Prof. Dr. Günther Dissertori is a Full Professor and Rector of ETH Zurich, where he oversees teaching and academic affairs. His academic journey began at the University of Innsbruck, followed by a doctoral position at CERN, and he joined ETH Zurich as an Assistant Professor in 2001 before becoming a Full Professor in 2007. Academic Role: Full Professor of Particle Physics Institutional Leadership: Rector of ETH Zurich (since 2022) Contact: guenther.dissertori@sl.ethz.ch Research Interests: Dissertori's work spans Particle Physics and Experimental Physics , notably contributing to the CMS experiment at CERN, which was instrumental in the Higgs boson discovery. His group also developed cost-effective PET devices, leading to the spin-off Positrigo AG . Research keywords include Detector Development , Medical Imaging , and Quantum Physics . Teaching Excellence: Recognized with multiple Golden Owl awards (2005–2020) and the Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching (2013), Dissertori is celebrated for his pedagogical impact in the Department of Particle Physics. Scientific Contributions: His publications include advancements in CMOS technology, quantum dynamics, and medical applications, reflecting interdisciplinary expertise in high-speed electronics, environmental science, and architectural history.
Prof. Dr. Björn Corzilius is a University Professor (W2) of Physical Chemistry at the University of Rostock, Germany, leading the Corzilius group. His research focuses on solid-state NMR spectroscopy, dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), and applications in biomolecules and materials. He holds affiliations with the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT) and serves on multiple academic boards, including the transregional Collaborative Research Center TRR 386 and the journal Magnetic Resonance . Education: 1999: Studies of Chemistry, TU Darmstadt 2005: Diploma in Physical Chemistry (TU Darmstadt) 2008: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (TU Darmstadt) Research Interests: Solid-state NMR, DNP for sensitivity enhancement, paramagnetic metal ions, biomolecular dynamics, and method development. His work bridges theoretical and experimental approaches to advance structural and functional studies of complex systems like proteins, nucleic acids, and catalytic materials. Recent Article Trends: Focus on DNP applications in biomolecular interfaces, novel polarizing agents (e.g., Gd(III) complexes), and methodological advancements like serial polarization transfer and electron-decoupled DNP. Contributions span inorganic chemistry, materials science, and biophysical systems. Awards: Emmy Noether Fellowship (2012) Felix Bloch Lecture (2016) Regitze M. Vold Memorial Prize (2017) Best Ph.D. Supervision (2018) Grants & Labs: Principal Investigator of the Emmy Noether Group (2013–2019), now leading the DNP research team at the University of Rostock. Collaborates closely with LIKAT on catalytic and materials projects. His group actively develops open-access publishing platforms like Magnetic Resonance and hosts international conferences. Labs/Teams: The Corzilius group at the Institute of Chemistry (Rostock) specializes in NMR method development and applications. Associated with LIKAT for interdisciplinary catalysis research.
Gary Pielak is a Kenan Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biophysics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a joint appointment in the School of Medicine. His research focuses on high-resolution protein NMR studies in living cells and the biophysics of tardigrade desiccation-tolerance proteins, bridging structural biology and molecular biophysics. Education: BS in Chemistry from Bradley University (1977), PhD in Biochemistry from Washington State University (1983), Postdoc at the University of British Columbia (1983-1986), Postdoc at Oxford University (1986-1988). Research Interests center on understanding protein structure, stability, and function in physiologically relevant environments. Key areas include: In-Cell NMR: Quantifying protein behavior in living cells using advanced NMR techniques. Macromolecular Crowding: Studying synthetic polymers and proteins as crowding agents to mimic cellular environments. Tardigrade Biology: Exploring desiccation-tolerance mechanisms in intrinsically disordered proteins from water bears. Recent Publications highlight interdisciplinary trends, combining AI-driven stability prediction, solid-state NMR for dry protein analysis, and molecular glass/gel applications for preservation. His Scientific Awards include: NIH Pioneer Award DuPont and Morrow Young Faculty Awards Multiple UNC Mentorship Awards Mentorship is a cornerstone, with a focus on training graduate students and advancing NMR methodologies. His group employs Research Methods : 19F, 1H, 15N, and 13C NMR Circular Dichroism and Calorimetry Protein Expression in E. coli
Marek Locmelis is an Associate Professor at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Bureau of Economic Geology within the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on magmatic, hydrothermal, and sedimentary ore deposits, with an emphasis on critical mineral supply strategies, including recycling of mine waste and STEM education in economic geology. He holds a PhD from Macquarie University and prior roles at Missouri University of Science and Technology and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Education PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Macquarie University (Australia) Diploma (MSc equivalent) and Pre-Diploma (BSc equivalent) in Geosciences, University of Hannover (Germany) Research Interests His work spans geochemistry, petrology, and planetary evolution, with a focus on critical minerals (e.g., lithium, rare earth elements) and novel exploration techniques. He investigates pathways to enhance domestic critical mineral recovery through reprocessing mine waste and optimizing production streams. His planetary research includes atmospheric toxicity studies and habitability potential of extraterrestrial environments. Awards Fellow of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG) SEG Graduate Student Fellowship Program Chair NSF CAREER Award (2020) NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship (2014) Advising & Grants Locmelis has advised postdocs and students through workshops on critical mineral resilience. His NSF CAREER project explores metal transport via magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. He co-organized conferences on critical minerals and led the Roadmaps Into the Geosciences (RIGS) program to support student career development. Labs & Teams He collaborates with the Bureau of Economic Geology and interdisciplinary teams in critical mineral research, combining fieldwork, geochemical analysis, and policy advocacy.
Timothy Abram is a Professor of Nuclear Fuel Technology at the University of Manchester, holding the Westinghouse Chair since 2008. He leads the U-Battery HTGR project and serves as Visiting Senior Research Fellow at NNL. His expertise spans nuclear fuels (MOX, ATF, TRISO) and reactor systems (gas-cooled, VHTR), with roles in IAEA, UK Government advisory boards, and the UK Nuclear Regulator’s committee. He directs the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre for Nuclear Science and Engineering. Education: BSc and PhD (details unspecified). Research focuses on advanced nuclear fuels, thermal conductivity, and sustainable energy solutions, contributing to UN SDGs. Projects include molten salt reactor research (Radiochemical Facilities, DAWNMANTLE) and waste minimization strategies. Over 15 EU projects and 72 research outputs demonstrate his global impact. Awards: Not explicitly listed. Collaborations include international networks in nuclear innovation and material science. Advising roles include external examiner for Royal Navy and Cambridge MPhil programs.
Yao Yang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on developing multimodal operando electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray methods to probe electrochemical dynamics at solid-liquid interfaces for energy materials. PhD, Cornell University (2021) Miller Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Berkeley (2021-2024) Research interests span fundamental electrochemistry and energy material interfaces, particularly CO2 reduction, clean H2 production, and rechargeable batteries. The Yang group specializes in operando electrochemical liquid-cell scanning transmission electron microscopy (EC-STEM) and correlative synchrotron X-ray methods at Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) and Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). Recent publications highlight atomic-scale imaging of catalyst dynamics, Tafel slope analysis, and epitaxial growth techniques for enhanced electrocatalysts. Articles demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining electrochemistry, nanoscience, and advanced characterization. Scientific Awards: 2025 ACS Materials and Interfaces Outstanding Presentations by Young Investigators Award 2024 Journal of Materials Research Distinguished Invited Speaker Miller Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021-2024) 2023 Best Early Career Presentation at MRS Spring 2022 ACS AC/DC Rising Stars in Analytical Chemistry Contact: yaoyang@cornell.edu
Angela D. Kent is a Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she also serves as Director of the Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology within the School of Integrative Biology. She is affiliated with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. Her research focuses on microbial communities in agroecosystems and natural environments, particularly their roles in nitrogen cycling, soil health, and sustainable bioenergy production. Key research interests include microbial interactions in plant-microbe systems, the impact of genetic variation in crops on microbial processes, and the ecological and biogeochemical implications of soil microbiomes. She has authored over 99 publications and supervised datasets on topics such as denitrification dynamics, rhizosphere microbiome assembly, and microbial contributions to nitrogen retention. Dr. Kent has received the NACTA Educator Award (2012) and has contributed to high-impact studies on topics like microbial community responses to environmental stressors and the application of stable isotopes in bioenergy research. Her work bridges microbial ecology, agronomy, and environmental science, emphasizing practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.
John Davis is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Science. He holds a PhD and MSc from Northwestern University and a Bachelor’s from Washington University. His research focuses on nanomechanics, superfluidity, and superconductivity, particularly in confined geometries and quantum properties of nanomechanical systems. His lab develops superfluid-based technologies for dark matter detection and precision measurement. He has held academic positions since 2010, including roles at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research and postdoctoral training at the University of Alberta with Prof. Mark R. Freeman. Education: PhD in Physics (2008), Northwestern University MSc in Physics (2003), Northwestern University Bachelor’s in Physics with Honors (2001), Washington University Research Interests: Superfluid nanomechanical resonators Ultralow-temperature superfluid 3He Nanofluidic cavity quantum electrodynamics Quantum-limited torque magnetometry Applications in dark matter detection and gravitational wave sensing His recent work emphasizes magnomechanics and optomechanical transduction , integrating superfluid systems with quantum sensors. Articles highlight advancements in cryogenic devices, nonlinear dynamics, and hybrid quantum systems. Ongoing projects include the HElium-based Light Operated Superfluid (HELIOS) dark matter detector. Grants & Labs: His lab operates a cryogen-efficient low-temperature facility, focusing on microfluidic quantum fluid experiments. Collaborations involve advanced photonic crystal cavities and diamond-based optomechanical platforms.
Prof. Dr. Taner Akbay is a faculty member at Yeditepe University, Faculty of Engineering , Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering. He has held academic positions at institutions including Kyushu University, Oita University, and Imperial College London. Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (1993, Imperial College London); Master’s (1989) and Bachelor’s (1986) degrees from Middle East Technical University. His research spans Materials Engineering , Metallurgy , and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) , with a focus on oxide ion conductivity, laser surface treatment, and phase transformations. Recent work explores photocatalysis , anion intercalation , and CO2 reduction using computational and experimental approaches. Key article trends include SOFC optimization (2004–2009), strain effects on catalysts (2015–2020), and dual-carbon battery technology (2016–2020). His work bridges fundamental metallurgy and advanced energy materials . Scientific Awards: Postdoctoral Research Sponsorship Award (EPSRC, UK) JSPS Fellowship (Japan) Daiwa Adrian Prize (2016, UK) PhD Studentship at Imperial College (European Commission) He has supervised multiple PhD and Master’s theses, including projects on dual-carbon batteries , microwave absorption nanocomposites , and rare earth recovery . Administrative roles include Head of Department (2020–2021). Non-University Experience: Worked with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (2001), Çolakoğlu Metalurji (2010), and National Research Council Canada (2009).
Dr. Simon Beaumont is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Durham University , with additional responsibilities as Associate Dean (PGR) in the Faculty of Science. His research program integrates heterogeneous catalysis , nanomaterials , and in situ spectroscopic techniques to develop sustainable chemical processes. BA & MSci Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge (2003-2007) PhD in Heterogeneous Catalysis, University of Cambridge (2010) Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Berkeley (2010-2012) Research foci include mechanistic studies of catalytic processes, nanoparticle synthesis , and in situ characterization via X-ray absorption (NEXAFS), DRIFTS, and Raman. His work addresses challenges in CO2 hydrogenation , biomass conversion , and environmental remediation , supported by national/EU/industrial funding. Recent publications highlight trends in selective hydrogenation (furfural), multi-functional catalysts (acid-base systems), and nanoparticle stability under reactive conditions. All studies emphasize molecular-level understanding for practical catalyst design. Scientific awards include Leverhulme Trust and Addison Wheeler fellowships. Teaching portfolio spans first-year laboratories , organic chemistry tutorials , and advanced catalysis lectures . Supervision of five research postgraduates and leadership of industry-funded projects further demonstrate his academic impact.
Prof. Diego Moretti is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), ETH Zurich. He is affiliated with the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health (IFNH), located at Schmelzbergstrasse 7 in Zurich. Education: PhD in Food Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich (2002-2006), Thesis: "Iron fortification of rice: a potential strategy to counteract iron deficiency" Diploma in Food Science and Engineering (Dipl.Lm.Ing. ETH), ETH Zurich (1996-2002) Matura typus C, Liceo Cantonale di Bellinzona (1992-1996) Research Interests: Focus on iron metabolism in deficiency/excess states, strategies for correction (fortification/supplementation), and novel tools to evaluate food-based approaches for iron/zinc deficiencies. Utilizes isotopic techniques and molecular markers of iron status. Labs/Teams: Active at the Laboratory of Human Nutrition within ETH Zurich. Collaborates on projects involving nutritional science and public health interventions.
Prof. dr. Steven Hoekstra is an Associate Professor of Atomic and Molecular Physics at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, within the Van Swinderen Institute. His research focuses on precision measurements using cold molecules to explore fundamental physics, including Stark deceleration, laser cooling, and searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. He leads the NL-eEDM program at Nikhef, investigating the electron's electric dipole moment. Hoekstra is also involved in educational innovation, having received the Teacher of the Year award (2020) and a Senior Teacher Qualification (2023). He has supervised over 11 PhD theses and currently mentors 5 students. His work combines experimental techniques with theoretical insights, addressing questions like symmetry violations and quantum dynamics. Key projects include manipulating BaF molecules with electrostatic fields and exploring levitated nanoparticles as sensors. Hoekstra has secured major grants, including NWO VICI (2022) and VIDI (2013), and collaborates internationally on projects like the European Strategy for particle physics. Recent articles highlight advancements in molecular beam control, spin-precession methods for EDM searches, and opportunities in radioactive molecules. He actively participates in the Physics Olympiad Netherlands as chair, contributing to science outreach and education.
Hugo de Boer is a Professor at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development , Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University. He serves as scientific lead for the Delta Climate Center in Vlissingen and coordinates MSc programs in Water Science and Management and Water Management for Climate Adaptation . His research explores climate-ecosystem interactions, focusing on plant ecophysiology, ecosystem dynamics, and nature-inclusive climate adaptation in deltas. Research Themes: Future Deltas, Pathways to Sustainability, Integrative Bioinformatics Projects: LEMONTREE, CloudRoots, 'From losers to winners' (ancient plant lineages under elevated CO2) Teaching Expertise: System thinking for sustainability, quantitative statistics, plant ecophysiology Research Trends emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to climate change impacts on ecosystems, with publications spanning plant-cloud processes, CO2 acclimation, and eco-evolutionary optimality models. His work bridges biogeochemistry, land-atmosphere interactions, and sustainable development frameworks. Projects & Collaborations include experimental studies on ancient plant lineages (Equisetum) and integrative field campaigns in Amazon and temperate forests. He contributes to modeling climate-vegetation feedbacks, pesticide emission scenarios, and social-ecological system transitions.
Anne E. White is the School of Engineering Distinguished Professor of Engineering and associate vice president for research administration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She serves in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering within MIT's School of Engineering and is a key researcher at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC). White has held significant leadership roles including NSE department head from 2019 to 2023 and co-chair of the MIT Climate Nucleus from 2021 to 2024. She currently chairs the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC), providing federal advisory input to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. White received her PhD in physics from UCLA, where she conducted research at the Electric Tokamak. Her early career included research positions at the National Spherical Torus Experiment at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and the DIII-D National Fusion Facility at General Atomics before joining MIT as a faculty member. Her educational background laid the foundation for her expertise in plasma physics and fusion energy research. Professor White's research focuses on magnetic fusion energy, specifically on understanding turbulent transport in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. Her work spans diagnostic development, novel experimentation, and validation of nonlinear gyrokinetic codes. She aims to demonstrate nuclear fusion as a practical part of the world's sustainable energy future. Her group develops and uses radiometers, reflectometers, and interferometers to measure fluctuations in plasma density, temperature, and flows in tokamaks. This research is critical for improving predictive capabilities of turbulent transport models, which is essential for developing viable fusion reactors. Analysis of Professor White's recent publications reveals a strong focus on plasma diagnostics and turbulence measurements across multiple tokamak facilities. Her work spans experimental measurements on ASDEX Upgrade, Alcator C-Mod, NSTX, and DIII-D tokamaks, with particular emphasis on electron temperature fluctuations, turbulence characterization, and transport model validation. A significant theme is the development and application of novel diagnostic techniques for simultaneous measurements of multiple plasma parameters. Her research increasingly incorporates computational approaches, including gyrokinetic simulations and machine learning methods, to interpret experimental data and advance predictive capabilities in fusion plasma physics. Professor White has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career: Fellow, American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics (2019) Cecil and Ida Green Career Development Professor, MIT (2014) American Physical Society Katherine E. Weimer Award (2014) Fusion Power Associates Excellence in Fusion Engineering Award (2014) Junior Bose Award for Excellence in Teaching, MIT (2014) PAI Outstanding Faculty Award from MIT student chapter of the American Nuclear Society (2013) Norman C. Rosenbluth Career Development Professor, MIT (2012-2014) Department of Energy Early Career Award (2011-2016) Marshall N. Rosenbluth Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award (2009) As an educator and mentor, Professor White has advised numerous students through MIT's Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering. She has taught courses including Principles of Plasma Diagnostics, Seminar in Fusion & Plasma Physics, and Introduction to Plasma Physics. Her leadership extends to developing educational resources, notably leading a team in 2018 to create a free MITx MOOC focused on nuclear science and engineering for global high school learners. Professor White has secured significant research funding through Department of Energy awards, including the Early Career Award (2011-2016) and various fusion energy fellowships throughout her career. Her research group at MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center has contributed to multiple major fusion facilities and has been instrumental in advancing understanding of plasma turbulence and transport. Professor White leads the Fusion and Plasmas Lab at MIT, which focuses on diagnostic development and turbulence measurements in fusion plasmas. Her team has made significant contributions to research on four major tokamaks: Alcator C-Mod, ASDEX Upgrade, DIII-D, and National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade. At MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, she previously served as assistant division head for magnetic fusion energy collaborations and ran the Gyrokinetic Simulation Working Group and the Alcator C-Mod Transport Group. Her lab maintains close collaboration between experimental work, theoretical modeling, and computational simulation to advance the understanding of plasma turbulence and transport phenomena critical for fusion energy development.
Chi Liu is a Professor of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine . He serves as Associate Director of Biomedical Imaging Technology at the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute and Director for Research Faculty Affairs in the Radiology & Biomedical Imaging department. Education : PhD from Johns Hopkins University (2008) Postdoctoral Training : University of Washington (2010) Certification : American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine (Nuclear Medicine Physics and Instrumentation) His research focuses on quantitative cardiac and oncological PET/CT and SPECT/CT imaging , emphasizing deep learning algorithms , reconstruction algorithms , data correction , and dynamic imaging . Key clinical applications include early detection of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity , multimodality imaging of heart failure , and motion variability elimination in therapy response assessment . The 15 most recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on deep learning techniques for low-dose imaging , motion correction , and cross-tracer generalizability in PET/SPECT systems. These works span applications in cardiac imaging , neuroscience , oncology , and theranostics . Scientific Award : Bruce Hasegawa Young Investigator Medical Imaging Science Award (2012) Contact: chi.liu@yale.edu | ORCID 0000-0002-7007-1037
