Michael Scherer

Michael Scherer is a Heisenberg Professor of Theoretical Physics at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, specializing in quantum many-body systems and renormalization group methods. His research spans condensed matter, high-energy physics, and quantum information, focusing on Dirac materials, frustrated magnetism, and quantum criticality. He leads the research group Control and Dynamics of Quantum Materials (CRC1238) and collaborates internationally.

Education

• Habilitation and venia legendi (Privatdozent) from University of Cologne (2018) and Heidelberg University (2015)
• PhD in Theoretical Physics (summa cum laude) from Jena University (2010)
• Diploma in Physics from Heidelberg University (2007)

Research Interests

• Strongly correlated electron systems
• Quantum phase transitions and criticality
• Dirac/Weyl/moiré materials
• Quantum spin liquids
• Renormalization group methods
• High-energy physics connections (Higgs, quantum gravity)

Scientific Awards & Grants

• Heisenberg Fellowship (2022)
• Principal investigator in CRC1238 (2020)
• DFG Research Fellowship (2016)
• Promotionspreis (2011)
• Fellow of RTG 'Quantum and Gravitational Fields' (2009-2010)
• Erasmus Fellowship (2004-2005)

Student Advising

• Current PhD students: Aiman Al-Eryani, Bilal Hawashin, Mireia Tolosa
• Alumni PhD students include Laura Classen (now TU Munich), David Mikhail (Basel), and Timo Reckling (Aachen)
• Supervised 10+ Bachelor/Master students

Labs & Collaborations

• Head of research group at Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• Collaborations in Canada, China, Denmark, UK, US, and Germany
• Active member of CRC1238 'Control and Dynamics of Quantum Materials'