Mauro Ferrario

Mauro Ferrario is a Full Professor at the Department of Physical, Computer and Mathematical Sciences (former Physics campus) within the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. His academic leadership is evident through dual roles in Computational Physics Laboratory (Physics degree program) and Physics teaching for Biological Sciences.

• Research Pillars:
  • Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (NEMD/D-NEMD)
  • Quantum-informed machine learning potentials
  • Green lubricant additive development
  • 2D material tribology (graphene, phosphorene)
  • Multi-scale modeling from atomistic to continuum
  • Surface passivation and chemical reactivity under stress
• Methodological Expertise:
  • Ab initio/DFT simulations
  • QM/MM hybrid approaches
  • Constraint dynamics and thermostat algorithms
  • High-throughput interface characterization
  • Transient transport phenomena analysis

The 2025-2024 publications reveal cutting-edge work on machine learning-enhanced simulations for green lubricants, NEMD melt-front modeling, and superlubricity mechanisms. His 2023-2022 studies on phosphorene oxidation, tribochemical constraints, and friction reduction through nanoscale patterning demonstrate sustained innovation across 15 recent articles.

Teaching Impact: He develops computational physics curricula emphasizing Python programming, numerical algorithms, and interdisciplinary applications. His Computational Physics Laboratory course integrates DataCamp tools, while Physics for Biological Sciences bridges classical mechanics with life science applications through digital whiteboard instruction.

Contact: Office MO-17-04-011, Via Campi 213/A. Reception: Mondays 9:00-10:00 or by email appointment.