Matteo Calandra Buonaura

Matteo Calandra Buonaura is a Full Professor at the Department of Physics, University of Trento, Italy, since February 2020. He also holds a permanent position as Directeur de Recherche de première classe at CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France. His career spans postdoctoral research at Max Planck Institute (Stuttgart) and Université P. et M. Curie (Paris), followed by CNRS research roles since 2003.

• Laurea in Theoretical Physics (University of Parma, 1995)
• PhD in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics (SISSA, Trieste, 1999)

His research focuses on condensed matter theory with emphasis on quantum materials, superconductivity, and 2D crystals. He develops density functional theory and machine learning frameworks to study vibrational properties, charge density waves, and strongly anharmonic solids under extreme conditions. His group (mattheory.physics.unitn.it) integrates numerical methods and quantum spectroscopy to explore graphene, ferroelectrics, and hydrogen-rich materials.

Recent publications investigate light-induced phase transitions, chiral phonons, and machine learning for ab initio accuracy in novel 2D systems. His work bridges fundamental quantum physics and computational materials science.

Scientific Awards

• ERC Advanced Grant (2022)
• Google Gift Awards for quantum technologies (2021, 2022)
• Prime d'excellence scientifique CNRS (2012, 2018)

He has supervised research teams at CNRS and University of Trento, secured 7 PRACE/EuroHPC supercomputing grants, and contributed to the Graphene Flagship consortium and IIT Graphene Labs. His teaching includes Mechanics, Transport in Nanostructures, and advanced theoretical courses on 2D materials.