Michal Zawierta is a Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia (UWA), affiliated with the School of Engineering and the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering. His work focuses on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), photonics, and infrared/terahertz sensing technologies. He has contributed to advancements in MEMS-based photonic switches, adaptive filters, and multispectral imaging systems. Zawierta leads or collaborates on projects such as the 'Honey pollen assessment - Novel methodologies for pollen detection' funded by the Cooperative Research Centre for Honey Bee Products. His research interests include MEMS fabrication, metamaterials, silicon nitride photonics, and optical sensing. He has published extensively in top venues like Advanced Photonics Research and SPIE conferences, with a focus on applications in thermal infrared filtering, SWIR imaging, and terahertz systems. Notably, his work integrates MEMS with interferometric and piezoelectric actuation for advanced microscopy and sensing. Zawierta received the Frater Award in 2022. His contributions span academic research and industry-relevant solutions, bridging nanotechnology and optical engineering.
Prof. Andrei Vescan is a Universitätsprofessor (University Professor) at RWTH Aachen University's Department of Compound Semiconductor Technology. His research focuses on advanced semiconductor materials and optoelectronic devices, including III-nitrides, 2D materials like MoS2 and WS2, and hybrid organic-inorganic systems. Key applications include power electronics, flexible displays, solid-state lighting, and photovoltaics. His work emphasizes scalable fabrication techniques like MOCVD and CVD, as well as device integration challenges. Education and academic background: While not explicitly detailed in the provided texts, his professorship implies advanced degrees in materials science or electrical engineering. His research group investigates material growth, characterization, and device engineering. Notable areas include GaN-based power devices, memristors for neuromorphic computing, and large-area flexible electronics. Research interests span 3D/2D semiconductors, hybrid materials, and their integration into functional devices. Recent studies address surface damage reduction in GaN Schottky diodes, memristor-based artificial neurons, and optimized 2D material transfer techniques. His group's facilities include state-of-the-art equipment for nanoscale characterization and device fabrication. Publications highlight advancements in MOCVD-grown heterostructures, perovskite LEDs, and flexible photodetectors. While no specific awards are listed, his prolific publication record indicates recognition in semiconductor research. He advises on device reliability, process engineering, and scalable manufacturing of 2D material-based systems. Labs/teams: The Compound Semiconductor Technology (CST) group at RWTH Aachen University serves as his main research hub, equipped with advanced deposition and characterization tools. Collaborative projects likely involve industry partners for technology commercialization.
Dr. Laurent Marot is a Researcher at the Department of Physics, University of Basel, affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences. His work focuses on plasma-material interactions, diagnostic systems for nuclear fusion, and advanced materials science. He contributes to ITER-related research through projects like the development of plasma cleaning techniques for first mirrors and studies on plasma-facing materials. Research interests include plasma physics, fusion energy, surface engineering, and catalytic processes. Key projects involve mirror cleaning technologies in tokamak environments (e.g., JET and EAST), optimization of tungsten and rhodium coatings, and nanoscale surface modifications for biomedical and fusion applications. Recent publications address plasma cleaning efficacy, material erosion under high heat loads, and novel catalytic materials. His work bridges experimental and computational approaches to solve challenges in fusion energy and material durability.
Chang-Yong Nam is a Senior Scientist and Group Leader of the Electronic Nanomaterials Group at Brookhaven National Laboratory's Center for Functional Nanomaterials. He also holds Adjunct Professor positions at Stony Brook University (Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering) and University of Texas at Dallas (Department of Materials Science and Engineering). His research focuses on semiconductor materials processing, atomic layer deposition, and hybrid organic-inorganic materials for microelectronics and energy applications. Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering (University of Pennsylvania, 2007) M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering (KAIST, 2001) B.E. in Metallurgical Engineering (Korea University, 1999) Research interests include advanced patterning technologies for next-generation microelectronics, EUV lithography, and low-dimensional semiconductor devices. His work bridges fundamental material science with practical applications in nanotechnology and energy conversion systems. Scientific achievements include the DOE Accelerate Initiative Award (2023), Battelle Inventor of the Year recognition (2022), and multiple Spotlight Awards from Brookhaven National Laboratory. He has secured significant funding for projects like the Angstrom Era Semiconductor Patterning Material Development Accelerator. As an inventor of multiple patents and author of over 100 scientific publications, his work has direct implications for semiconductor manufacturing innovation. He actively mentors graduate students and contributes to international scientific collaborations, including projects like the Electron-Ion Collider and Lunar Surface Electromagnetics Experiment-Night.
Matthias Schmelz is a researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, working in the Quantum Circuits group under the Research Department Quantum Systems. His work focuses on the development of superconducting quantum circuits and cryogenic electronics, with a particular emphasis on Josephson junction fabrication, SQUID-based readout systems, and wafer-scale integration for scalable quantum technologies. Key research contributions include the design of adiabatic quantum flux parametrons (AQFP), development of high-inductance cryogenic current comparators (CCC), and optimization of microwave SQUID multiplexer (µMUX) architectures for terahertz security cameras. His projects involve collaborations with institutions like CERN and GSI Darmstadt, addressing challenges in millikelvin thermalization, noise reduction, and quantum device characterization. Recent publications highlight advancements in cross-type Josephson junction fabrication, controllable mode coupling in coplanar waveguides, and hybrid NbN-Al quantum technologies. These works span journals including Physical Review B and IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity , with applications in quantum computing, particle beam diagnostics, and high-sensitivity optical sensor readouts.
Dr. Uwe Hübner is a Professor and Head of Department at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), leading the Competence Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies. His work bridges nanomaterial synthesis, quantum device fabrication, and optical biosensing, with recent publications spanning electrocatalysis, superconducting resonators, and X-ray imaging. His research interests focus on micro/nanofabrication techniques for quantum and optical devices photocatalytic materials for environmental remediation label-free biosensors and impedance circuit design high-harmonic generation for sub-nanometer imaging Recent publications highlight his contributions to porous platinum layers for CO2 electroreduction cross-type Josephson junctions for scalable quantum computing imaging diffractometric biosensors with single-image readout soft X-ray coherence tomography in the water window These works emphasize interdisciplinary applications of materials science, quantum physics, and environmental engineering. Labs and teams include the Competence Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies at IPHT, collaborating with international institutions on quantum devices, metamaterials, and advanced fabrication methods like grayscale electron beam lithography.
Mario Ziegler is a Researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) , where he contributes to the Competence Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies and the Work group Microsystem and Nanotechnology . His work bridges advanced fabrication techniques with applications in quantum devices, environmental science, and space technology. His research interests include: Nanowire-based plasmonic lasers for nanophotonic circuitry Photocatalytic materials for UV-driven dye degradation Superconducting circuits and Josephson junctions for quantum computing Metasurface engineering for ultrafast laser pulse shaping Robust coatings for space applications Recent publications highlight his focus on hybrid plasmonic-photonic systems, scalable fabrication technologies, and material optimization. His team uses techniques like metastable atomic layer deposition, nanomanipulation-assisted optical characterization, and microlensing gas phase electrodeposition to address challenges in device performance, environmental remediation, and space-grade materials. Collaborators include Uwe Hübner, Ronny Stolz, Matthias Schmelz, and other researchers at Leibniz-IPHT and partner institutions. His work on self-assembled nanowire lasers and cross-type Josephson junctions reflects his role in advancing quantum and optoelectronic technologies. Contact: mario.ziegler@leibniz-ipht.de
Prof. Jeffry A. Kelber is a Regents Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Texas, Denton, TX, with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. He holds a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1979) and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Caltech (1975). His research focuses on analytical and surface/materials chemistry, particularly in semiconductor processing and plasma interactions. Research Interests Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrogen to ammonia (collaboration with Profs. D'Souza and Cundari) Activation and reduction of CO 2 Free radical and plasma interactions with semiconductor surfaces for microelectronics Plasma etching, deposition, and cleaning for electronic and neutron detection materials Scientific Recognition Three-time recipient of the Semiconductor Research Corporation Inventor Recognition Award Dekker Scholar (2003), Dougherty Award (2002), and Toulouse Scholar (2001) Regents Professor (2002–present), reflecting sustained academic excellence Contact: kelber@unt.edu
Dr. Friedrich Roth is a Leading Scientist at the Institute of Experimental Physics , Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg. His research focuses on time-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (tr-XPS) , X-ray absorption spectroscopy , and electron energy-loss spectroscopy at facilities like European XFEL and BESSY II . Institution: TU Bergakademie Freiberg Email: friedrich.roth@physik.tu-freiberg.de ORCID: 0000-0001-9043-9807 His work spans ultrafast charge transfer dynamics at hybrid interfaces, nanoplasmonic light-harvesting systems, and orbital tomography of molecular films. Recent projects include the commissioning of the BESSY II WESPE endstation and exploring functionalized metal nanoparticles using ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments. Dr. Roth actively participates in international conferences such as the 40th Symposium on Dynamical Properties of Solids (DynProSo 2025) in Prague and ICESS-16 in Berkeley. His research aligns with sustainability goals, particularly in resource-efficient semiconductor processing and advanced battery materials .
Professor Alton Horsfall is a faculty member at the Department of Engineering in Durham University. His research focuses on advanced semiconductor devices, quantum electronics, and power systems for extreme environments. Research interests include: Semiconductor physics and device engineering Quantum sensing and spintronics Power electronics for hostile environments Nanomaterials and quantum dots Radiation-hardened electronics High-temperature and cryogenic device modeling Recent publications highlight his work on silicon carbide-based quantum sensors, multi-level power converters, and radiation effects on semiconductor devices. He supervises multiple PhD students in engineering and materials science projects.
Markku Sopanen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering of Aalto University. His research focuses on semiconductor physics, nanotechnology, and optoelectronics, with a strong emphasis on nanowire growth, plasmonic structures, and III-nitride materials. Research Areas: Semiconductor growth techniques, nanoscale fabrication, plasmonics, and optoelectronic devices. Honors: Received Best talk prize at Physics Days by The Finnish Physical Society. Collaborations: Active in interdisciplinary projects involving applied physics and materials science.
Professor Alton Horsfall holds a position at Durham University's Department of Engineering. He earned his BSc (1993) and PhD (1997) in Physics from Durham before working at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. A former Reader at Newcastle University, he is now a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (since 2017). His research focuses on electronic systems for extreme environments, including nuclear reactors, jet engines, and volcanoes. Notable innovations include high-temperature power electronics operating beyond 300°C and quantum physics-based electric field mapping in semiconductors. He collaborates with institutions like Heriot Watt University and industry partners such as Rolls Royce and BAE Systems. Horsfall leads the development of Solid State Transformers and has pioneered nano-scale magnetometry for cell imaging. He has secured funding from EPSRC, Innovate UK, and major corporations, and sits on the EPSRC College and IEEE Sensors Conference Technical Programme Committee. With 27 successful PhD supervisions, he was honored as the Best Lecturer in Electrical Engineering (2014). Current projects include radiation-resistant amplifiers and high-temperature current monitors. Horsfall is Guest Editor for a special issue on Sensors for Extreme Environments in the Sensors Journal, highlighting his leadership in advancing frontier technologies.
Ana Pérez Rodríguez is a researcher in nanotechnology and materials science at the University of Salamanca. Her work focuses on understanding nanoscale phenomena in semiconductor devices and optoelectronic systems based on 2D materials. She holds a PhD from the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, where her research on structural and electronic properties at surfaces earned the Special Award for Doctoral Studies. Previously, she contributed to solar cell fabrication at the Laboratory for Nanostructured Solar Cells (LaNaSC) in Portugal and collaborated internationally on nanofabrication techniques. Education: PhD in Physical Chemistry of Surfaces and Interfaces, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (2014–2018) Research Interests: Ana’s research bridges nanoscale structural analysis with macroscopic device performance. Her work employs advanced techniques like molecular beam epitaxy, X-ray spectroscopy, and cryogenic measurements to study graphene superlattices, 2D materials, and topological insulators. She explores phenomena such as hydrodynamic conduction, excitonic effects, and quantum transport in these systems. Applications span optoelectronics, solar energy, and nanoscale device optimization. Publications: Her 13 papers and book chapter reflect a focus on cutting-edge topics like superballistic conduction in graphene, orbital Hall effects, and fabrication of nanoscale devices. Recent work highlights advancements in 2D material characterization and the interplay between doping and topological properties. Awards: Special Award for Doctoral Studies, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (2018) Advising & Collaboration: Ana has mentored master’s and undergraduate students in device fabrication and nanotechnology. Her interdisciplinary projects involve collaborations with institutions like the Light Technology Institute in Germany and the INL in Portugal. Labs/Teams: She is part of the Nanotechnology group at the University of Salamanca, focusing on optoelectronic devices and cryogenic measurements. Her work leverages state-of-the-art facilities for thin film growth and characterization.
Hamed Sadeghian Marnani is an Associate Professor and Chair of Nano-Optomechatronics Instrumentation at Eindhoven University of Technology's Mechanical Engineering Department. His research develops mechatronic systems for nanoscale imaging and fabrication, with applications in semiconductor metrology, 3D nanotomography, and biomedical diagnostics. He co-founded NEarfield Instruments BV, commercializing parallel AFM technology for semiconductor process control. His publications focus on subsurface microscopy, sensitivity analysis, and nano-transducers. Dr. Sadeghian holds over 60 patents and received the 'TNO excellent researcher' award (2012). He earned his PhD from Delft University of Technology (2010) and an MBA from Vlerick Business School (2014).
Professor Wen Lei is a distinguished academic at the University of Western Australia, serving as Professor and Program Chair of Electrical and Electronic Engineering within the School of Engineering. He leads the Electronic Materials and Devices Research group in the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering. An ARC Future Fellow since 2013, he also chairs the IEEE Western Australia Joint ESP Chapter (Electron Devices Society, Solid State Circuits Society, and Photonics Society). His research spans semiconductor materials development and device applications for infrared technologies, sensors, and energy conversion. Professor Lei's research interests focus on Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), thin film infrared materials and sensors, novel low-dimensional semiconductor optoelectronic materials and devices (including quantum dots, nanowires, and 2D materials), chemi/bio sensors for environmental monitoring, and energy conversion/storage materials (solar cells, thermoelectrics, batteries). His work has resulted in numerous "first in the field" breakthroughs, including strained superlattices for defect filtering in HgCdTe/CdTe materials and the first MBE-grown HgCdSe infrared sensor. His extensive publication record includes over 150 high-impact papers in top journals such as Applied Physics Reviews, Physical Review Letters, and Advanced Materials. Recent work shows a strong trend toward 2D materials for photodetection, spin engineering for enhanced electrocatalysis, and machine learning-assisted semiconductor growth. Professor Lei has demonstrated the first Australian-made prototype mid-wave HgCdTe infrared focal plane arrays with commercial format size. ARC Future Fellowship (2013) ARC Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship (2006) Multiple "Best Paper" Awards from IEEE journals and conferences UWA EECE Sustained High SURF Teaching Awards (2019) UWA EMS Faculty Teaching Awards (2018) Professor Lei has successfully supervised numerous PhD and Master's students with five documented supervised works. His research is supported by substantial funding, including 14 grants totaling millions of dollars from ARC and other sources. Current projects include "Ultra-broadband photodetectors by hybridising graphene with Bi2O2Se nanoplates" (2025) and "National Atomic Layer Etching Facility" (2025), with strong industry interest from companies like PlanarTECH and Aselsan leading to multiple ARC Linkage awards. Professor Lei leads the Electronic Materials and Devices Research group at UWA, with a strong international collaboration network. His research team works on MBE growth and fabrication of HgCdTe infrared sensors, novel HgCdSe infrared materials, advanced infrared sensors with novel architectures, on-chip integration of mid-infrared chemical sensors, and machine-learning assisted semiconductor material growth. The team contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through their work in clean energy and responsible consumption.
