Örs Legeza is a physicist and scientific advisor at the Wigner Research Centre for Physics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest, leading the Strongly Correlated Systems Research Group. He holds a visiting professorship at Philipps University Marburg, Germany, and has held fellowships at institutions like ETH Zurich and LMU Munich. His research focuses on developing tensor network state (TNS) methods for strongly correlated quantum systems, with applications in condensed matter physics, quantum chemistry, and nuclear structure calculations. Education: PhD from Budapest University of Technology and Economics (1997). He has collaborated with European institutions such as FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg and has been an Alexander von Humboldt awardee. His work bridges quantum information theory and computational mathematics to advance simulations of complex quantum systems. Research interests include quantum phase transitions, magnetic properties in solids, and ultracold atomic systems. His methods push computational boundaries for larger systems, integrating techniques like density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) and matrix product states (MPS). Notable awards include the 2021 Academy Prize and 2018 Humboldt Research Award. Recent articles explore quantum crystal imaging, tensor network algorithms, and nuclear structure calculations. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to quantum many-body problems.
Salvador Barraza-Lopez is a Professor of Physics at the University of Arkansas' College of Arts & Sciences. A theoretical physicist specializing in 2D materials, he developed discrete differential geometry approaches for strain effects in graphene and pioneered 2D ferroelectric research. As a DOE Early Career Awardee (2016) and MonArk NSF Quantum Foundry co-founder, he leads interdisciplinary collaborations across physics, materials science, and mathematics. PhD in Physics from University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign (2006) Postdoctoral work at Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech Established theory of structural transformations in 2D ferroelectrics His research spans quantum phase transitions in 2D systems, strain engineering, and topological materials. Three major review articles in Reports on Progress in Physics (2017, 2023) and Reviews of Modern Physics (2021) synthesize his work on mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of strained 2D materials. Recent publications focus on winding Berry dipoles in strained graphene, size-dependent ferroelectric transitions in homobilayers, and symmetry-breaking effects in moiré superlattices. Collaborations with Kai Chang (Beijing) and Stuart Parkin (MPI-Halle) demonstrate international impact. Awards: DOE Early Career Award (2016) Outstanding Mentor Recognition (2013) Young Investigator of the Year (2013) Mentored 2 NSF Graduate Fellows (Erin Farmer, Joseph Roll) and 3 Goldwater Scholars. Current group includes 2 undergraduates, 3 PhD students, and 2 postdocs. His theoretical frameworks enabled experimental collaborations with DOE labs and Max Planck Institute, securing $0.5M for Arkansas supercomputer upgrades (2024).
Dr. Huaxiang Fu is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Arkansas' College of Arts & Sciences, where he has been since 2002. His research focuses on first-principles computational studies of bulk and nanomaterials, particularly ferroelectric materials, quantum dots, and organic-inorganic hybrid materials. Education: Ph.D., Fudan University, China (1994) Postdoctoral Associate, National Renewable Energy Lab, Colorado (1995–1998) Postdoctoral Associate, Geophysical Lab, Carnegie Institution of Washington, DC (1999–2000) Dr. Fu's research spans five key areas: phase transitions in low-dimensional ferroelectrics, finite electric fields in solids, defect physics in ferroelectrics, hyperferroelectricity, and organic-inorganic hybrid materials. His work often employs density functional theory and computational modeling to explore polarization behavior, strain effects, and electronic structure. His recent publications highlight trends in ferroelectricity under strain , defect-induced polarization changes , and spin-orbit coupling effects . Notable collaborations include researchers at Carnegie Institution and University of Arkansas. Teaching: Undergraduate: General Physics, Statics, Mechanics of Materials, University Physics II, Electromagnetism, Fortran Programming, Computational Physics in C++, Physics for Architects II, Thermal Physics. Graduate: Statistical Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Optical Properties of Materials, Advanced Solid State Physics, Physics at the Nanoscale, Quantum Mechanics, Mathematical Methods. Research Contributions: 2004: Nature publication on ferroelectric nanodisks 2000: Nature paper on polarization rotation in piezoelectrics 2013: Pioneering work on electromechanical angular momentum coupling
Lev Sarkisov is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester, leading the Sarkisov Research Group. His work focuses on advancing porous materials for carbon capture, energy storage, drug delivery, and sensing through multiscale computational workflows integrating molecular simulation, machine learning, and process modeling. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (2001) and held roles at the University of Edinburgh, including Head of Chemical Engineering. Notable achievements include securing a £1M Wolfson Foundation grant for sustainable engineering (2022) and receiving the 2013 Royal Academy of Engineering/Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2001 M.Sc./B.Sc., Moscow Lomonosov Academy of Fine Chemical Technologies, 1995-1997 Research Interests: The group develops porous materials using AI-driven approaches for carbon capture, energy-efficient separations, and material informatics. Key areas include MOFs, adsorption phenomena, and open-source software for reproducible research. Grants & Awards: £1M Wolfson Foundation Grant (2022) Royal Academy of Engineering/Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship (2013) Edinburgh University Student Union Teaching Award (2019) Labs & Collaborations: The group collaborates globally, emphasizing open-source tools and reproducibility. Projects include CRAFTED (MOF adsorption database) and PoreBlazer v4.0.
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 .
Michael P. Bradley is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, affiliated with the College of Arts and Science. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT and is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). His research focuses on precision measurement techniques, plasma-based nanofabrication, and quantum metrology, including work on diamond NV-centre magnetometers and superconducting watt balance systems. He leads the University of Saskatchewan Plasma Physics Laboratory (U of S PPL) and has received a Canada-UK Joint Quantum Technology grant for quantum sensor development. Education BSc (Honours) in Applied Physics, University of New Brunswick Ph.D. in Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Interests Bradley specializes in quantum magnetometry , plasma processing , semiconductor nanostructures , and precision electromagnetic measurements . His lab develops novel techniques for materials characterization and fabrication, including plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) for micro- and nano-scale engineering, graphene doping, and silicon photonics. Recent work includes advancements in diamond NV-centre magnetometry for quantum technologies. Grants & Collaborations Recipient of a prestigious Canada-UK Joint Quantum Technology grant (2023). Collaborated internationally, including at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) in France, where he contributed to superconducting watt balance prototypes for redefining mass standards. Teaching Teaches courses in optics, thermodynamics, and planetary astronomy, including EP421: Optical Systems & Materials and ASTR104: Planetary Astronomy .
Giuliana Di Martino is an Associate Professor in Device Materials at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. She leads the Di Martino Lab, which focuses on sustainable power solutions for non-volatile memory (NVM) and brain-like computing systems. Education : Bachelor and Master degrees from Università di Catania and Scuola Superiore di Eccellenza di Catania; PhD in Nanoplasmonics for Materials Innovation at Imperial College London (2014). Her research bridges plasmon-enhanced light-matter interactions and optically-accessible memristive devices , leveraging ultra-concentrated light in plasmonic nanocavities to study atomic-scale dynamics in memory nano-devices. Recent work includes self-assembly of nanomaterials , surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) , and low-power electronics for sustainable IT. Scientific Awards : Winton Advanced Research Fellowship (2018) Her grants include funding from EPSRC , Leverhulme Trust , Isaac Newton Trust , Royal Society , and ERC Starting Grant . The Di Martino Lab collaborates within the Device Materials Group (DMG), which includes three Principal Investigators.
Yongxiang Li is a Professor in the School of Engineering at RMIT University, Australia, specializing in advanced materials and nanotechnology. His research focuses on piezoelectric materials, 2D functional materials, and energy harvesting systems. He is actively involved in supervision of PhD and Master’s projects, including topics like flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators, 2D heterostructures, and low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) sensors. Research Interests: Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Condensed Matter Physics, and Functional Ceramic Design. Key projects include developing lead-free piezoelectric materials, integrating sensors for lithium-ion batteries, and exploring gas sensors using liquid metal-derived oxides. Teaching Interests: Dielectric materials, ferroelectric systems, sensor technologies, and LTCC applications. His interdisciplinary work bridges materials science with optoelectronics and energy storage. Publications span over 400 outputs, emphasizing machine learning-driven materials discovery, defect engineering in 2D materials, and sensor innovation. He leads projects in collaboration with industry, focusing on practical applications of advanced ceramics and nanomaterials.
Professor Andrew Berry is an Associate Professor and Head of the Geochemistry Research Area at the Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University (ANU). He holds a D.Phil. from the University of Oxford and a B.Sc. (Hons) from the University of Sydney. His research focuses on experimental petrology, geochemical processes in high-temperature environments, and the use of synchrotron-based techniques like X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to study element speciation in melts and minerals. Key areas include mantle metasomatism, oxidation state analysis of metals (Fe, Ti, Cr), and the geochemistry of carbonatites and rare earth elements. Education: D.Phil. (University of Oxford, 1997), B.Sc. (University of Sydney, 1991). Employment: Senior Fellow/Associate Professor at ANU (2012–present), Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London (2005–2011), and Research Fellow/Postdoctoral roles at ANU (2000–2005). Research Interests: Experimental studies of melt connectivity, oxidation state controls on element partitioning, and applications of synchrotron techniques. Current projects include investigating Fe³+/Fe²+ ratios in MORB, Ti oxidation states in hibonite, and REE behavior in carbonatites. Scientific Awards: Humboldt Research Fellowship (Universität Frankfurt, 2005). Advising & Grants: Supervised numerous PhD projects on topics like mantle metasomatism and zircon oxy-barometry. Active in collaborative projects on critical metals and carbonate melt geochemistry. Labs/Teams: Leader of the Experimental Petrology group at ANU, contributing to facilities like the Australian Synchrotron.
David B. Graves is a Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Princeton University, affiliated with the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. He holds a B.S. (1978) and M.S. (1981) from the University of Arizona and a Ph.D. (1986) from the University of Minnesota. Research focuses on non-equilibrium plasma for semiconductor fabrication, biomedical applications, and sustainable chemical processing. Leadership in plasma-surface interactions, atomic layer etching, and plasma medicine. His work bridges plasma physics, surface chemistry, and machine learning, addressing challenges in nanofabrication and energy-efficient plasma processes. Notable contributions include plasma-roadmap initiatives and innovations in plasma-enabled additive manufacturing. Awards: Plasma Chemistry Award (2025), ISPlasma Prize (2024), and multiple fellowships (APS, AVS, IOP). Labs/Teams: Graves Group, collaborating on plasma applications in nanotechnology and biomedicine.
Amir Safavi-Naeini is an Associate Professor of Applied Physics at Stanford University's School of Humanities and Sciences, with a courtesy appointment in Electrical Engineering. He leads the Laboratory for Integrated Nano-Quantum Systems (LINQS), focusing on chip-scale quantum technologies at the intersection of photonics, optomechanics, and nanofabrication. Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, Applied Physics (2013) B.ASc., University of Waterloo, Electrical Engineering (2008) His research centers on quantum acoustics , optomechanical transduction , and microwave-to-optical conversion , aiming to create scalable quantum devices for sensing and communication. Recent work includes developing 2D optomechanical crystals, vacuum beam guides for quantum networks, and programmable microwave delay lines. Scientific Awards 2022 Moore Inventor Fellowship ($825,000 over 3 years) He has supervised doctoral students including Sultan Malik, Felix Mayor, Wentao Jiang, and Oliver Hitchcock, while collaborating with Caltech's Michael Roukes on quantum mass spectrometry systems. His lab acknowledges funding from NSF (CAREER, MOLINO), DARPA, DOE (Q-NEXT), NIH, Moore Foundation, Packard Foundation, and industry partners like AWS and NTT. LINQS Lab develops lithium niobate photonic circuits for quantum applications, with expertise in cryogenic optomechanics, parametric amplification, and nonlinear optical processes. Current projects include protein identification chips, quantum acoustic processors, and ultra-broadband mid-infrared generation.
Jinsong Huang serves as Adjunct Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he leads an interdisciplinary research group focused on perovskite-based electronic materials and devices. His laboratory, housed in Murray Hall 1115, maintains active collaborations with academia, industry, and national laboratories while training next-generation scientists and engineers for competitive job markets. Dr. Huang earned his educational credentials through a rigorous academic path: Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from UCLA (2007), M.S. in Semiconductor Physics from Chinese Academy of Sciences (2003), and B.E. in Materials and Photoelectronic Physics from Xiangtan University (2000). His research program spans Perovskite Solar Cells , Photodetectors , and X-ray Imagers , with particular emphasis on fundamental material physics, device design, stability enhancement, and scalable manufacturing. The group's work bridges applied research with deep scientific understanding, focusing on high-performance, low-cost electronic materials that address critical energy and medical imaging challenges. Current projects include self-powered photon-counting detectors, bifacial perovskite modules, and all-perovskite tandem solar cells. Analysis of recent publications reveals a strategic research trajectory toward commercialization of perovskite technologies, with increasing focus on stability, scalability, and real-world performance metrics. The work spans fundamental science (defect engineering, crystal growth) to applied technologies (medical imaging detectors, flexible solar cells), demonstrating remarkable breadth while maintaining technical depth in perovskite material systems. Highly Cited Researcher 2021 in Material Science and Chemistry Principal Investigator for $1.5 million UNC System Research Opportunities Initiative (2025) Multiple student/postdoc awards including Postdoctoral Awards for Research Excellence Consistent high-impact publications in Nature, Science, and Advanced Materials Huang actively mentors students and postdocs, with notable alumni including four of the 41 Tar Heels ranked as 'highly cited researchers' in December 2023. His research group has secured significant funding including the recent $1.5 million UNC System grant for 'Ultra-High Efficiency Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells' focusing on North Carolina's energy production and reduced fossil fuel dependence. The laboratory maintains strong industry partnerships that facilitate technology transfer and real-world implementation of research findings. The Huang Research Group operates as a dynamic interdisciplinary team with scientists from chemistry, materials science, physics, and electrical engineering backgrounds. Their collaborative culture has produced numerous breakthroughs including record-efficiency perovskite modules certified by NREL, self-powered photon-counting detectors published in Nature, and lead-recycling technologies highlighted in Nature Communications. Current facilities support crystal growth, device fabrication, and advanced characterization of perovskite materials for both energy and radiation detection applications.
Valery Kiryukhin is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers University, where he also serves as a Member of the Graduate Faculty. His research focuses on electronic, structural, and magnetic properties of novel materials, particularly in strongly-correlated systems, quantum magnetism, and multiferroics. He leads the Rutgers Center for Emergent Materials (RCEM), emphasizing collaborations to explore spin liquids, frustrated magnets, and materials with self-organized nanostructures using advanced neutron and x-ray scattering techniques. His experimental work combines campus-based facilities with national labs like Brookhaven National Laboratory and NIST, offering students unique exposure to cutting-edge scattering facilities and crystal growth. Key areas include magnetoelectric coupling, spin-phonon interactions, and domain dynamics in antiferromagnetic materials. His group has pioneered visualization methods for antiferromagnetic domains, as seen in recent publications. Kiryukhin has received prestigious awards including the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award, NSF CAREER Award, and Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society (2014) and co-recipient of a W. M. Keck Foundation grant. His research bridges fundamental condensed matter physics with applications in quantum information technologies. Awards: Donald H. Jacob’s Chair in Applied Physics, Alexander von Humboldt Bessel Award, NSF CAREER Award Grants: W. M. Keck Foundation Award (2014), DOE and NSF projects Collaborations: RCEM, Brookhaven National Lab, NIST His lab provides advanced training in scattering techniques, crystallography, and interdisciplinary collaborations, shaping the next generation of materials physicists.
Hari Nair is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University, part of the College of Engineering. His research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of complex oxide thin films using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), with applications in power electronics, quantum materials, and optoelectronics. B.Tech. in Engineering Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, 2006 M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2008 Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2013 His research interests lie at the intersection of semiconductor physics, materials synthesis, and advanced functional materials. He specializes in epitaxial strain engineering, heterostructure design, and the control of electronic and magnetic properties in oxide thin films. His vision is to leverage novel materials to enable revolutionary advances in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on β-Ga₂O₃ for high-power devices and ruthenate-based quantum materials such as Sr₂RuO₄ and SrRuO₃. His work spans ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors, strain-engineered phase transitions, superconductivity, and spin-orbit phenomena. Techniques include MBE growth, THz spectroscopy, and advanced electron microscopy. Notable scientific awards include: Student Paper Award, Device Research Conference (DRC), 2013 The Ben Streetman Prize for Outstanding Research in Electronic and Photonic Materials and Devices, 2013 Student Paper Award, Electronics Materials Conference (EMC), 2012 Hari Nair has advised several graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not listed in the provided text. His work has been supported by grants from federal agencies and institutional programs focused on advanced materials and quantum science. He is actively involved in collaborative research through centers and labs at Cornell, particularly those related to materials synthesis and characterization. He leads a research group focused on the growth and study of epitaxial thin films, working closely with the D.G. Schlom group and other collaborators in the Kavli Institute at Cornell. His lab utilizes state-of-the-art MBE systems and advanced characterization tools for probing electronic, magnetic, and structural properties at the nanoscale.
Karin Jacobs is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Saarland University, where she leads the research group for soft matter physics within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology. Her work bridges experimental physics and applied materials science, focusing on interfacial phenomena, thin films, and functional materials. Research Interests: Her group investigates the stability of coatings, properties of simple and complex fluids, and the adhesion of biomolecules on surfaces. Using advanced experimental techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), ellipsometry, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) methods like photoelectron spectroscopy, her team probes nanoscale and microscale interactions at solid-liquid and solid-gas interfaces. The research spans fundamental and applied domains, including the synthesis and characterization of graphene and boronitrene, production of water-in-water vesicles using hydrophobins, and bacterial adhesion studies. These investigations are often linked to industrial applications in the paint, semiconductor, and biomedical sectors. Publication Trends: Over the past 15 years, her publications reflect a consistent focus on surface physics and soft matter. Key themes include graphene synthesis via liquid precursor deposition (including unconventional sources like fingerprints), interfacial rheology, biopolymer adsorption, and quantitative imaging analysis. The interdisciplinary nature of her work is evident in the combination of physics, chemistry, and biological interfaces. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: As head of an active research group, Prof. Jacobs supervises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not listed. Her collaborations with theoretical groups and external institutions (e.g., University of Augsburg) suggest participation in joint grants and funded projects, particularly in nanomaterials and surface science. The applied orientation of her research indicates engagement with industry partners in coatings and semiconductor technologies. Labs and Teams: The Jacobs Group operates a well-equipped experimental laboratory at Campus E2 9, Saarland University, specializing in surface analysis and soft matter characterization. The team includes researchers working on biofilms, microfluidics, and functional materials, supported by technical and administrative staff.
