Latha Venkataraman

Latha Venkataraman is a Professor at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) since 2025, with prior tenure at Columbia University (2007-2025) including roles as Lawrence Gussman Professor of Applied Physics (2019-2025) and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs (2019-2022). Her research focuses on molecular electronics, particularly single-molecule device physics, quantum transport, and metal-organic interfaces, with applications in organic electronics and catalysis.

Key research themes include:

• Electronic, mechanical, and thermoelectric properties of atomic-scale devices
• Quantum interference effects in single-molecule junctions
• Electric field-driven chemical reactions and conductance modulation
• Development of gold-carbon and gold-sulfur contacts

Her recent publications (2023-2025) reveal trends in topological molecular systems, spin-selective transport, and field-assisted chemical transformations, with collaborations spanning synthetic chemistry, theoretical physics, and materials science. Scientific accolades include the Alexander von Humboldt Research Award (2023) and ACS-PRF Grant (2008).

Notable contributions include:

• Creation of single-molecule diodes and insulators via quantum interference
• First single-molecule potentiometer demonstration
• Elucidation of solvent effects on molecular junctions
• Advances in gold-thiol bond characterization

Her lab trains students in applied physics and molecular engineering, with recent graduates like Liang Li and Woojung Lee. The group maintains strong ties with Columbia University and University of Science and Technology China.