California Institute of Technology (Caltech)United States
Jason Alicea is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), specializing in condensed matter theory. His research focuses on uncovering exotic quantum phenomena arising from the interplay of topology and quantum mechanics, particularly in systems hosting emergent particles called anyons. Major research themes: Topological phases of matter, quantum information applications, and experimental design for quantum systems. Affiliations: Member of the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM) at Caltech. He actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in projects related to 'Building and Driving Quantum Matter' and 'Next-Generation Quantum Metrology.' His work emphasizes engineering quantum systems to reveal novel manifestations of quantum mechanics with potential applications in quantum computing.
Shawn Xingshan Cui is Associate Professor in the Departments of Mathematics and Physics & Astronomy at Purdue University. His research bridges low-dimensional topology, quantum field theory, and quantum information science, with focus on topological quantum computation and tensor category applications. His work develops mathematical frameworks for topological quantum computing using knot theory, Hopf algebras, and modular tensor categories. Recent publications explore quantum error correction in topological codes (Kitaev model, toric code), non-semisimple invariants of 3-/4-manifolds, and quantum circuit implementations. He leads research on constructing fault-tolerant quantum gates using topological phases and anyonic braiding. Current projects investigate Floquet codes, fracton models, and the application of neural networks to quantum state representation. His SIAM News article 'Fighting Errors with Space' highlights spatial approaches to quantum error correction. He supervises graduate students working on quantum algorithms, topological phases of matter, and mathematical foundations of quantum computation. Teaching includes MA 261: Multivariate Calculus and specialized topics in topological quantum computation.
Professor Johannes Knolle holds the Professorship for Quantum Matter Theory and Nanophysics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), within the TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Physics. His research focuses on understanding complex emergent behavior in condensed matter systems arising from interactions between many simple components. His work addresses fundamental questions about new quantum phases of matter and their potential applications in quantum technology. Knolle's research interests span condensed matter physics , quantum spin liquids , Kitaev models , and Majorana fermions . His work explores how exotic quantum properties can be harnessed for materials research and quantum technology applications. He has made significant contributions to understanding fractionalization, dynamical correlations, and material connections in quantum spin liquid systems. His recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on quantum oscillations, topological magnon insulators, Kitaev honeycomb materials, and real-time dynamics in quantum systems. These works reveal trends toward understanding non-Fermi liquid behavior, topological quantum phenomena, and emergent quasiparticles in frustrated magnetic systems. Scientific awards: Charles & Katherine Darwin Research Fellow, Darwin College Cambridge (2015-18) Dissertation Prize SKM of the German Physical Society (DPG) (2015) International Springer Dissertation Award (2015) Doctoral scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation Fulbright Scholar (2007) Professor Knolle teaches advanced courses including Advanced Statistical Physics, Theory of Quantum Matter, and Journal Clubs on Quantum Matter. His academic journey includes a doctorate from the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems (2014), postdoctoral research at Cambridge University, and a lectureship at Imperial College London before joining TUM in 2019 as Associate Professor. His research contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and advanced materials.
Kevin Slagle is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University. His research focuses on deep learning and emergent phenomena in quantum matter and fundamental physics, including quantum computing, quantum simulators, and neural network architectures. He holds a Ph.D. in theoretical condensed matter physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara (2016) and B.S. degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the University of California, Irvine (2011). Prior to Rice, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto and a Sherman Fairchild Postdoctoral Scholar at Caltech. Research Interests Theoretical Quantum Matter — Studying superconductivity, topological orders, and their experimental realizations in quantum simulators (e.g., Rydberg arrays and moiré materials). Quantum Computing — Exploring foundational aspects and applications of quantum computers, including testing quantum mechanics and characterizing noise. Neural Networks — Investigating architecture improvements and their intersections with physics. Publications Trends His recent work emphasizes quantum dynamics simulations using tensor networks, gauge theories in quantum systems, and the interplay between quantum spin liquids and topological phases. He also advances methodologies for testing quantum mechanics on NISQ devices and analyzing noise in quantum hardware. Advising & Grants Dr. Slagle's academic trajectory includes postdoctoral roles focusing on quantum matter and foundational physics. His research has been supported by grants exploring topics such as fracton order, moiré materials, and quantum simulation. He currently advises students in Rice University's Electrical and Computer Engineering department.
Prof. Martin Greiter is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at the Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, leading the Chair of Theoretical Physics I. His research focuses on quantum many-body systems, topological materials, and exact solutions in condensed matter physics. He investigates spin liquids, fractional quantum Hall states, and topological insulators, with contributions to understanding non-Abelian statistics and synthetic topological matter. Greiter's work integrates theoretical frameworks with experimental realizations, such as topolectrical circuits to simulate hyperbolic space and topological edge states. His research spans topics including quantum magnetism, conformal field theory, and the interplay between topology and symmetry in non-Hermitian systems. He advises PhD students on projects related to quantum spin chains, topological phases, and condensed matter simulations.
Dr Alessandro Principi is a Senior Lecturer in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy , University of Manchester. His research focuses on systems with strong interactions leading to exotic quantum phases, including superconductors, magnetic systems, twisted bilayer graphene, quantum spin liquids, and topologically-ordered systems. These studies explore emergent (quasi)particles like anyons, which have applications in topological quantum computation. Affiliation: Theoretical Physics Group, University of Manchester Methodology: Quasi-analytical and quantum-field theoretical techniques His work investigates equilibrium and non-equilibrium properties of quantum systems, with a particular emphasis on hydrodynamic behavior of quantum particles. Research spans diverse topics such as electron scattering in graphene, quantum control via ultrafast lasers, and dielectric properties of confined water. Theoretical frameworks applied include quantum field theory, analytical modeling, and computational simulations. Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding superconductivity in PdBi2 , electron-hole dynamics in graphene , and dielectric behavior of water at nanoscale . These studies intersect with materials science, quantum physics, and applied physics, contributing to the development of novel quantum technologies and nanomaterials. While no explicit awards are listed, his research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and climate action through quantum material innovations. Collaborations span international institutions, with a focus on 2D materials, magnetic systems, and quantum transport phenomena.
Fiona Burnell is an Associate Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota, where she conducts theoretical research on exotic phases of matter beyond conventional Landau symmetry-breaking classification. Her work spans topologically ordered phases including fractional quantum Hall states and symmetry-protected topological phases such as topological insulators. Her research focuses on understanding phase diagrams and transitions in exotic quantum systems, with particular emphasis on three-dimensional topological phases. Burnell's approach combines analytical techniques with specific model systems to uncover fundamental principles governing non-traditional quantum matter. Her fingerprint analysis reveals strong concentrations in Fermion Physics (100%), Ground State Physics (94%), Anyons (92%), Topological Order (78%), and Three-dimensional Systems (69%). Burnell's publication record shows consistent output since 2003, with significant acceleration after 2015. Her recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates continued leadership in topological phases, with publications in high-impact journals including Physical Review Letters and Physical Review X. Her research consistently explores symmetry-protected topological phases, anyon physics, and three-dimensional topological systems, with increasing attention to systems with restrictive conservation laws and fracton physics. Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2015-2019) Emmy Noether Fellowship from Perimeter Institute (2015-2016) NSF CAREER Award: "Topology and Symmetry in Physics Beyond the Landau Paradigm" (2014-2019) Burnell currently leads the active NSF project "Exploring Phases of Matter With Restrictive Conservation Laws: Anomalies, Topology, and Dynamics" (2023-2026), following completion of "Interactions, Topology, and Constraints in Emerging Phases of Matter" (2019-2023). Her research group maintains strong collaborative ties with theoretical physicists across multiple institutions, particularly in the areas of topological quantum matter and exotic phases of condensed matter systems. She has contributed to datasets related to superconductivity in layered materials, demonstrating connections between fundamental topological physics and experimental condensed matter phenomena.
F. Duncan M. Haldane is the Eugene Higgins Professor of Physics at Princeton University and recipient of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and joined Princeton in 1990 after positions at Institut Laue-Langevin, USC, and UCSD. His research focuses on strongly-interacting quantum systems, including the geometric description of fractional quantum Hall effects, entanglement spectra, and topological insulators. Research interests include quantum geometry, topological phases, and non-Abelian statistics. Recent publications explore quantum Hall states, chiral gravitons, and non-commutative geometry, often using advanced numerical methods like DMRG. His work bridges condensed matter theory and quantum field theory. Awards include the Nobel Prize (2016), Dirac Medal (2012), and Buckley Prize (1993). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, APS, and AAAS. Students include Hui Li and B. Andrei Bernevig. Grants include Moore Foundation support for quantum systems research.
Kaden Hazzard is an Associate Professor at Rice University's Department of Physics and Astronomy. His work bridges theoretical atomic, molecular, and optical physics with quantum computing and condensed matter physics. He leads the Hazzard Research Group, focusing on quantum simulation, synthetic dimensions, and far-from-equilibrium dynamics. Education : BS in Physics & Math (2004) and PhD in Physics (2010), both from Ohio State and Cornell University. Hazzard's research explores emergent phenomena in ultracold systems, including SU(N) symmetry, quantum criticality, and topological phases. His group develops novel theoretical frameworks for quantum simulation, leveraging synthetic dimensions and Rydberg atoms to study many-body physics. Recent publications highlight advancements in quantum vacuum dynamics, SU(N) magnetism, and programmable quantum simulators. His work has been recognized with an NSF CAREER Award (2019), supporting algorithms to simulate ultracold matter and redefine low-temperature frontiers. He mentors graduate and undergraduate students at Rice and has supervised numerous alumni now in academia, industry, and quantum technology sectors. Collaborations with experimentalists at JILA, NIST, and international institutions drive his research agenda.
Prof. Dr. Titus Mangham-Neupert is Full Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Zurich and co-director of its Digital Society Initiative . He leads the Theory of Quantum Matter group within the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, and sits on several strategic boards including the Digital Strategy Board, Graduate Campus advisory board, and the Pauli Center board. Education & Career 2025–present: Full Professor, Department of Physics, University of Zurich 2021–present: Co-director, Digital Society Initiative, University of Zurich 2018–2025: Associate Professor, Department of Physics, University of Zurich 2016–2018: Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, University of Zurich 2013–2016: Postdoctoral Fellow, Princeton Center for Theoretical Science, Princeton University 2010–2013: PhD in Physics, ETH Zurich (advisors: Prof. Manfred Sigrist, Dr. Christopher Mudry) 2009–2010: Visiting Scientist, RIKEN, Japan 2007–2009: MSc in Physics, University of Zurich 2005–2007: Undergraduate studies, Dresden University of Technology Research Interests Neupert’s work straddles condensed-matter physics, quantum materials, topology, and machine learning . His group develops variational and tensor-network approaches to strongly-correlated electrons, explores fractional topological phases , and investigates kagome metals, moiré graphene, and unconventional superconductors . A growing focus is the deployment of neural-network quantum states and AI-assisted data analysis to uncover emergent quantum phenomena. Grants & Funding ERC Starting Grant “PARATOP” Swiss National Science Foundation project grants Member of the Swiss MaNEP network Scientific Awards & Honors Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2020-2024) Outstanding Referee, American Physical Society (2019) Klung-Wilhelmy Science Award (2019) ETH Medal for PhD thesis (2013) Swiss Physical Society Dissertation Prize (2013) Professional Service & Memberships Member, Editorial Board, Physical Review B (2020-2026) Member, Digital Strategy Board, University of Zurich Advisory boards: Graduate Campus UZH, Science Lab UZH & Science Pavilion UZH Board member, Pauli Center (UZH & ETH Zurich) Member, American Physical Society
