معرفی
Roberto Fornari is a Full Professor of Condensed Matter Physics at the Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma. He served as Vice-Rector for Research from 2017 to 2023 and previously coordinated the Physical Unit of the Department from January 2017 to April 2018. Prior to joining Parma University in 2013, he was Director of the Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth in Berlin and Professor at Humboldt University.
His educational background includes a Degree in Physics with honors (110/110 e Lode) from Parma University in 1980. His professional journey began at the Institute of Materials for Electronics and Magnetism of CNR (MASPEC) from 1981-2003, where he progressed from Researcher to Director of Research. From 2003-2013, he served as Director of the Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth and Professor at Technical University of Brandenburg and later Humboldt University.
Professor Fornari's research primarily focuses on the development and investigation of semiconductor single crystals and epitaxial films, with particular emphasis on gallium oxide (Ga2O3) polymorphs. His current research interest centers on 'Development of novel Ga2O3 polymorphs: epitaxial deposition and study of their physical characteristics.' He has over 40 years of experience in advanced materials development, especially semiconductors, and pioneered oxide semiconductor research in Europe. His work spans bulk semiconductors, GaN/InGaN epitaxy, and electrical and optical characterization of semiconductor materials.
His extensive publication record demonstrates a strong focus on gallium oxide research, particularly exploring different polymorphs (β, κ, ε), their growth techniques (CVD, MOCVD), and applications in UV photodetectors and power electronics. Recent work emphasizes heterojunction devices, doping techniques, and characterization of electronic properties across multiple gallium oxide phases.
His significant contributions to the field have been recognized with multiple awards:
- Premio Mammi 2017 of Italian Crystallographic Association (AIC)
- GIAN fellow, Global Initiative of Academic Network, India 2018
- Invited twice to present results in USAF laboratories (1992, 1995)
- World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University (2020-)
Professor Fornari has supervised 38 undergraduate and PhD students, and 5 post-docs throughout his career. He has been responsible for research projects totaling 3.2 million Euro. His editorial activities include serving as Associate Editor for journals including Discover Materials (Springer Nature), Journal of Crystal Growth (Elsevier), and Crystal Research and Technology (Wiley). He has also edited significant reference works including 'Comprehensive Semiconductors Science and Technology' (2nd edition, 2024).
He coordinates the Semiconductor Group at the University of Parma and has held significant leadership roles including President of the International Organization for Crystal Growth (2010-2016) and member of the Executive Committee of the European Materials Research Society (2011-2017).
