Laura Classen

Prof. Dr. Laura Classen is an Assistant Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and an independent research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research. Her research focuses on condensed matter physics, particularly correlated quantum materials, where she investigates the collective behavior of interacting electrons using quantum field theory and renormalization group techniques. Key areas include unconventional superconductivity, quantum critical phenomena, and Dirac materials. She holds a PhD from the University of Heidelberg (2016) and has held postdoctoral positions at Brookhaven National Laboratory and the University of Minnesota. Her work bridges theoretical insights with experimental observations to design new quantum materials.

Education & Career:

• 2023–present: Assistant Professor, TUM School of Natural Sciences
• 2021–present: Research Group Leader, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research
• 2017–2020: Postdoctoral Fellowships at Brookhaven National Laboratory and University of Minnesota
• 2013–2016: PhD in Theoretical Physics, University of Heidelberg

Research Interests: Correlated electron systems, unconventional superconductivity, quantum criticality, Dirac materials, renormalization group theory, and moiré heterostructures. Her group studies quantum phase transitions, competing orders, and the interplay between electronic correlations and geometric effects in novel materials.

Awards & Grants:

• ERC Starting Grant (2023)
• Feodor-Lynen Research Fellowship (2017–2019)
• PhD Fellowship from Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes

Labs & Teams: Leads the 'Correlated Phases in Quantum Materials' research group at the Max Planck Institute, focusing on theoretical and computational studies of quantum materials. Collaborates with experimental groups to validate theoretical models.

Advising & Grants: Active in mentoring early-career researchers and securing funding for interdisciplinary projects in quantum materials science.