metallic glasses , metallic biomaterials , and magnetic materials , combining synthesis, characterization, and applications in biomedical and structural contexts. Educations : Studied Physics and Materials Science at Saarland University (Germany), earned his doctorate at ETH Zurich and Paul Scherrer Institute on magnetism and neutron scattering (1997). Research Trends : Recent work explores additive manufacturing (e.g., laser powder bed fusion), biodegradable magnesium alloys for implants, and magneto-structural coupling in metallic glasses. Collaborative efforts integrate in situ analysis with computational modeling. Scientific Awards : International Magnesium Science and Technology Award (2023) MRS Fellow (2021) DGM 'Breakthrough' Prize (2016) Masing Memorial Prize (2005) ETH Zurich Medal (1998) Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (1998-2001) Löffler advises the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UC Davis and serves on editorial boards. His group at ETH Zürich investigates advanced metallic materials using synchrotron radiation and neutron scattering facilities.
Professor Neil Telling is Research Director at Keele's School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, specializing in biomedical nanophysics. His research develops magnetic nanostructures for medical applications and investigates biomineralized iron deposits in neurological tissue using advanced synchrotron techniques. Research pillars: Nanoscale magnetic materials for targeted therapies X-ray spectromicroscopy of biological tissues Iron speciation in neurodegenerative conditions He maintains extensive international collaborations and regularly conducts experiments at major synchrotron facilities including the Advanced Light Source and Diamond Light Source.
Yao Yang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on developing multimodal operando electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray methods to probe electrochemical dynamics at solid-liquid interfaces for energy materials. PhD, Cornell University (2021) Miller Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Berkeley (2021-2024) Research interests span fundamental electrochemistry and energy material interfaces, particularly CO2 reduction, clean H2 production, and rechargeable batteries. The Yang group specializes in operando electrochemical liquid-cell scanning transmission electron microscopy (EC-STEM) and correlative synchrotron X-ray methods at Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) and Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). Recent publications highlight atomic-scale imaging of catalyst dynamics, Tafel slope analysis, and epitaxial growth techniques for enhanced electrocatalysts. Articles demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining electrochemistry, nanoscience, and advanced characterization. Scientific Awards: 2025 ACS Materials and Interfaces Outstanding Presentations by Young Investigators Award 2024 Journal of Materials Research Distinguished Invited Speaker Miller Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021-2024) 2023 Best Early Career Presentation at MRS Spring 2022 ACS AC/DC Rising Stars in Analytical Chemistry Contact: yaoyang@cornell.edu
Vadim Cherezov, the Ester Dornsife Chair in Biological Sciences and Professor at the University of Southern California (USC), leads groundbreaking research in membrane protein structure and function. Affiliated with the Bridge Institute, Department of Chemistry, and Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, his work focuses on GPCRs, ion channels, and transporters—critical targets for drug discovery. His team leverages advanced techniques like Lipidic Cubic Phase (LCP) and Serial Femtosecond Crystallography (SFX) at XFEL facilities to solve high-resolution structures under physiological conditions. Institutional Affiliations: Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center, Department of Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Key Collaborations: Katritch Lab, Kuhn Lab, NIH, European XFEL. His research explores the role of lipids in modulating GPCR function, addressing diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cancer. By solving the structure of the A 2A adenosine receptor via sulfur SAD phasing at XFEL, Cherezov’s lab demonstrated de novo phasing without heavy atoms. This breakthrough enables structural studies of previously intractable membrane proteins. Scientific Awards & Grants: NIH R01 GM108635, U54 GM094618, U54 GM094599, R01 GM095583 Science Signaling Breakthroughs of the Year (2014) Cherezov mentors a dynamic team, including postdocs (e.g., Dong-Gyun Kim), graduate students (e.g., Behnaz Davoudinasab), and alumni (e.g., Benjamin Stauch at Eli Lilly, Nairie Michaelian at Genentech). His lab’s publications span Nature , Science , and Cell , with recent work on Science Advances (2025) addressing ABEL-FRET for GPCR dynamics.
Dr. Kai Gong is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University, with affiliations at the Rice Advanced Materials Institute and Ken Kennedy Institute. His research focuses on sustainable infrastructure materials, environmental sustainability, and materials science. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering and Materials Science from Princeton University, an MEngSci from Monash University (Australia), and dual B.S. degrees from Monash University and Central South University (China). Research Interests: Development of durable, sustainable infrastructure materials Waste encapsulation and conversion to value-added products Carbon mineralization and utilization Advanced characterization techniques (synchrotron/neutron scattering) Data-driven modeling and atomistic simulations Notable Awards: 2023 Le Chatelier Medal (Cement and Concrete Research) 2024 Giatec Award for Best Paper in Sustainability Walbridge Fund Graduate Award (2019) His work integrates computational methods (e.g., molecular dynamics) with experimental techniques to address decarbonization challenges in infrastructure. The Gong Research Group actively seeks motivated researchers for opportunities in sustainable materials innovation.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Farhad Rachidi-Haeri is a Titular Professor and Head of the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Group at EPFL. His expertise spans EMC research, lightning electromagnetics, time reversal techniques, and fault location in power systems. He has led the EMC Group since the 1980s, with funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation, European Union, and private sector collaborations. His work involves international partnerships with institutions like the University of Toronto and KTH. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering from EPFL (1991), M.S. from EPFL (1986). Roles: President of Swiss National Committee of URSI (2012–2020), Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on EMC (2013–2015), and member of the Academy of Sciences of Bologna Institute (2019). Research Focus: Lightning interaction with infrastructure, electromagnetic field modeling, time reversal applications for fault detection, and high-frequency transient analysis. His work bridges theoretical physics and engineering, addressing challenges in power systems, lightning protection, and aerospace. Awards: IEEE EMC Technical Achievement Award (2005), Berger Award (2016), and Distinguished Honorary Professor at Tsinghua University (2024). Over 400 peer-reviewed papers and 500 conference contributions reflect his prolific research output. Labs/Teams: Leads the EMC Laboratory at EPFL, focusing on experimental and numerical studies of electromagnetic phenomena. Collaborates with global networks on projects like Laser Lightning Control and structural lightning protection for wind turbines.
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.
Ralph H. Colby serves as Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, holding the Corning Faculty Fellowship. His research focuses on molecular-level dynamics in complex fluids, particularly polymers, ionomers, and liquid crystalline systems. With over 130 publications and authorship of the textbook Polymer Physics (2003), he directs an active research program examining structure-property relationships in soft matter. B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University (1979) M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University (1983) Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University (1985) Professor Colby's research spans polymer physics, rheology, and materials for energy applications. His group employs mechanical rheology, dielectric spectroscopy, and scattering techniques to investigate ion transport in single-ion conductors for batteries, dynamics of glass-forming liquids, and self-assembly in polyelectrolyte systems. Current work emphasizes structure-property relationships in ionomers, liquid crystalline polymers, and branched architectures. Analysis of recent publications reveals consistent focus on ionomer membranes for energy applications, processing-structure relationships in advanced polymers, and fundamental dynamics of complex fluids. Key trends include increasing integration of computational modeling with experimental characterization, expansion into sustainable materials processing, and growing emphasis on applications in battery technology and biomedical materials. Penn State Faculty Scholar Medal for Outstanding Achievement (2022) Bingham Medal, Society of Rheology (2012) American Chemical Society Fellowship Corning Faculty Fellowship in Materials Science and Engineering Professor Colby leads multiple federally funded projects including NSF's 'Fundamental Studies of Flow-Induced Polymer Crystallization' and DOE's 'Conduction mechanisms and structure of ionomeric single-ion conductors'. His group maintains strong industry partnerships with Corning Incorporated and participates in interdisciplinary initiatives like the Penn State Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Materials Science and Engineering. Current research includes collaborations on breast cancer adherence interventions in Rwanda and conjugated polymer development for flexible electronics. The Colby Research Group operates specialized facilities for rheological characterization, dielectric spectroscopy, and X-ray scattering at Penn State's Materials Research Institute. The team maintains active collaborations with national laboratories and international research groups, focusing on translating fundamental polymer physics discoveries into practical applications for energy storage and advanced manufacturing.
Prof. Alexander Holleitner leads the Chair of Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials at the Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich , under the Walter Schottky Institute. His research focuses on ultrafast optoelectronics, quantum optoelectronics, and excitonic systems in nanoscale circuits. Research Directions : Ultrafast optoelectronics, quantum optoelectronics, excitonic systems, THz time-domain spectroscopy, and nanofabrication of mixed organic/inorganic systems. Publications : Recent work spans hyperbolic polaritons, interlayer excitons, graphene nano-gap dynamics, and defect engineering in 2D materials. Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects with groups studying semiconductor heterostructures and quantum technologies. His lab welcomes students and researchers interested in experimental physics, quantum electronics, and nanofabrication.
Dr. V.M. (Bala) Balasubramaniam is a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University. He holds editorial roles in food engineering journals and is a Fellow of IFT and IUFoST. His research focuses on clean food manufacturing technologies, particularly high-pressure and nonthermal methods, emphasizing microbial inactivation and nutrient preservation. He teaches unit operations in food engineering and contributes to industry via short courses and pilot plant demonstrations. Education: B.S. (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University), M.S. (Asian Institute of Technology), Ph.D. (Ohio State University). Research Interests: Thermal/nonthermal processing, food safety/quality modeling, and innovative applications of high-pressure technologies. Recent work includes ultra-shear technology development and superheated steam sanitation. Over 100 scientific papers, 20 book chapters, and co-edited books on high-pressure processing. Awards include the 2021 IFT Research & Development Award and 2017 Calvert L. Willey Award. Advising: Supervises graduate students like Liz Astorga Oquendo and Shruthy Seshadrinathan. Industrial outreach includes a USDA consortium for ultra-shear commercialization. Labs/teams focus on pilot-scale equipment testing and microbial efficacy studies.
Charles Ahn is the John C. Malone Professor of Applied Physics & Materials Science at Yale University. His research focuses on fabricating and studying novel complex oxide materials using advanced techniques like molecular beam epitaxy and synchrotron x-ray scattering. His work addresses multifunctional oxides, nanofabrication, and nonvolatile logic switches for post-CMOS computing. Key research areas include electronic control of complex order parameters in correlated oxides and scanning probe microscopy-based nanofabrication. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University. Research interests span the physics and technology of complex oxides, with emphasis on electronic and structural control at the nanoscale. His group develops next-generation materials for computing and electronics, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches in materials science and condensed matter physics. Notable awards include Fellow of the American Physical Society, AVS Peter Mark Memorial Award, David and Lucile Packard Fellowship, and Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship. His lab (Ahn Lab) actively explores cutting-edge applications in oxide electronics and quantum phenomena. Grants and patents include innovations in magnetoelectronic devices and ferroelectric-based technologies. He collaborates widely, bridging experimental materials science with theoretical modeling to advance functional oxide systems.
Peter Van Puyvelde is a Full Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Sciences, where he leads research at the Soft Matter, Rheology and Technology (SMaRT) unit within the Department of Chemical Engineering. He is an active member of the Applied Rheology and Plastics Processing Division and the Leuven.AM Institute for Additive Manufacturing. His academic responsibilities include membership in the Faculty Council of Engineering Sciences and departmental committees. His core research focuses on: Polymer processing and complex fluid dynamics In-situ characterization of flow-microstructure relationships Flow-induced crystallization phenomena Development of sustainable polymer materials Additive manufacturing technologies Professor Van Puyvelde's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on sustainable polymer systems including lignin-based materials, humins valorization, bioplastics, and green additives. His work frequently employs advanced characterization techniques like fast-scanning calorimetry and synchrotron X-ray scattering to study crystallization kinetics and microstructure development in complex polymer systems. He currently supervises PhD students working on nanofiltration membranes and reinforced polymer parts. His extensive research portfolio includes leadership roles in multiple ongoing projects: Polylactic acid bioplastics development (Co-promoter) Lignin-based flame retardants (Co-promoter) Humins valorization for functional polymers (Co-promoter) Ionic liquids for enhanced oil recovery (Promoter) Competition between crystallization and crosslinking (Promoter) Additive manufacturing of polymer composites (Co-promoter)
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Anne E. White is the School of Engineering Distinguished Professor of Engineering and associate vice president for research administration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She serves in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering within MIT's School of Engineering and is a key researcher at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC). White has held significant leadership roles including NSE department head from 2019 to 2023 and co-chair of the MIT Climate Nucleus from 2021 to 2024. She currently chairs the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC), providing federal advisory input to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. White received her PhD in physics from UCLA, where she conducted research at the Electric Tokamak. Her early career included research positions at the National Spherical Torus Experiment at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and the DIII-D National Fusion Facility at General Atomics before joining MIT as a faculty member. Her educational background laid the foundation for her expertise in plasma physics and fusion energy research. Professor White's research focuses on magnetic fusion energy, specifically on understanding turbulent transport in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. Her work spans diagnostic development, novel experimentation, and validation of nonlinear gyrokinetic codes. She aims to demonstrate nuclear fusion as a practical part of the world's sustainable energy future. Her group develops and uses radiometers, reflectometers, and interferometers to measure fluctuations in plasma density, temperature, and flows in tokamaks. This research is critical for improving predictive capabilities of turbulent transport models, which is essential for developing viable fusion reactors. Analysis of Professor White's recent publications reveals a strong focus on plasma diagnostics and turbulence measurements across multiple tokamak facilities. Her work spans experimental measurements on ASDEX Upgrade, Alcator C-Mod, NSTX, and DIII-D tokamaks, with particular emphasis on electron temperature fluctuations, turbulence characterization, and transport model validation. A significant theme is the development and application of novel diagnostic techniques for simultaneous measurements of multiple plasma parameters. Her research increasingly incorporates computational approaches, including gyrokinetic simulations and machine learning methods, to interpret experimental data and advance predictive capabilities in fusion plasma physics. Professor White has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career: Fellow, American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics (2019) Cecil and Ida Green Career Development Professor, MIT (2014) American Physical Society Katherine E. Weimer Award (2014) Fusion Power Associates Excellence in Fusion Engineering Award (2014) Junior Bose Award for Excellence in Teaching, MIT (2014) PAI Outstanding Faculty Award from MIT student chapter of the American Nuclear Society (2013) Norman C. Rosenbluth Career Development Professor, MIT (2012-2014) Department of Energy Early Career Award (2011-2016) Marshall N. Rosenbluth Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award (2009) As an educator and mentor, Professor White has advised numerous students through MIT's Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering. She has taught courses including Principles of Plasma Diagnostics, Seminar in Fusion & Plasma Physics, and Introduction to Plasma Physics. Her leadership extends to developing educational resources, notably leading a team in 2018 to create a free MITx MOOC focused on nuclear science and engineering for global high school learners. Professor White has secured significant research funding through Department of Energy awards, including the Early Career Award (2011-2016) and various fusion energy fellowships throughout her career. Her research group at MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center has contributed to multiple major fusion facilities and has been instrumental in advancing understanding of plasma turbulence and transport. Professor White leads the Fusion and Plasmas Lab at MIT, which focuses on diagnostic development and turbulence measurements in fusion plasmas. Her team has made significant contributions to research on four major tokamaks: Alcator C-Mod, ASDEX Upgrade, DIII-D, and National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade. At MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, she previously served as assistant division head for magnetic fusion energy collaborations and ran the Gyrokinetic Simulation Working Group and the Alcator C-Mod Transport Group. Her lab maintains close collaboration between experimental work, theoretical modeling, and computational simulation to advance the understanding of plasma turbulence and transport phenomena critical for fusion energy development.
