Renato Minamisawa

Renato Minamisawa serves as Professor of Physics and Head of the Physics Laboratory at the School of Engineering and Environment, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), a position held since 2016.

His academic credentials include:

• Doctorate in Physics, RWTH Aachen, Germany (2008-2011)
• Master's in Physics, Alabama A&M University, USA (2006-2008)
• Bachelor's in Medical Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil (2001-2005)

Specializing in experimental solid-state physics, Minamisawa focuses on nano- and microelectronic components with current research targeting energy-efficient power semiconductors and photovoltaics. His prior work encompasses sensor development and restructured materials, which he plans to revisit. He values Switzerland's flat hierarchies and high technical expertise while appreciating improvisational approaches from Brazil, innovative research culture from the US, and precision from Germany.

Minamisawa leads the physics laboratory at FHNW where he integrates teaching with applied research, having previously taught at ETH Zurich. His transition from ABB Research Center in 2016 was motivated by renewed passion for student interaction and physics education.

Outside academia, he enjoys family life with his wife Sarah and children Samuel (4) and Isabel (2), along with 30 years of jazz guitar performance, hiking, swimming, and jogging in Swiss landscapes.