Nathalie Viart

Nathalie Viart serves as Professor of Inorganic Materials Chemistry at the European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials of Strasbourg (ECPM), University of Strasbourg, conducting research at the Institute of Physics and Chemistry of Materials of Strasbourg (IPCMS). Her work bridges fundamental materials science with spintronic applications through advanced oxide thin-film engineering.

Her academic foundation includes:

• PhD in Chemistry (1996) from University of Strasbourg on “Elaboration by the sol-gel process of silica / iron oxides magnetic nanocomposites” (Supervisors: Pr. Jean Guille, Dr. J.-L. Rehspringer)
• Accreditation to supervise research (2005) for “Composite materials with magnetic and/or electric properties: from powder to thin films” (Supervisor: Dr. G. Pourroy)
• OXSEN Fellowship at Oxford University (1996-1997) studying “Introduction of oxides in magnetoresistive devices” (Supervisor: Dr. J. F. Gregg)

Professor Viart’s research centers on magnetoelectric oxide thin films, with pioneering work on infinite-layer nickelates for superconductivity and frustrated spinel systems (CoFe₂O₄, FeV₂O₄, Ga_2-xFe_xO₃). Leading the “Magnetoelectric Oxides for Spintronics” (MISSION) project, she investigates how crystallographic distortions, cation distributions, and capping layers tune electronic/magnetic properties. Her methodologies integrate pulsed laser deposition with synchrotron-based characterization (resonant X-ray scattering, magnetic dichroism) to decode structure-property relationships in complex oxides.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals three dominant trends: (1) Breakthrough studies on nickelate superconductors (PrNiO₂, NdNiO₂), particularly capping-layer effects on charge/spin order; (2) Engineering of magnetoelectric spinels with tailored cation distributions for room-temperature functionality; (3) Development of advanced characterization tools like inserexs software for X-ray scattering. These efforts consistently target materials for next-generation spintronic and multiferroic devices.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Fellowship in the Oxide Spin Electronics (OXSEN) European Training Network

Professor Viart actively secures competitive funding for oxide materials research, evidenced by her leadership in the MISSION project and extensive collaborations across European institutions (Oxford, Ghent, Barcelona). Her publications demonstrate frequent co-authorship with instrumentation specialists and theorists, reflecting interdisciplinary grant-supported work. While specific student supervision isn’t detailed in source materials, her accreditation to supervise research and role in training postdocs through IPCMS projects indicate significant mentorship contributions.

Based at IPCMS’s state-of-the-art facilities in Strasbourg, she collaborates with the “Magnetism and Multiferroics” team and contributes to ECPM’s materials science curriculum. Her laboratory specializes in thin-film synthesis (pulsed laser deposition) and synchrotron-based characterization, with ongoing projects exploring nickelate membranes and spin-orbit coupling in gallium ferrites.