Jörg Schmalian

Jörg Schmalian is a Professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where he leads the Institute for Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics (TKM) and heads the division Theory of Quantum Materials at the Institute for Quantum Materials and Technologies (IQMT). After 2011, he transitioned from a Full Professor role at Iowa State University and a Senior Scientist position at the DOE Ames Laboratory to KIT. His research focuses on strongly correlated electron systems, quantum criticality, and unconventional superconductivity in materials like kagome metals, altermagnets, and topological superconductors.

His work bridges quantum field theory, statistical mechanics, and materials science, with notable contributions to electron hydrodynamics in graphene, nematic order in iron-based systems, and the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model. He has co-authored over 230 peer-reviewed articles and received accolades including the John Bardeen Prize and Physics-Award Dresden.

• Key Research Themes: Superconductivity without quasiparticles, quantum phase transitions, hydrodynamic transport, and non-equilibrium dynamics.
• Awards:
  • Fellow of the American Physical Society
  • 2022 John Bardeen Prize
  • 2023 Physics-Award Dresden
  • Teaching Awards at Iowa State and KIT
• Labs/Teams: Leads the Schmalian Group at KIT's TKM institute and the Theory of Quantum Materials division at IQMT.