Jens Biegert is ICREA Professor at ICFO (The Institute of Photonic Sciences) leading research in Attosecond X-ray Science, Extreme Photonics, and Quantum Dynamics. His group develops advanced technologies to investigate electron and nuclear dynamics in atoms, molecules, and solids using attosecond soft-X-ray pulses and coincidence imaging techniques. Major research themes include: Attosecond spectroscopy of condensed matter systems Machine learning applications in laser-induced electron diffraction Valleytronics and quantum control in 2D materials He coordinates multiple EU projects including ERC Advanced Grant 'TRANSFORMER', FET-OPEN 'OPTOlogic', and MSCA 'Smart-X'. Recent publications demonstrate breakthroughs in quantum optical characterization of high-harmonic generation and material phase transitions.
Donna Strickland is a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and Professor at the University of Waterloo, renowned for her groundbreaking work in laser physics. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2018 for her contributions to the development of chirped pulse amplification, a technique that revolutionized high-intensity laser physics. Strickland's research focuses on advancing the field of intense and ultrafast lasers, with particular emphasis on laser-matter interactions, nonlinear optics, and the development of novel ultrafast laser systems. Her work has enabled numerous applications across scientific research, industrial manufacturing, and medical technologies. She continues to push the boundaries of laser science, exploring new frontiers in attosecond physics and quantum technologies. Her pioneering 1985 paper on chirped pulse amplification with Gérard Mourou laid the foundation for modern high-intensity laser systems. Since then, her research has evolved to address increasingly sophisticated challenges in ultrafast optics, including next-generation laser technologies for scientific, industrial, and medical applications. Her work demonstrates a consistent trajectory from fundamental physics to practical implementations. Nobel Prize in Physics (2018) Honorary Doctorate from Menéndez Pelayo International University (2019) As one of only three women to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics, Strickland serves as an important role model for aspiring scientists worldwide. She actively participates in academic events and continues to mentor the next generation of physicists through her teaching and research at the University of Waterloo. Her current work explores advanced applications of ultrafast lasers in quantum technologies and precision material processing.
Dr. Stewart Johnson is an Assistant Research Professor (tenure track) at IMDEA Nanociencia, leading the Ultrafast Science of Quantum Materials group since January 2023. Previously, he held positions at ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Science in Barcelona, including a 'La Caixa' Junior Leader (2021–2022) and a PROBIST Marie Curie postdoctoral fellowship (2018–2021). He earned his Ph.D. in tabletop attosecond x-ray laser sources from Imperial College London (2017) and a B.Sc. in Physics-Mathematics from the University of Ottawa (2013). Education: Ph.D., Imperial College London, 2017 B.Sc., University of Ottawa, 2013 His research focuses on Ultrafast Science of Quantum Materials , exploring transient phenomena in quantum systems using advanced spectroscopic techniques. Key interests include nanoscale dynamics, photonics, and material characterization under ultrafast time scales. Dr. Johnson has received notable awards, including the Marie Curie Doctoral Fellowship and the NSERC PGS Award. His current group at IMDEA advances interdisciplinary research at the intersection of quantum materials and ultrafast technologies.
Allan Stewart Johnson joined IMDEA Nanoscience as an Assistant Professor in January 2023, leading the Ultrafast Science of Quantum Materials group. Prior to this, he was a La Caixa Junior Leader (2021-2022) and PROBIST Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow (2018-2021) at ICFO - The Institute of Photonic Science in Barcelona. He earned his PhD in 2017 at Imperial College London, where he developed tabletop attosecond x-ray laser sources under a Marie Curie Doctoral Fellowship and NSERC PGS Award, and his B.Sc. in Physics-Mathematics at the University of Ottawa in 2013. Dr. Johnson's research focuses on the ultrafast dynamics of quantum materials, bridging nanotechnology, photonics, and condensed matter physics. His work employs advanced laser sources to probe femtosecond-scale electronic and structural processes in materials with potential applications in quantum computing and nanoscale optoelectronics. Scientific awards include: Ramon y Cajal Assistant Research Professor (tenure track), IMDEA Nanoscience (2023) La Caixa Junior Leader Fellowship, ICFO (2021-2022) PROBIST Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018-2021) Marie Curie Doctoral Fellowship (duration: 2013-2017) NSERC PGS Award (during PhD studies) His academic trajectory spans institutions in Spain, the UK, and Canada, with technical expertise in ultrafast laser systems and quantum material characterization.
