Pablo Merino

Pablo Merino is a tenured scientist at the Institute of Materials Science of Madrid (CSIC), Spain. His research bridges Astrophysics, Nanooptics, and Surface Science, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to address scientific challenges. He leads a laboratory developing tip-enhanced spectromicroscopies to study molecular vibrations on surfaces, aligning with upcoming James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations.

Education & Career: After a PhD focused on interstellar dust grain processes and a postdoc merging nanotechnology (STM) with quantum optics (Hanbury Brown-Twiss interferometry), he established a research line combining nc-AFM with time-resolved luminescence. His work includes phase-fluorometry of excitons in single molecules and surface-adsorbed molecular dynamics.

Research Focus: Explores light-matter interactions in astrochemical analogues on surfaces, integrating advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Innovations include atomic-scale micrograph analysis for space molecule formation and C60/H₂ surface dynamics characterization.

Affiliations: Active in Working Groups WG1, WG2, and WG3. Engaged in Mobility Grants (STSMs) and Open Source/Access initiatives. Coordinates lab development for surface molecular vibration studies.

Future Directions: Positions his research to leverage JWST data through experimental/theoretical astrochemical surface studies. Continues advancing nanoscale optical characterization methods for fundamental science applications.