Erik Bakkers

Erik Bakkers is a Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education, where he leads the Advanced Nanomaterials & Devices group and co-directs the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology Eindhoven. He founded his research group at TU/e in 2017 after previous positions at Philips Research (2000-2010) and as a part-time professor at Delft Technical University (2010). Bakkers holds a PhD in nanoelectrochemistry from Utrecht University.

His research focuses on three key areas:

• Quantum materials: Nanowires for Majorana fermion research and quantum computing applications
• Photonics: Enabling light emission from silicon for optical communications
• Energy: High-efficiency flexible solar cells using III/V semiconductor nanowires

His work manipulates quantum properties at nanoscale to develop new materials and test fundamental physics theories.

Bakkers has published extensively in top journals including Nature, Science, and Nature Nanotechnology, with research spanning quantum computing, topological materials, and semiconductor physics. His recent work demonstrates strong focus on quantum devices and nanowire applications.

Major scientific awards:

• ERC Advanced Grant (2019) for Majorana particle research
• ERC Consolidator Grant (2013)
• NWO Vici Award (2010)

He leads the 'Enabling Majorana Braiding' project (2018-2028) and collaborates with industry partners including Philips, IBM, and Microsoft. His group develops quantum materials and devices for next-generation computing and sustainable energy solutions.