Ambrogio Fasoli is a Full Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Basic Sciences and the Center for Research in Plasma Physics (SPC). He holds leadership roles including Academic Vice President and oversees multiple plasma physics research groups, such as the TCV Tokamak Physics and Low-Temperature Plasma Physics and Applications teams. His work focuses on magnetic confinement for nuclear fusion, fast-ion dynamics, and Alfvén eigenmode stability in tokamaks. Key Research Areas: Magnetic confinement, tokamak experiments, fast-ion transport, plasma turbulence, nuclear fusion technology Teaching: Courses on nuclear fusion and plasma physics fundamentals Recent Publications examine advanced tokamak configurations, fast-ion loss diagnostics, Alfvén eigenmode behavior, and proton beam interactions in plasma. His work bridges experimental studies on TCV and JET tokamaks with theoretical modeling and AWAKE experiment contributions. Supervised Students include Daniel Louis Arthur Biek, Jesus Poley Sanjuan, and over a dozen EPFL doctoral candidates. His contact and institutional details span EPFL's Vice-Presidency and SPC research units.
Keriayn Smith, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and holds a concurrent appointment as an Associate Professor in the School of Data Science and Society. Her research focuses on non-coding RNAs, particularly long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), exploring their roles in cell identity, developmental processes, and disease mechanisms. She has received significant grants, including an NSF award ($665,786) for studying lncRNA functions in yeast and mammalian cells, and a Hypothesis Fund Seed Grant for investigating noncoding RNAs' roles in cell identity. Dr. Smith’s work emphasizes translational applications, such as leveraging lncRNA insights for regenerative medicine and personalized therapies. She leads initiatives like the RNA Discovery Center at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, promoting diversity in RNA research. Notably, she chairs the Society for Scientific Advancement (SOSA), advocating for STEM accessibility in underserved regions and underrepresented groups. Her grants include a UNC Idea Grant for studying the oncogenic role of lncRNA Cyrano in neuroblastoma and supplemental funding during the pandemic to explore lncRNA roles in stem cell maintenance. Recent articles highlight her contributions to understanding lncRNA networks, epigenetic regulation, and interdisciplinary collaborations in genomics. Awards include the Junior Faculty Development Award from the UNC Provost’s Office, recognizing her project on comparative transcriptomics in ozone-exposure models. Dr. Smith’s research bridges basic science with clinical impact, addressing systemic risks to health through innovative, high-risk projects.
Mette Sørensen is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Health Services Research within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark. She leads research in genetic epidemiology, aging, longevity and functional genomics. With a Master of Science and PhD, her academic career has focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of aging through twin studies and multi-omics approaches. Her research interests center on genetic and epigenetic factors influencing aging processes, with specific expertise in DNA methylation, epigenetics, and twin study methodologies. Sørensen's work examines how genetic and molecular biological factors affect aging trajectories, longevity, and age-related diseases. She applies multi-omics approaches including epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to identify biomarkers of aging and longevity. Dr. Sørensen's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on epigenetic clocks, DNA methylation patterns in aging, cardiovascular health in relation to molecular markers, and the use of twin studies to disentangle genetic and environmental influences on aging. Her work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications in gerontology. Her scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including the Manufacturer Vilhelm Pedersen and Wife's Memorial Grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and The Danish Council for Independent Research Postdoctoral Fellowship. As an active researcher, Sørensen serves as a peer reviewer for journals including Scientific Reports and Aging Cell, participates in major conferences like The Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting, and contributes to significant research projects such as LLFS: Længe Leve - et Familiestudie (Long Life Study). She also engages with the public through media interviews about DNA methylation age, aging, and longevity research.
Laurie Porte is a Researcher at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) within the School of Basic Sciences (SB) and the SPC-TCV (Tokamak Physics) group. She also holds a Lecturer position in the EDPY-ENS department under EPFL's Vice-Presidency for Academic and Student Affairs. Her research focuses on plasma physics , electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) , and MHD effects in tokamak confinement . Her work includes groundbreaking studies on electron Bernstein wave heating , transport analysis in H-mode plasmas , and fast-ion dynamics using diagnostics like collective Thomson scattering . She has contributed to ITER gyrotron development and TCV tokamak experiments , with publications in journals such as Physical Review Letters and Nuclear Fusion . Her research spans topics like density peaking , current profile tailoring , and quasi-stationary ELM-free H-mode plasmas . Students advised: James Winston Irawati Tumbokon Matteo Fontana Pedro Andres Molina Cabrera Arsène Stéphane Tema Biwole Scientific collaborations: Publications with teams from EPFL , IAEA , and APS conferences.
Dr. Hugo J. de Blank is a University Lecturer in the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education at Eindhoven University of Technology, specializing in nuclear fusion and plasma physics. His work focuses on tokamak device simulations, divertor detachment dynamics, and magnetic confinement. Research Interests: Tokamak Device Physics Anisotropic Diffusion Engineering Fusion Plasmas Magnetic Field Engineering Magnetohydrodynamic Generator Engineering Publications Trend: Recent research centers on computational modeling of plasma behavior in fusion reactors, with emphasis on collisional processes, energy dissipation, and experimental validation using tools like SOLPS-ITER and B2.5-Eunomia. Collaborative work spans international institutions, including DIFFER. Teaching: He contributes to courses such as Fusion Basics , Magnetic Confinement and MHD of Fusion Plasmas , and Fusion Master Class , bridging physics and engineering perspectives.
Hans Rinderknecht serves as an Assistant Professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department at the University of Rochester and leads research at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). Appointed as the founding group leader of the Relativistic Laser-Plasma Experiments group in 2020, he directs cutting-edge investigations into high-energy-density physics and fusion energy science. AB in Physics with honors, Princeton University (2008) PhD in Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2015) His research centers on experimental plasma physics with emphases on relativistic laser-plasma interactions, kinetic effects in fusion plasmas, and high-energy-density matter. Key initiatives include studies of relativistic transparency, magnetic filament electron acceleration, mega-Tesla fields, collisionless shocks, and secondary radiation sources like gamma flashes and THz pulses. His diagnostic development work spans charged particle imaging, ion-wave Thomson scattering, and high-repetition-rate systems for laser-driven experiments. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strong focus on quantum electrodynamics in extreme laser fields, terahertz radiation generation from microchannel targets, inertial confinement fusion diagnostics, and laser wakefield acceleration techniques. His work leverages major facilities including OMEGA, OMEGA-EP, National Ignition Facility, and LaserNetUS platforms to advance fusion energy science and fundamental plasma physics. LLNL Deputy Director of Science and Technology Award (2021) NNSA Office of Defense Programs Award (2021) IOP Trusted Reviewer (2021) Dr. Rinderknecht's research program is funded through the DOE Office of Fusion Energy Science INFUSE program and the NSF/DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering. He directs experimental campaigns on OMEGA, OMEGA-EP, and MTW-OPAL laser systems while mentoring junior researchers in plasma diagnostics and fusion technology development. His group maintains active collaborations with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and TAE Technologies. The Relativistic Laser-Plasma Experiments group operates dedicated target areas for relativistic interactions at LLE, including the Multi-Terawatt Optical Parametric Amplifier Line system. Current efforts focus on strong-field QED validation, dephasingless laser wakefield acceleration, and advanced THz source development using microchannel targets, with recent shot allocations at the Texas Petawatt Laser through LaserNetUS.
Prof. Dr Karlo Raić is a full Professor at the Department of Metallurgical Engineering , Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy , University of Belgrade . His academic career spans over three decades with a focus on metallurgical and materials engineering . Teaching: Surface Engineering, Iron and Steel Metallurgy, Welding Physics, Transport Phenomena Research: Metal-ceramic interfaces, dental biomaterials, composite materials, CFD analysis Publications: 20+ journal articles (Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Metals, Surface Engineering) Research Trends : Recent work emphasizes dental metallic materials and metal-ceramic joining with active filler metals. He investigates additive manufacturing of dental alloys, wetting phenomena at liquid metal/ceramic interfaces, and CFD modeling of metallurgical processes. Project Leadership : • Thermal Barrier Coatings (2002-2005) • Nanostructured Materials Synthesis (2006-2010) • Metal Matrix Composites (2011-2015) International Collaboration : DAAD fellowship (Germany), Max Planck Institute (Germany), Washington State University (USA), Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria).
Dr. Thomas Durant is an Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine at Yale School of Medicine with a secondary appointment in Biomedical Informatics & Data Science. He serves as Medical Director of Chemical Pathology and Laboratory Informatics at Yale-New Haven Hospital and Associate Director for the ACGME Chemical Pathology Fellowship. His dual expertise bridges clinical laboratory practice with cutting-edge informatics research. Dr. Durant's educational background includes: MD from University of Connecticut, School of Medicine (2015) MA in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University BA in Health Sciences from Quinnipiac University (2008) Winchester Clinical Microbiology Fellowship at Yale-New Haven Hospital (2019) Residency and Chief Residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital (2018) Board certified in Clinical Pathology (2018), Medical Microbiology (2019), and Clinical Informatics (2022), Dr. Durant's research focuses on practical applications of data science in laboratory medicine. His work centers on clinical informatics, quality care initiatives, and artificial intelligence applications including machine learning for automated image classification, quantum computing in healthcare, and laboratory data analytics. He investigates stream processing of interface data for sample identification and develops innovative data management technologies to improve laboratory operations and patient care. Analysis of Dr. Durant's publication record reveals a strong progression from traditional laboratory medicine into advanced computational methods. His recent work demonstrates expertise in ensemble learning for detecting IV fluid contamination, quantum computing applications, AI model verification protocols, and biomarker analysis for acute kidney injury prediction. The research spans multiple disciplines including clinical chemistry, informatics, and data science, addressing critical challenges in diagnostic medicine. Dr. Durant maintains extensive collaborations with Yale researchers including Wade Schulz (14 publications), Joe El-Khoury (10 publications), Harlan Krumholz (5 publications), and Richard Torres (4 publications). These partnerships support research on laboratory informatics, AI applications, and quality improvement initiatives that enhance diagnostic accuracy and healthcare delivery. As Medical Director of Laboratory IT Services, Dr. Durant oversees the technological infrastructure supporting laboratory operations at Yale-New Haven Hospital. His leadership in the Chemical Pathology Fellowship program trains future specialists, while his research continues to push the boundaries of how data science transforms diagnostic medicine.
Troy Carter is a Professor of Physics at the University of California, Los Angeles, holding appointments in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He serves as Director of the Basic Plasma Science Facility (BaPSF), a national user facility supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and National Science Foundation, and as Director of the Plasma Science and Technology Institute (PSTI) at UCLA. His research centers on enabling carbon-free electricity generation through nuclear fusion, specifically via magnetically confined plasmas. BS in Physics and Nuclear Engineering, North Carolina State University (1995) PhD in Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University (2001) Prof. Carter's research focuses on fundamental plasma physics with applications to fusion energy. His work investigates instabilities, turbulence, and transport phenomena in magnetically confined plasmas. He has pioneered laboratory studies of Alfvén waves, magnetic reconnection, and wave-particle interactions relevant to both fusion plasmas and space physics. His group utilizes the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at UCLA's Basic Plasma Science Facility for experimental investigations. Current research trends in his publications emphasize wave coupling phenomena, advanced diagnostics development, machine learning applications in plasma physics, and workforce development for fusion energy. 2002 APS DPP Excellence in Plasma Physics Research Award Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) As Director of BaPSF, Prof. Carter manages a national user facility providing experimental capabilities to over 100 researchers annually from universities, national laboratories, and industry. His leadership in the Plasma Science and Technology Institute fosters interdisciplinary collaborations across plasma physics, fusion energy, and space science. Current research initiatives include advancing antenna technologies for plasma heating, developing synthetic diagnostics for turbulence measurements, and investigating fundamental processes relevant to solar corona heating and auroral phenomena. His group actively participates in major fusion research programs including collaborations with DIII-D and MAST tokamaks. Prof. Carter's laboratory conducts experimental studies using the Large Plasma Device (LAPD), featuring capabilities for Alfvén wave experiments, magnetic reconnection studies, and plasma turbulence investigations. His team develops specialized diagnostics including Doppler backscattering systems and novel antenna arrays. The PSTI coordinates research efforts across multiple UCLA laboratories focused on plasma applications in energy, space, and technology development.
Professor Robicheaux is a faculty member in the Department of Physics at Purdue University, serving as a Professor since 2013. His academic journey includes roles at Auburn University, including Alumni Professor (2004–2009) and tenured positions from 1993 onwards. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago (1991) and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics. Education: Ph.D. Physics, University of Chicago, June 1991. M.S. Physics, University of Chicago, December 1986. B.A. with Honors in Physics, University of Chicago, December 1985. Louisiana State University, 1982–83. Research Interests: Robicheaux’s work focuses on quantum systems, including coherence/decoherence, quantum simulators, and antimatter physics. He leads computational studies of antihydrogen trapping with the ALPHA collaboration and explores ultracold plasmas, Rydberg atoms, and photon-atom interactions. His group emphasizes predictive modeling for experimental results. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes antihydrogen spectroscopy, superradiance in atomic arrays, and quantum control techniques. Key themes include precision measurements, light-matter interactions, and theoretical frameworks for beyond-Standard-Model physics. Awards: Bravo Plus Award (2024), Eugene J. Clothiaux Teaching Award (2012). Fellow of the American Physical Society (2001), NSF Young Investigator (1994–99). Grants: Supported by NSF (Atomic Theory, Quantum Information) and DOE (Basic Energy Sciences). Research spans antimatter cooling, ultracold plasmas, and quantum simulations. Labs/Teams: Principal investigator with the ALPHA collaboration, focusing on antihydrogen experiments at CERN. Active in computational quantum physics and interdisciplinary projects involving optomechanics and nanotechnology.
Ardanaz E. is a researcher at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) specializing in cancer epidemiology, with a particular focus on nutritional factors and colorectal cancer risk. As part of the Division of Cancer Epidemiology within the Medical Faculty, her work primarily involves analyzing data from large prospective cohort studies, most notably the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Her research portfolio demonstrates expertise in biomarker discovery, dietary patterns, and metabolic risk factors in cancer development and outcomes. Her research interests center on cancer epidemiology with emphasis on nutritional influences, particularly examining how dietary components, body composition, and metabolic biomarkers affect cancer risk and progression. Recent work has explored the relationship between circulating biomarkers like lipocalin 2, resistin, and fatty acid binding proteins with colorectal cancer outcomes. She has also investigated the role of food processing, amino acid metabolism, and body shape phenotypes in cancer risk across multiple organ sites. Her methodological approach combines epidemiological analysis with metabolomics and genetic data to uncover complex relationships between lifestyle factors and cancer. Ardanaz E.'s publication record shows a consistent focus on colorectal cancer epidemiology but extends to other cancer sites including breast, renal, and small intestinal cancers. Her work frequently examines sex-specific differences in cancer risk and outcomes, reflecting an understanding of how biological sex influences disease pathways. The research demonstrates strong collaboration within international consortia, particularly with European cohort studies. Her scientific contributions include numerous publications in high-impact journals such as International Journal of Cancer, BMC Medicine, and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. While specific awards aren't documented in the available information, the volume and quality of her publications suggest recognition within the cancer epidemiology community. She has been involved in studies examining the economic burden of lifestyle factors on healthcare systems, demonstrating the translational impact of her epidemiological work. Ardanaz E. has contributed to research examining the intersection of physical activity, metabolic health, and cancer risk, often collaborating with teams studying the German National Cohort (NAKO). Her work bridges basic science discoveries about molecular pathways with population-level epidemiological evidence, creating a comprehensive understanding of cancer etiology that informs prevention strategies.
Jan S. Hesthaven is a Professor and Provost at EPFL, leading academic affairs. He holds a Master's from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and a PhD in Numerical Analysis, followed by an honorary dr.techn degree from DTU. His research focuses on high-order computational methods for wave problems, reduced order models, and machine learning integration. He has co-authored over 175 papers and 4 monographs. Previously, he served as Dean of the School of Basic Sciences at EPFL and held roles at Brown University, including Director of the Center for Computation and Visualization. Awards include the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship and the Philip J. Bray Award. Education: Master of Science in Computational Physics, DTU (1991) PhD in Numerical Analysis, DTU (1995) dr.techn in Computational Mathematics, DTU (2009) Research Interests: Development of high-order numerical methods, computational wave propagation, geophysical flows, and machine learning applications in scientific computing. His work bridges traditional methods with AI-driven approaches for real-time modeling and structural health monitoring. Recent Work: His 2023–2025 publications emphasize machine learning-enhanced models, reduced order methods, and seismic data analysis for environmental applications. Key techniques include physics-informed neural networks and graph-based operator learning. Awards: Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (2000) NSF Career Award (2002) Philip J. Bray Award (2004) Dr.techn from DTU (2009) Grants & Leadership: Led the Center for Computation and Visualization (CCV) at Brown (2006–2013) and co-directed the NSF Institute ICERM (2010–2013). Current roles include Provost at EPFL and leadership in MATHICSE. Collaborates with industry and applied scientists on computational challenges. Labs & Teams: Active in the MATHICSE lab, focusing on numerical methods and high-performance computing. Involved in interdisciplinary projects combining AI with traditional computational science.
Dr. Irina Sidorenko is a Researcher in the Department of Mathematics at the Technical University of Munich, working within the School of Computation, Information and Technology. She is affiliated with the Chair of Analysis and Modelling under Prof. Zimmer and is an active member of the Analysis and Mathematical Biology research group. Her work bridges advanced mathematical techniques with critical biomedical applications, particularly in neonatal physiology. Dr. Sidorenko's research focuses on mathematical modeling of physiological systems, with particular emphasis on cerebral blood flow and oxygen transport mechanisms in the developing brain. Her work combines differential equations, inverse problems, and numerical analysis to create sophisticated models that capture complex biological processes. She has made significant contributions to understanding hemodynamics in preterm infants, developing models that account for factors like hematocrit levels, blood gases, and capillary network structures. Her research has evolved from plasma physics in her early career to biomedical applications, demonstrating remarkable interdisciplinary versatility. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on neonatal cerebral physiology, with consistent output in high-impact journals spanning mathematics, engineering, and medical disciplines. Her work shows increasing sophistication in modeling approaches, moving from basic continuum models to more complex spatially-averaged network models that incorporate multiple physiological factors. The research demonstrates a clear translational trajectory, with mathematical insights increasingly directed toward solving specific clinical challenges in neonatal care. Dr. Sidorenko maintains active collaborations with medical researchers, particularly in neonatology, creating a productive interdisciplinary research environment. Her work on cerebral blood flow modeling has direct clinical relevance, potentially informing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for preterm infants at risk of intraventricular hemorrhage. The Analysis and Mathematical Biology group provides a rich research environment where mathematical theory meets biomedical application. Dr. Sidorenko's work exemplifies how sophisticated mathematical modeling can address complex physiological questions, creating quantitative tools that have the potential to improve clinical outcomes for vulnerable patient populations.
Joan Decker is a Lecturer at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Basic Sciences (SB) and the Swiss Plasma Center (SPC-TCV). She also contributes to the Education Unit (EDPY-ENS) through teaching and PhD supervision. Her research interests focus on plasma physics and fusion energy, particularly in the context of tokamak technologies. She integrates computational methods and numerical modeling to advance industrial plasma applications. Plasma Physics Fusion Energy Numerical Methods Industrial Plasma Applications Computational Physics Physics Education At EPFL, Dr. Decker teaches courses such as Physique numérique (pour SPH) and Fusion and industrial plasma technologies , emphasizing the synergy between theoretical and experimental approaches in physics education. Her PhD students include: Devlaminck Ewout Koen L. Guinchard Salomon Jacques Jean Muzio Maria Isabel
Joaquim Loizu is a Senior Lecturer (MER) at the Swiss Plasma Center (SPC-TH) and the School of Physics and Chemistry (SPH-ENS) at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). His work bridges theoretical plasma physics with experimental validation , focusing on advanced magnetic confinement concepts for fusion energy. Education PhD in Plasma Physics (2013), EPFL Master in Physics, Imperial College London (2009) BSc in Physics, EPFL Research Interests include: Design and stability of stellarator fusion devices MHD equilibrium and formation of magnetic islands Chaotic magnetic field transport Non-neutral plasma simulations Plasma sheath dynamics and bootstrap current analysis Scientific Contributions span 15 recent publications (2023-2025) on topics like chaotic transport quantification, gyrotron electron gun simulations, and multi-region MHD equilibrium calculations. His work has significantly advanced stellarator optimization and tokamak divertor modeling. Awards European Physical Society Plasma Physics PhD Award (2009) IUPAP Young Scientist Prize in Plasma Physics (2020) Advising includes mentoring PhD students Erol Balkovic , Pierrick Giroud-Garampon , and Zeno Tecchiolli . He contributes to major fusion experiments including Wendelstein 7-X and TCV tokamak , while developing simulation tools like GBS and FENNECS for plasma turbulence and non-neutral plasma studies.
