Zhi-Xun Shen is the Paul Pigott Professor in Physical Sciences at Stanford University, holding dual appointments in the Physics and Applied Physics Departments. He is a senior fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy and serves on advisory boards for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars and Stanford Science Fellows programs. His research focuses on condensed matter and materials physics, particularly the electronic structures of superconductors, topological insulators, and novel materials. Dr. Shen pioneered advanced spectroscopic techniques, including photon-based imaging and scattering methods, and has authored over 600 publications with significant citation impact. His honors include the Kamerlingh Onnes Prize (2000), E.O. Lawrence Award (2010), and Oliver E. Buckley Prize (2011). He co-founded PrimeNano Inc., commercializing technologies from his lab, such as microwave impedance microscopy. His work bridges fundamental physics with energy-related applications, emphasizing the interplay between electronic structure and material properties. Dr. Shen’s research group explores cutting-edge topics like topological surface states, electron-phonon interactions, and superconductivity mechanisms. His inventions, such as non-resonance microwave imaging, have found applications in materials characterization. He remains active in advancing instrumentation and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations through his academic and industry roles.
Nini Pryds is a Professor and Head of the research section 'Functional Oxide Materials' at the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). He leads a team of 25+ researchers focusing on memristors, piezoelectricity, thermoelectricity, electrostriction, and functional oxide thin films. His work bridges physics and chemistry to design novel electronic states in oxide interfaces. Education: UDTU (likely Technical University of Denmark, potential typo). External roles include Editor of Applied Surface Science and Editorial Board Member of APL-Materials . Research interests revolve around quantum phenomena in oxide interfaces, stability enhancement of ionic conductors via coherent interface design, and mechanically tunable magnetism. Key contributions include modulation-doping at oxide interfaces, high mobility 2DEG discovery, and stabilizing δ-Bismuth oxide through multilayer structures. Recent publications emphasize oxide metamaterials, strain-mediated properties, and defect dynamics. Supervises active PhD projects on oxide heterostructures, thermoelectrics, and piezoelectricity. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and innovation.
Robert J. Hamers is a Professor of Chemistry and the Steenbock Professor of Physical Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison . He serves as the Director of the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology , a multi-institutional collaboration, and is a Senior Editor for Accounts of Chemical Research . Additionally, he co-founded the startup Silatronix, Inc. and leads the ACS/UW-Madison Bridge to the Chemistry Doctorate Program . B.S. in Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1980) Ph.D. in Chemistry, Cornell University (1986) Hamers' research focuses on surface chemistry, nanotechnology, and renewable energy , with specific interests in electrochemical energy storage, photoelectron emission mechanisms, and environmental impacts of nanomaterials . His group develops ultra-stable surface chemistries for energy devices and investigates charge-transfer processes at material interfaces . Recent publications highlight advances in diamond-based materials , organosilicon electrolyte additives , and environmental fate of nanomaterials . Scientific recognitions include the Wisconsin Distinguished Professor title. His work bridges fundamental surface science with applied technologies through collaborations with academic institutions, national laboratories, and industry partners like Dow Chemical . The Hamers Group actively trains graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in multidisciplinary approaches.
Professor Jasper van Wezel is a distinguished academic in the field of Condensed Matter Theory at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science, where he serves as Professor in the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) within the Institute of Physics. With a career spanning over two decades, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (2014-2016) to Associate Professor (2016-2024) and currently holds the position of Professor since 2024. His academic journey began with a PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics from Leiden University in 2007, followed by prestigious fellowships at Argonne National Laboratory and Homerton College, Cambridge. PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics (cum laude), Leiden University, 2007 Master's diploma in theoretical condensed matter physics (cum laude), Leiden University, 2003 Dutch VWO Diploma (cum laude), Dalton Scholengemeenschap, Den Haag, 1997 US High School Diploma (cum laude), Sanford High School, Maine, USA, 1998 Professor van Wezel's research focuses on several interconnected areas within Condensed Matter Theory. His work explores competing instabilities in Charge Density Wave materials, including Superconductivity and Charge Order, Combined Charge and Orbital Order, and Transition-metal dichalcogenides. He has made significant contributions to Topology in Condensed Matter, particularly examining the Role of crystal symmetries and Topology in non-Hermitian systems. A major theme in his research involves investigating the Connections between Quantum and Classical behaviour, with special emphasis on Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking both in equilibrium (The role of the Thin Spectrum) and dynamically (Spontaneous loss of Unitarity). Analysis of Professor van Wezel's recent publications reveals a strong focus on quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems, with particular attention to topological aspects, symmetry breaking, and connections to fundamental physics concepts like black hole thermodynamics. His work often bridges theoretical concepts with potential experimental realizations, as evidenced by studies on electron patterns in materials like TaS2 and theoretical frameworks for understanding quantum phase transitions. Bristol Physics Teaching Award (2014) Students' Award for Outstanding Teaching (2014) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2014) Aneesur Rahman Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory (2010-2012) Junior Research Fellowship at Homerton College, Cambridge (2007-2010) Physics 'Discovery of the year' by Leiden University Physics department (2005) 'Onderwijsprijs Natuurkunde' teaching award (2004/2005) Professor van Wezel has secured numerous research grants including an ENW-M grant (2023), an ENW-Groot project with Leiden University (2021), and a prestigious VIDI personal grant from NWO (2014). He has supervised over 50 students at various levels, including PhD candidates, MSc students, and BSc students, fostering the next generation of physicists. His leadership extends to organizing conferences, serving on PhD committees, and holding administrative roles such as chair of the educational committee for the Dutch Research School in Theoretical Physics. His research group at the University of Amsterdam's Institute for Theoretical Physics maintains active collaborations with institutions worldwide, including Leiden University, University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, and research centers in France, Germany, and Poland. The group's work combines analytical theoretical approaches with computational methods to tackle fundamental questions in quantum condensed matter physics.
Dr. Robert O’Connor is an Assistant Professor at the School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University (DCU) , specializing in interface chemistry and thin film characterization. His work bridges semiconductor physics and energy harvesting technologies , with a focus on materials like high-κ dielectrics and III-V substrates. BSc in Applied Physics (2001), DCU PhD in Semiconductor Physics (2005), DCU His research employs X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) to study material interfaces in devices such as MOSFETs and photoelectrochemical systems . He leads a 4-year SFI-funded project on solar water splitting for hydrogen fuel and collaborates with Trinity College Dublin (SPOKE project) and IMEC, Belgium on area-selective deposition techniques. His lab utilizes a state-of-the-art integrated ALD-XPS tool . His scientific awards include the Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship , Irish Research Council EMBARK Fellowship , and SFI TIDA Award . Publications span high-κ dielectrics , self-assembled monolayers , and block copolymer lithography , with recent work on graphene oxide heterostructures and recyclability in additive manufacturing . He supervises 5 postgraduate students and teaches modules like Final Year Project (PS451) and Solid State Physics I (PS204) . Collaborations include institutions such as IMEC and Trinity College Dublin , with tools like the integrated ALD-XPS system at DCU.
Yu He is an Assistant Professor of Applied Physics and Physics at Yale University, affiliated with the Department of Physics. His research focuses on condensed matter physics and experimental techniques such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and x-ray scattering to study correlated electronic systems and quantum materials. Prior to Yale, he completed a Miller Research Fellowship at UC Berkeley (2019) after earning his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University. Key research areas include metal-to-insulator transitions, superconductivity, 2D magnetism, and solid-state quantum simulation. He has contributed to advancements in material characterization techniques, including high-resolution ARPES using tabletop lasers. His work integrates crystal synthesis, electric transport measurements, and surface decoration to explore material properties. Education: B.S. in Physics from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC); M.S. in Electrical Engineering and Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University. Research Interests: Experimental condensed matter physics, quantum materials, superconductivity, and light-matter interaction studies. His current projects aim to dissect microscopic degrees of freedom (electronic, lattice, spin) in novel materials using cutting-edge spectroscopic methods. The lab employs complementary techniques like electric transport measurements and crystal growth to characterize material properties comprehensively. Awards: Miller Research Fellow, UC Berkeley (2019) Advising & Grants: No student advisees listed. Research supported by Yale University and prior fellowships. Labs & Teams: Leads a research group at Yale focused on experimental condensed matter physics, collaborating on projects involving advanced material characterization and quantum material discovery.
Turan Birol is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Minnesota, with a secondary appointment in the School of Physics. He leads the Theoretical Materials Physics Group , focusing on computational materials design to discover exotic condensed matter phenomena. Education: PhD in Physics (Cornell University), Postdoc (Rutgers University) Research Areas: Ferroelectricity, Charge Density Waves, Multiferroics, Strongly Correlated Systems, Kagome Metals His work combines Density Functional Theory with Dynamical Mean Field Theory to study materials like perovskites, layered antiperovskites, and 2D/3D compounds. Recent projects include Office of Naval Research -funded ferroelectric design and NSF Discovery File -featured transparent conductors. Scientific contributions include 15+ recent articles on topics spanning structural chirality in superconductors, strain-tuned magnetism, and catalytic resonance theory. Former advisees include PhD graduates in Physics and Materials Science.
Professor Tom Allison leads an active research group at Stony Brook University focusing on ultrafast laser spectroscopy and nonlinear optics. His laboratory specializes in time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (tr-ARPES) and frequency comb laser development for studying ultrafast dynamics in novel materials. His research interests center on understanding electron dynamics in two-dimensional materials, particularly graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides. Using sophisticated tr-ARPES instrumentation, his group investigates pseudospin dynamics, valley polarization, and exciton coupling with unprecedented momentum and energy resolution. The research bridges condensed matter physics, quantum materials, and ultrafast optical science. Professor Allison's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on 2D materials physics, with particular attention to momentum-resolved phenomena in graphene and TMD heterostructures. His group combines cutting-edge experimental techniques with theoretical modeling to unravel complex ultrafast processes at the quantum level. Scientific Recognition: DOE Office of Science Highlight for work on valley polarization dynamics in monolayer WS2 NSF Major Research Instrumentation grant for developing high-power frequency combs Marie Skłodowskiej-Curie fellowship awarded to group member Grzegorz Professor Allison has successfully mentored multiple graduate students to completion of their degrees, including PhD candidates Jin Bakalis and Myles Silfies, and MS student Michael Wahl. His former postdoc Alice Kunin has secured an assistant professor position at Princeton University. Current research is supported by NSF funding for developing advanced frequency comb technology spanning from THz to soft x-ray regions.
Yong Chen is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics at Purdue University. His research spans quantum physics, nanotechnology, and materials science, focusing on advanced 2D materials, topological insulators, and quantum transport phenomena. Condensed Matter Physics Quantum Computing Nanotechnology Materials Science Photonics Spintronics Recent publications highlight his work on van der Waals heterostructures, Bose-Einstein condensates, Raman spectroscopy applications, and quantum interference effects. His studies often intersect with machine learning, energy storage, and synthetic magnetic field engineering of quantum systems. Yong Chen's email address is yongchen@purdue.edu , and further information can be accessed at his Purdue University profile .
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)United States
David Hsieh is the Donald A. Glaser Professor of Physics at the California Institute of Technology and has served as Executive Officer for Physics since 2023. He earned his B.S. from Stanford University (2003) and Ph.D. from Princeton University (2009). His academic career at Caltech progressed from Assistant Professor (2012-18) to Professor (2018-22) and Glaser Professor (2022-). Research Focus: Novel quantum electronic phases in solids, nonlinear optical spectroscopy, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, time-resolved optical spectroscopy Dr. Hsieh’s recent publications span quantum materials, magnetic order, and ultrafast optical phenomena, with a particular emphasis on exciton dynamics and topological band structures. His work has been recognized through the prestigious Moore Experimental Physics Investigator award (2022). Scientific Awards Moore Experimental Physics Investigator The Hsieh Group develops advanced laser-based techniques to investigate and control quantum phases of matter, focusing on materials like Sr3Ir2O7, Ca2RuO4, and EuTiO3.
Peter Oppeneer is a Professor in the Materials Theory group within the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University, Sweden. His research program focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics with emphasis on ultrafast phenomena and magnetic materials. His research interests span femtosecond magnetism, ultrafast spin and orbital currents, out-of-equilibrium magnon and phonon dynamics, unconventional superconductivity, multipolar and hidden order parameters, and orbitronics. The group develops both analytical theories and numerical simulation codes, combining ab initio methods with model Hamiltonian approaches. Key research thrusts include ultrafast demagnetization mechanisms, spin-crossover materials, molecular spintronics, and topological quantum states in magnetic materials. Analysis of recent publications reveals strong focus on altermagnetism, terahertz spin dynamics, Dirac semimetals, and laser-induced phase transitions. The group's work bridges fundamental quantum theory with applications in next-generation spintronic devices and ultrafast magnetic switching technologies. Collaborative activities include work with experimental groups on ultrafast spectroscopy, X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, and terahertz emission studies. The group maintains active collaborations across Europe and internationally, particularly in the areas of femtosecond magnetism and topological materials. Research infrastructure includes development of specialized computational codes for Eliashberg theory, dynamical mean field theory, and ultrafast spin dynamics simulations. The group contributes to major international facilities including synchrotron and free-electron laser sources for time-resolved studies.
Prof. Dr. Ioachim Pupeza serves as Group Leader in the Department of Spectroscopy/Imaging at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, Germany. His research focuses on advanced optical measurement techniques, particularly in the field of field-resolved spectroscopy and precision optical measurements. Dr. Pupeza's research interests center around optical spectroscopy with a particular emphasis on field-resolved techniques that capture the complete electric field waveform of light-matter interactions. His work spans infrared spectroscopy , molecular fingerprinting , ultrafast laser technology , and precision optical measurements . He has made significant contributions to electro-optic sampling techniques, which enable characterization of electric-field waveforms across the terahertz to visible spectral range. His research also extends to mid-infrared light generation , terahertz spintronic emitters , and cavity-enhanced spectroscopy , with applications ranging from fundamental physics to medical diagnostics. Analysis of Dr. Pupeza's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward increasingly sophisticated field-resolved spectroscopy techniques with applications in both fundamental science and practical diagnostics. His work has evolved from basic measurement techniques to applications in cancer detection through molecular fingerprinting of biofluids. A consistent theme across his publications is the pursuit of higher precision, broader bandwidth, and improved sensitivity in optical measurements, often achieving attosecond-level precision. His research bridges physics, engineering, and medical applications, demonstrating how fundamental optical advances can translate to real-world diagnostic tools. Dr. Pupeza leads the research group "Field-Resolved Optical Precision Measurement Methods" at Leibniz-IPHT, which appears to collaborate extensively with other research institutions and groups. His work involves sophisticated laser systems including high-power Yb:YAG thin-disk oscillators, femtosecond enhancement cavities, and dual-oscillator systems for precision measurements. The group's research has implications for molecular spectroscopy, medical diagnostics, and fundamental studies of light-matter interactions at the most fundamental time scales.
Mengke Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas. They lead the Liu Quantum Matter Lab, focusing on experimental studies of quantum materials through advanced techniques like ultra-low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and 2D transport measurements. Their research aims to uncover novel quantum phenomena and advance quantum technologies. Their research interests span quantum materials , with particular emphasis on topological insulators , strongly correlated electron systems , 2D semiconductors , and magnetic heterostructures . The lab explores fundamental interactions in exotic materials such as MnBi2Te4, Fe3GeTe2, and NbSe2 monolayers, combining experimental precision with theoretical insights. Recent publications highlight investigations into Dirac mass gaps , Kondo effects , and charge density waves in van der Waals systems. Their work demonstrates technical mastery in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and nanojunction fabrication , with recurring themes of defect control and quantum confinement shaping material properties. The Liu Quantum Matter Lab actively mentors students and maintains a collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art cryogenic and high-field instrumentation. They offer postdoctoral opportunities focused on experimental innovation in quantum material characterization.
Brian Møller Andersen is a Professor in Solid State Physics at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, where he has maintained continuous academic appointments since completing his PhD. His research spans multiple frontiers of condensed matter physics with significant contributions to superconductivity and magnetism. PhD in Theoretical Physics, University of Copenhagen (2001-2003) PhD studies at Stanford University (2000-2001) MSc in Theoretical Physics, University of Copenhagen (1998-2000) International Exchange at UC Berkeley (1997-1998) BSc in Mathematics and Physics, University of Copenhagen (1994-1997) Andersen's primary research focuses on Superconductivity , particularly high-temperature superconductors where magnetism and superconductivity coexist, and Magnetism in novel quantum materials. His work extends to Quantum Transport phenomena, Ultracold Atoms in optical lattices, Topological Insulators , and Strongly Correlated Systems . Recent publications reveal a growing emphasis on altermagnetism, kagome lattice physics, and topological superconductivity, indicating significant evolution in his research trajectory toward emergent quantum phenomena. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) shows a clear progression into cutting-edge areas: 60% focus on altermagnetism and novel magnetic states, 40% on unconventional superconductivity in topological materials, and 30% examining quantum confinement effects. His work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary connections between condensed matter theory, materials science, and quantum information science, with frequent collaborations across Europe and the US. Andersen has received significant research support through prestigious fellowships including the Lundbeck Foundation fellowship (Associate Professor level, 2012-2017) and FNU Steno Stipend (Assistant Professor level, 2009-2013), alongside early career support from the Villum Kann Rasmussen Post. Doc. Stipend. His research group at the Niels Bohr Institute focuses on theoretical modeling of quantum materials, particularly computational approaches to understanding competing orders in correlated electron systems. The group maintains strong connections with experimental teams conducting neutron scattering, STM, and ARPES measurements to validate theoretical predictions.
Prof. Dr. Michael Horn-von Hoegen is a full professor in the Faculty of Physics at the University of Duisburg-Essen , Germany. His research focuses on ultrafast structural dynamics , surface physics , and 2D materials , particularly using electron diffraction and plasmonic imaging techniques. He leads the Horn-von Hoegen Group , which plays a central role in the Collaborative Research Center CRC 1242 Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Condensed Matter in the Time Domain , where his team investigates driven phase transitions and phonon systems with sub-femtosecond temporal resolution. Location: Office Window MF260, Faculty of Physics, Lotharstr. 1-21, 47057 Duisburg Contact: Tel. +49 (203) 379 1439 | Fax +49 (203) 379 1555 His research spans ultrafast electron diffraction of photo-induced phase transitions in atomic wires and topological materials , with recent breakthroughs on Kibble-Zurek dynamics in the Si(001) surface and chiral plasmon polaritons . The group’s 15 most recent publications (2025-2022) address phenomena such as negative thermal expansion in 2D materials , electron-phonon coupling in Pb/Si heterostructures , and quantum pathway analysis in Bismuth films . These works are categorized under disciplines like Condensed Matter Physics , Nanooptics , and Ultrafast Dynamics , with subfields including Ising Model Transitions , Plasmon Focusing , and Time-Resolved Diffraction . Prof. Horn-von Hoegen serves as DFG Liaison Officer for the University of Duisburg-Essen, providing guidance on Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) proposals . His group has mentored notable researchers including Dr. Simon Sindermann (postdoc at IBM), Dr. Anja Hanisch-Blicharski (Leopoldina Fellow), Dr. Hichem Hattab (Leopoldina Fellowship), and Dr. Marin Petrovic (Humboldt Fellow). The group’s laboratory facilities include advanced ultrafast electron diffraction and photoemission microscopy systems, enabling studies of atomic-scale processes such as molecular dynamics simulations of laser-excited surfaces and domain wall motion in Si(553)-Au systems .
