Professor Thomas Bein is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) , where he leads the Functional Nanosystems research group. His work focuses on synthesizing and characterizing nanostructured materials with applications in energy, catalysis, and biomedical delivery. Mesoporous nanoparticles for drug delivery Semiconductor nano-morphologies for photovoltaics Photoelectrochemical water splitting Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) Electroactive networks His research emphasizes atomic-scale control of material architectures using self-assembly, hydrogen bonding, and covalent interactions, enabling precise tuning of electronic, optical, and catalytic properties. A review of his recent publications reveals cutting-edge investigations into covalent organic frameworks (COFs), perovskite-inspired solar materials, and functional nanoparticle systems. Key trends include optimizing energy conversion efficiency, enhancing stability in optoelectronic devices, and exploring bio-compatible nanocarriers for targeted therapies. Professor Bein’s group actively contributes to interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and biomedical engineering, with ongoing collaborations in solar energy, sustainable materials, and nanomedicine.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Sandro Carrara is a Full Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he leads the Bio/CMOS Interfaces (BCI) laboratory. He is affiliated with the School of Engineering (STI), the Institute of Electrical Engineering (SCI-STI-SC), and the Integrated Systems Laboratory (LSI). His academic leadership spans teaching, doctoral supervision, and editorial roles in major journals including IEEE Sensors Journal and BioNanoScience. Education: Diploma in Electronics, National Technical Institute of Albenga, Italy Master in Physics, University of Genoa, Italy PhD in Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Padua, Italy His research focuses on the integration of biological systems with CMOS technology, particularly in the development of nanoscale biosensors for health monitoring. Key areas include memristive biosensors, wearable and implantable sensors, electrochemical detection, and therapeutic drug monitoring. His work bridges electronics, nanotechnology, and biomedicine to enable point-of-care diagnostics and personalized medicine. His recent publications (2023–2025) show a strong trend toward sustainable printed electronics, machine learning for biosensing, in-memory computing for cancer diagnostics, and remote health monitoring. These works appear in high-impact journals such as IEEE Sensors Journal , Nanoscale , and Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X . Scientific Awards: IEEE Fellow (2015) IEEE Sensors Council Technical Achievement Award (2016) Distinguished Lecturer, IEEE Sensors Council (2017) Best Paper Award, IEEE MeMeA Symposium (2020) Multiple Gold and Bronze Leaf Prizes at PRIME and IEEE conferences Best Poster Awards at EMBEC and Nano-Tera meetings He actively advises PhD students and leads research projects involving CMOS-based biosensors, wireless implants, and smart sensor systems. His lab collaborates widely across disciplines and institutions, focusing on real-world applications in oncology, neurology, and environmental health. He has also contributed to the development of battery-free wearable devices, optical power transfer systems, and IoT-enabled telemedicine platforms. Laboratories and Teams: Bio/CMOS Interfaces (BCI) Laboratory, EPFL Integrated Systems Laboratory (LSI), EPFL Collaborations with IEEE Sensors Council and Circuits and Systems Society Editorial leadership in IEEE Sensors Journal and BioNanoScience
Dr. Yamin Zhang (张亚敏) holds a Presidential Young Professorship as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS), College of Engineering. She leads the Zhang Group which focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of electrochemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering. 07/2023 – 01/2024: Research Associate, Northwestern University 02/2021 – 06/2023: Postdoctoral Fellow, Northwestern University 08/2016 – 12/2020: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology 09/2012 – 07/2016: B.S., Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University; B.S., Finance (Double Major), Nankai University Dr. Zhang's research centers on developing advanced electrochemical strategies for next-generation medical devices (implantable, bioresorbable, and wearable) and sustainable energy solutions. Her work bridges bioelectronics , battery technology , and medical therapeutics , with particular emphasis on creating devices that can safely dissolve in the body after serving their purpose. Key areas include bioresorbable optoelectronic systems for electrotherapy, self-powered drug delivery platforms, and eco-safe battery technologies that can harmlessly resorb in biological environments. Analysis of Dr. Zhang's publication record reveals a clear trajectory from fundamental battery chemistry (2021-2022) toward increasingly sophisticated medical applications (2023-2025). Her recent work demonstrates mastery in integrating multiple functionalities into single bioresorbable platforms, as evidenced by her Nature (2025) paper on millimeter-scale optoelectronic systems for electrotherapy and Cell Biomaterials (2025) paper on wireless bioelectronic devices. The research shows strong interdisciplinary collaboration with leading institutions including Northwestern University and Georgia Tech. AHA Early Faculty Independence Award (2023) MIT ChemE Rising Stars (2022) Sigma Xi Best PhD Thesis Award (2021) Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Students Abroad (2021) A*STAR MTC Young Individual Research Grants (YIRG) (2025) Early Career Board Member for ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2025) Dr. Zhang has secured significant research funding including the AHA's Second Century Early Faculty Independence Award as Principal Investigator (2023) and the A*STAR MTC Young Individual Research Grant (2025). Her group serves on advisory boards for Cell Biomaterials and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. The Zhang Group at NUS maintains active collaborations with Northwestern University researchers including the Rogers group, with whom she has co-authored multiple high-impact publications in Nature, Science, and PNAS. Current research focuses on advancing battery technology and developing sophisticated electrochemical strategies for medical devices with an overarching focus on healthcare innovation and environmental sustainability.
Jan Madsen is a Professor at DTU Compute, Technical University of Denmark, and Head of the Embedded Systems Engineering section. His research focuses on system-level modeling and design of embedded computing systems, particularly cyber-physical systems, microfluidic biochips, and synthetic biology applications. Develops design automation tools and methodologies for embedded systems Supervises numerous PhD students and leads major research projects Research Interests Key areas include: Embedded systems-on-a-chip Cyber-Physical Systems (Internet-of-Things) Microfluidic Lab-on-Chip devices Synthetic biology with molecular computing Design, modeling, and optimization of complex systems Scientific Awards DATE Fellow (2019) IEEE CEDA Outstanding Recognition (2019) DTU Scientific Advise Award (2013) Best Paper Awards at MECO (2013) and CASES (2009) Jorck’s Foundation Research Award (1995) Publications His 14+ journal papers and 115+ conference papers demonstrate expertise in: SystemC-based modeling frameworks Energy-aware sensor networks Self-healing eDNA architectures Microfluidic biochip synthesis RTOS modeling and MPSoC exploration
Jenny Y. Yang is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on the development of inorganic electrocatalysts for chemical fuel generation and utilization, emphasizing bio-inspired secondary coordination sphere effects and thermochemical property optimization. Institution: University of California, Irvine Department: Chemistry Research Interests: Oxygen activation mechanisms Hydrogen production and oxidation Carbon dioxide reduction for fuel synthesis Thermochemical property effects on catalysis Secondary coordination sphere engineering Electrochemical carbon capture systems Scientific Trends: Recent work spans from 2023–2025, covering CO2-to-methane conversion, quantum dot hybrid systems for hydrogen evolution, and computational approaches to CO2 capture agent design. Articles highlight interdisciplinary methods combining inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, and sustainability-focused engineering. Contact: Office: 4080 ISEB | Phone: 949-824-1533 | Email: j.yang@uci.edu
W. Hong Yeo is a Professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Program Faculty in Bioengineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he also directs the WISH Center. He holds adjunct appointments in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (2014-2016) and a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Beckman Institute. Dr. Yeo's research integrates nanomechanics, soft materials, and nano-microfabrication to develop bio-interfaced systems. Key areas include: Flexible Bioelectronics : Wearable/implantable sensors for health monitoring Human-Machine Interfaces : Neural prosthetics and soft robotics Translational Nanoengineering : Nanoparticle biosensing and diagnostics His publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on wireless health technologies, including multi-modal wearable systems, implantable sensors for cardiovascular/neurological monitoring, and AI-integrated diagnostics. Trends show increasing emphasis on closed-loop therapeutic systems and scalable manufacturing. Awards & Recognition : BMES Innovation and Career Development Award Virginia Commercialization Award Blavatnik Award Nominee NSF Summer Institute Fellowship Research funding sources include MEDARVA Foundation, NIH, DARPA, and industry partners like CooperVision. He leads the Center for Human-Centric Interfaces & Engineering , developing next-generation bio-interfaced systems.
Professor Guoxiu Wang is a Distinguished Professor and Industry Laureate Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), leading the Centre for Clean Energy Technology. His expertise spans battery technologies, materials chemistry, and electrochemistry, with a focus on lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and other advanced energy storage systems. He holds prestigious fellowships, including from the Royal Society of Chemistry and the European Academy of Sciences. His research has been recognized through numerous awards, including being listed as a Highly Cited Researcher since 2018. Research Interests: Professor Wang’s work addresses challenges in energy storage through innovative materials design, including electrode materials for sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries, MXenes, and electrolyte development. His team explores strategies to enhance battery performance, such as heterostructure engineering and defect-rich catalysts. Publications & Impact: With over 750 refereed papers, including in Nature Energy , Advanced Materials , and Angewandte Chemie , his work has garnered >78,000 citations (H-index 153/165). Recent trends focus on sodium-ion battery materials, MXene-based capacitors, and sustainable energy solutions like osmotic energy harvesting. Awards & Leadership: Awards include Fellowships from the Royal Society of Chemistry (2017), International Society of Electrochemistry (2018), and European Academy of Sciences (2020). He serves as an Associate Editor for Energy Storage Materials and Electrochemical Energy Reviews , and leads international collaborations, including a Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship at the University of Manchester (2024–2026). Grants & Supervision: Secured significant external grants, with active supervision of PhD/Masters students in battery technologies. His labs prioritize sustainable energy solutions and advanced material synthesis. Labs & Teams: Directs the Centre for Clean Energy Technology, fostering interdisciplinary research to advance clean energy technologies, from novel battery designs to electrochemical catalysts for CO2 and nitrate conversion.
Rahul Mangal serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). His academic profile demonstrates expertise in polymer physics, colloids, complex fluids, nanocomposites, active matter, and liquid crystals. Dr. Mangal completed his PhD at Cornell University in 2016, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Madison (2016-2017). He earned his B Tech-M Tech dual degree from IIT Kanpur in 2010. Prior to his academic career, he gained industry experience as a Manager at Reliance Industries Limited in Jamnagar, Gujarat from July 2010 to July 2012. His research program focuses on the experimental investigation of colloid-polymer interactions in nanocomposite systems. Specifically, his group studies how colloids (1-1000 nm) interact with polymeric hosts to influence fundamental properties including phase behavior, rheology, and colloidal diffusion. His work explores the novel properties that emerge when colloids are added to polymer melts, block copolymers, and liquid crystals, with applications in energy devices, photonics, and bio-medicines. Dr. Mangal's research has produced significant publications in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Langmuir, and Macromolecules, demonstrating his contributions to understanding polymer-nanoparticle systems and their applications in energy storage technologies. Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University (2016) McMullen Fellowship, Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University (2012) His work bridges fundamental polymer physics with practical applications, particularly in developing advanced materials for energy storage solutions. Dr. Mangal maintains an active research program that continues to explore the complex behavior of polymer-nanoparticle systems to engineer materials with precisely controlled properties for targeted applications.
Tural Khudiyev is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology , National University of Singapore (NUS), focusing on multimaterial electronic fibers for human-fabric interaction, soft robotics, and neural probes. He previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics. B.Sc. in Nuclear Engineering, Hacettepe University Ph.D. in Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University His research spans implantable and wearable electronics , stimuli-responsive drug delivery , and AI in healthcare , with a strong emphasis on scalable nanomanufacturing techniques. His publications in journals like Nature , Nature Nanotechnology , and Advanced Materials highlight innovations in thermally drawn fibers and soft bioelectronic interfaces . Key trends include flexible electronics , machine learning in textiles , and bio-integrated devices , with applications in neural engineering and power textiles . His work has been featured in media outlets such as Reuters and Business Insider . Selected as MIT’s top research story of 2021 #1 Most Read Article in Applied Optics (2015) Featured in Virtual Journal of Nanoscale Science & Technology Khudiyev's contributions to thermally drawn fibers and soft robotics demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration between materials science, neuroscience, and wearable technology.
Prof. Olfa Kanoun is a Visiting Professor at Mid Sweden University's Department of Electronics, affiliated with the STC Research Centre. She specializes in embedded measurement systems, focusing on sensor technologies, energy harvesting, and impedance spectroscopy. Her research spans battery diagnosis, bio-impedance applications, and flexible nanocomposite sensors for force, temperature, and humidity measurements. She holds a PhD from the University of the Bundeswehr Munich (2001) and has been a professor at TU Chemnitz since 2007. A senior IEEE member, she co-founded the International Multi-Conference on Systems, Signals, and Devices (SSD) and initiated the International Workshop on Impedance Spectroscopy (IWIS). She leads the Autonomous Sensor Systems research group, advancing energy-efficient embedded sensor systems. Her honors include a 2015 award from Tunisia’s Ministry of Social Affairs. She actively contributes to IEEE’s Instrumentation and Measurement Society and chairs the Technical Committee on Nanotechnology in Instrumentation and Measurement (TC 34).
Boxin Zhao is a Professor and University of Waterloo Endowed Chair in Nanotechnology in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. His research spans surface science, bionanomaterials, and biomimetic adhesion, with a focus on advanced polymers, hydrogels, and smart materials for biomedical and industrial applications. He leads the Surface Science and Bio-nanomaterials Laboratory Group, which develops innovative materials such as self-cleaning surfaces and antimicrobial coatings. Education: Doctorate in Chemical Engineering, McMaster University (2004); Master's from Chinese Academy of Sciences (1999); Bachelor's in Mineral Engineering from Central South University (1996). He has held prestigious fellowships, including the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship and IMMS Research Fellow at UC Santa Barbara and Los Alamos Lab. Research Interests: Biomimetic adhesion, soft robotics, polymer composites, and advanced manufacturing. Notable contributions include gecko-inspired adhesives, self-healing hydrogels, and conductive polymers for electronics. Recent work focuses on 3D-printed medical hydrogels, soft robotic devices, and microplastic degradation. His lab collaborates with industries like Proctor & Gamble and 3M, addressing real-world challenges in materials science and biomedical engineering. Awards: 1996 IET Scholarship, 2005 NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2007 IMMS Research Fellow. Teaching: CHE 313 (Heat/Mass Transfer), CHE 612 (Interfacial Phenomena). Lab Facilities: Advanced equipment for nanomaterial synthesis, surface characterization, and soft robotics prototyping.
Amit Lal is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University, with affiliations in Biomedical Engineering, Applied Engineering Physics, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He is a member of key research centers including Cornell CCMR, NBTC, and KAUST-CU. Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1990 Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1996 Prof. Lal's research focuses on the development of integrated microsystems using micro- and nanoscale fabrication. His work spans ultrasonic MEMS, low-power IoT sensors, atomic microsystems, and bio-robotics. He directs the SonicMEMS Laboratory, advancing technologies in GHz ultrasonics, inertial sensing, and chip-scale manipulation of particles. His interdisciplinary interests include biomedical imaging, solid-state devices, nanotechnology, and plasma science. His recent publications highlight innovation in energy harvesting, MEMS gyroscopes, and biologically integrated systems. The works reflect strong trends in autonomous sensing, miniaturized power sources, and hybrid bio-electromechanical systems, particularly for medical and navigation applications. Scientific Awards and Honors: NSF CAREER Award Whitaker Foundation Award Department of Defense Exceptional Service Award Best Program Manager Award, DARPA IEEE Ultrasonics and Frequency Control Symposium Best Paper Award IEEE NEMS Best Paper Award Robert M. Scharf 1977 Professor, Cornell Engineering HHMI Visiting Scientist, Janelia Farms Intel Fellowship (awarded to advisee) Prof. Lal has advised numerous students who have gone on to win awards and publish impactful research. He has secured significant research funding through DARPA and other agencies, managing and initiating multiple high-impact programs. His leadership extends to service on technical committees for IEEE conferences and journals, including Transducers and the IEEE Sensors Council. He has also contributed to academic recruiting within ECE. He leads the SonicMEMS Laboratory , a multidisciplinary research group focused on transforming sensing, communication, and computation at the microscale. The lab fosters collaboration across engineering and life sciences, pushing the boundaries of what integrated microsystems can achieve.
Associate Professor Judy Hart is a materials scientist at the School of Materials Science & Engineering, UNSW Sydney , specializing in the development of semiconducting materials for renewable energy applications. Her work integrates computational (DFT) and experimental approaches to understand composition-property relationships in systems like solid solutions , heterostructures , and doped materials for photocatalysis and solar cells . She leads projects funded by ARC Discovery and Linkage grants , including work on photo-electro-catalysis systems and stabilizing ceramic materials . Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (Monash University, 2007), BEng (Materials) (Monash, 2002) Professional Experience: Senior Lecturer (UNSW, 2017–), Lecturer (UNSW, 2013–2017), University of Bristol (2007–2012) Research Interests Her research focuses on designing materials for renewable energy , particularly photoelectrochemical water splitting and organic oxidation reactions . Key areas include Density Functional Theory (DFT) , defect engineering , band gap tuning , and nanostructured materials . She investigates ferroelectric polarization effects , metal oxide heterostructures , and stability of battery components , with applications in hydrogen production , CO2 conversion , and advanced battery materials . Scientific Awards Ramsay Memorial Fellowship (University of Bristol, 2007–2009) Teaching Contributions She is co-author of the 1st Australian & New Zealand edition of "Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction" , and teaches courses on computational materials science , corrosion-resistant surfaces , mechanical behavior of metals , and materials design .
Dr. Yu Zhong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University's College of Engineering, where he leads the Yu Zhong Group. His research laboratory focuses on the design and synthesis of novel soft materials and nanomaterials for applications in electronics, energy, healthcare, and sustainability. As a principal investigator, he oversees a dynamic research team comprising postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers working on cutting-edge materials science projects. Dr. Zhong received his educational training at prestigious institutions, earning his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2011, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University in 2017 under the supervision of Prof. Colin Nuckolls. His doctoral research centered on designing contorted molecules for electronic and energy applications including organic solar cells, photodetectors, and gas sensors. He then conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago in Prof. Jiwoong Park's group, where he worked on the design and synthesis of 2D polymers for ultrathin electronic circuits and energy conversion. Dr. Zhong's research program spans three primary directions: (1) the bottom-up synthesis of ultrathin nanoporous membranes using techniques like laminar assembly polymerization (LAP) for applications in water desalination, nanofiltration, and gas separation; (2) the study of transport behaviors in hybrid organic-inorganic 2D heterostructures created through layer-by-layer assembly for use in optical, electronic, and thermal management devices; and (3) the development of mixed ionic-electronic materials for bio-inspired and bioelectronic devices. His group employs advanced synthesis methods including organic/polymer synthesis, supramolecular and reticular chemistry, and 2D materials characterization to explore novel scientific phenomena and technological applications. An analysis of Dr. Zhong's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the synthesis and characterization of 2D polymers and organic-inorganic hybrid materials. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy conversion, electronics, and separation technologies. A notable trend is his development of innovative synthesis techniques like laminar assembly polymerization that enable precise control over material structure at the molecular level, leading to breakthroughs in areas such as lithium-ion transport, osmotic power generation, and ultra-narrowband photodetection. Dr. Zhong's scientific achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards: Pegram Award for Meritorious Graduate Research, Columbia University (2016) Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellowship, Dreyfus Foundation (2016) Arun Guthikonda Memorial Fellowship, Columbia University (2015) Jack Miller Award for Excellence in Teaching, Columbia University (2014) As an advisor, Dr. Zhong mentors a diverse group of researchers including postdoctoral associate Qiyi Fang, multiple Ph.D. students (Yuhe Zhang, Kaushik Chivukula, William Xie), M.S. students, and undergraduate researchers. His group has secured funding for research on soft and nanomaterials, with projects spanning organic electronics, 2D materials synthesis, and biomimetic membranes. Dr. Zhong actively seeks motivated graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to join his research team, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing materials science. The Yu Zhong Group operates state-of-the-art laboratories in Bard Hall at Cornell University, equipped for organic synthesis, materials characterization, and device fabrication. The research team works collaboratively across disciplines, partnering with experts in physics, chemistry, and engineering to tackle complex challenges in materials science. Current projects focus on developing novel synthesis methodologies and exploring structure-property relationships in soft materials to enable next-generation electronic, energy, and healthcare technologies.
Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)Spain
Arben Merkoçi is an ICREA Research Professor and leader of the NanoBioelectronics and Biosensors Group at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2). He holds a PhD in ion-selective electrodes from the University of Tirana (Albania) and has held research positions at institutions including the Polytechnic University of Budapest, University of Ioannina, and New Mexico State University. His research focuses on integrating biological molecules with micro/nanostructures to design advanced biosensors, with applications in healthcare and environmental monitoring. Education: PhD in Analytical Chemistry (University of Tirana, 1992) Roles: Co-Editor-in-Chief of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania Research interests include nanomaterial-based biosensors (e.g., graphene, MXenes, quantum dots), point-of-care diagnostics, and sensor fabrication technologies. He has pioneered innovations in inkjet-printed sensors, wearable devices, and CRISPR-integrated biosensing. His group collaborates globally to advance nanobiosensor applications in clinical and environmental settings. Over 350 publications (H-index 91) and 40 supervised PhD theses highlight his contributions. He co-founded GraphenicaLab (graphene patterning) and PaperDrop (clinical diagnostics). Active in grant acquisition and policy, he shaped Spain’s first nanoscience undergraduate program at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
