Farhad Rachidi-Haeri is a Titular Professor and Head of the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Group at EPFL. His expertise spans EMC research, lightning electromagnetics, time reversal techniques, and fault location in power systems. He has led the EMC Group since the 1980s, with funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation, European Union, and private sector collaborations. His work involves international partnerships with institutions like the University of Toronto and KTH. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering from EPFL (1991), M.S. from EPFL (1986). Roles: President of Swiss National Committee of URSI (2012–2020), Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on EMC (2013–2015), and member of the Academy of Sciences of Bologna Institute (2019). Research Focus: Lightning interaction with infrastructure, electromagnetic field modeling, time reversal applications for fault detection, and high-frequency transient analysis. His work bridges theoretical physics and engineering, addressing challenges in power systems, lightning protection, and aerospace. Awards: IEEE EMC Technical Achievement Award (2005), Berger Award (2016), and Distinguished Honorary Professor at Tsinghua University (2024). Over 400 peer-reviewed papers and 500 conference contributions reflect his prolific research output. Labs/Teams: Leads the EMC Laboratory at EPFL, focusing on experimental and numerical studies of electromagnetic phenomena. Collaborates with global networks on projects like Laser Lightning Control and structural lightning protection for wind turbines.
Nuno Loureiro is an Associate Professor at the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT, with a secondary appointment in the Physics Department. He obtained his PhD in Physics from Imperial College London in 2005 and held postdoctoral positions at Princeton University and the UK’s Culham Centre for Fusion Energy before joining MIT in 2016. His research focuses on plasma physics , particularly theory and simulations of astrophysical and laboratory plasmas , including magnetic reconnection, turbulence, and kinetic effects. His work bridges classical plasma dynamics with emerging quantum computing applications. The 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in quantum algorithms for plasma simulations , magnetic reconnection mechanisms , and turbulence dynamics across relativistic and non-relativistic plasmas. Topics include plasmoid-mediated inverse energy transfer, data-driven fluid closures, and ion-acoustic instability impacts. 2015 Thomas H. Stix Award (American Physical Society) NSF CAREER Award
Professor Ernest Foo is a distinguished academic at Griffith University's School of Information and Communication Technology, specializing in cybersecurity with a focus on industrial control systems and cryptographic protocols. With over 15 years of experience in computer networking, he has established himself as a leading expert in SCADA security and smart grid cybersecurity. His research has significant practical applications in critical infrastructure protection, and he has developed hands-on security training programs that have trained professionals from major Australian utilities and government agencies. Professor Foo's educational background includes: Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Electronic and Computer Engineering from University of Queensland Doctor of Philosophy from Queensland University of Technology Professor Foo's research interests center around secure cryptographic protocols with specific applications in industrial control system security and cyber physical systems. His work spans SCADA security, smart grid protection, wireless sensor network security, and post-quantum cryptography. He has made significant contributions to understanding vulnerabilities in industrial protocols like Modbus and DNP3, and has pioneered the application of process mining and data mining techniques for attack detection in critical infrastructure systems. His research bridges theoretical security concepts with practical implementations in real-world industrial environments. Professor Foo's recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated security frameworks for critical infrastructure. His work shows a progression from foundational SCADA security research to advanced applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and formal methods in cybersecurity. A notable trend is the integration of zero trust principles with industrial control systems, alongside growing emphasis on post-quantum cryptographic solutions. His publications span high-impact journals and conferences in cybersecurity, with increasing focus on anomaly detection in cyber-physical systems and the application of graph-based machine learning techniques to network security challenges. Professor Foo's notable scientific achievements include: Best paper award at the 2nd International Cyber Resilience Conference for "Gap analysis of Intrusion Detection in Smart Grids" Professor Foo has secured significant research funding including an ARC Linkage grant with Powerlink Queensland focused on cyber security for electricity sub-stations. He currently leads multiple research projects including Westpac Micro-Credentials in Financial Crime Investigation, Digital Banking Micro-credentials with ANZ, and research on quantum-safe cryptography. As a dedicated educator, he serves as Program Director for multiple cybersecurity programs including the Master of Cyber Security, and has supervised numerous doctoral and masters students. His Cyber Security: Industrial Control System course, conducted annually from 2013-2018, featured innovative hands-on training with real-world participants from major Australian utilities. Professor Foo has been instrumental in establishing the SCADA security research laboratory with multiple vendor system miniatures running industrial PLCs. His work bridges theoretical security concepts with practical implementations, making significant contributions to the security of industrial control systems and critical infrastructure worldwide.
Dr. Kai Gong is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University, with affiliations at the Rice Advanced Materials Institute and Ken Kennedy Institute. His research focuses on sustainable infrastructure materials, environmental sustainability, and materials science. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering and Materials Science from Princeton University, an MEngSci from Monash University (Australia), and dual B.S. degrees from Monash University and Central South University (China). Research Interests: Development of durable, sustainable infrastructure materials Waste encapsulation and conversion to value-added products Carbon mineralization and utilization Advanced characterization techniques (synchrotron/neutron scattering) Data-driven modeling and atomistic simulations Notable Awards: 2023 Le Chatelier Medal (Cement and Concrete Research) 2024 Giatec Award for Best Paper in Sustainability Walbridge Fund Graduate Award (2019) His work integrates computational methods (e.g., molecular dynamics) with experimental techniques to address decarbonization challenges in infrastructure. The Gong Research Group actively seeks motivated researchers for opportunities in sustainable materials innovation.
Dr. Yogambha Ramaswamy is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Sydney and a member of the Sydney Nano Institute. She holds a Master’s in Biotechnology from the University of Queensland and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Sydney (2009). Her postdoctoral career began as a Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales, followed by a Peter Doherty Early Career Fellowship in 2013 before joining the University of Sydney in 2015. Dr. Ramaswamy’s research focuses on biomaterials, tissue engineering, and mechanobiology, with a particular emphasis on developing calcium silicate-based ceramics and biopolymers for orthopedic and regenerative applications. Her recent work explores the role of physical cues in modulating stem and cancer cell behavior. She teaches courses such as AMME1961 (Introduction to Biomedical Engineering B) and AMME5962 (Introduction to Mechanobiology). Her research has been supported by grants including the NHMRC Early Career Fellowship and collaborations with institutions like the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and the University of Otago. Her publications span biomaterials, nanotechnology, and mechanobiology, with recent work addressing atherosclerosis, hydrogel design, and nanomedicine. She currently supervises PhD students Frank (biomaterials) and Alexander (atherosclerosis research).
Dmitri N. Basov is the Higgins Professor of Physics at Columbia University, with a joint appointment as Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on quantum materials, utilizing nano-optical techniques to investigate electronic phenomena and polaritonic systems. He leads the Basov Group at Columbia and has pioneered methods for imaging quantum materials at nanoscale resolutions. PhD in Physics, Lebedev Physics Institute (1991) Professor, Columbia University (2016–present) Professor, UC San Diego (2001–present) Postdoctoral Research, McMaster University (1992–1996) His work spans plasmonics , terahertz spectroscopy , and van der Waals heterostructures , with recent emphasis on polariton dynamics, superconductivity modulation, and moiré-driven electronic states. He employs cutting-edge tools like quantum scanning near-field optical microscopy (q-SNOM) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. Besides leading major grants such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Investigator award and Vannevar Bush Fellowship, Basov has received accolades like the National Academy of Sciences membership (2020), Ken Button Prize (2019), and Frank Isakson Prize (2012). His team explores novel quantum phases in 2D and topological materials.
Carlos Errando Herranz serves as an Assistant Professor in the Quantum and Computer Engineering Division at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) and as a Principal Investigator at QuTech. His research focuses on developing scalable quantum photonic integrated circuits using semiconductor fabrication processes compatible with existing infrastructure for quantum internet applications. He received Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Universitat Politècnica de València (2013) and a PhD in Micro and Nanosystems from KTH Royal Institute of Technology (2018), followed by postdoctoral positions at KTH and MIT as a Marie Curie fellow. His lab investigates quantum photonics, integrated photonics, and color centers with emphasis on diamond tin-vacancy systems and silicon-based quantum emitters. Recent publications demonstrate strong expertise in tuning quantum emitters via strain engineering, heterogeneous integration of spin-photon interfaces, and MEMS-enabled reconfigurable photonics. Key advancements include cavity-enhanced quantum memories, superconducting detector integration, and spectral control of solid-state emitters for quantum networks. Dr. Herranz advises seven graduate students including PhD candidates Vicky Dominguez Tubio, Arjan Mejas, Matteo Pirro, Christian Primavera, Jan Riegelmeyer, and Elena Volkova, along with Master student Bram Zijlstra. His team comprises postdocs Lin Jin and Pat Laferriere, and interns Elsa Herranz Valiente and Ernest Staffetti Cruañas. The Errando Herranz Lab operates within QuTech's Quantum Internet Division at Delft University, maintaining specialized facilities for nanofabrication and optical characterization of quantum photonic devices. Current research directions include developing CMOS-compatible quantum memories operating at telecom wavelengths and scalable architectures for quantum repeaters.
Nathan Schine is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, specializing in quantum physics and quantum information science. He leads the Schine lab, which explores controlled coherent dynamics and engineered dissipation in quantum systems, particularly using optical cavities coupled to tweezer-trapped cold atoms. His research bridges atomic physics, quantum optics, and condensed matter physics. Education: B.A. in Physics, Williams College (2013) Ph.D. in Physics, University of Chicago (2019) Research interests focus on quantum many-body systems, optical cavities, and applications such as quantum information processing and ultra-coherent atomic clocks. The lab’s work includes developing state-of-the-art strontium tweezer array apparatuses for precision metrology and quantum simulation. Recent publications highlight advancements in Dicke state preparation, optical pumping of quantum Hall states, and cavity-enhanced measurements. Advising and grants involve mentoring graduate students and postbaccalaureate researchers, including Shardul Rao and Siddharth Taneja. The lab collaborates with groups like AMPED, QuICS, and RQS at UMD. Members include postdoctoral researchers and graduate students working on theoretical quantum optics and experimental setups. Labs/Teams: The Schine lab integrates atomic, optical, and condensed matter physics approaches to address fundamental and applied questions in quantum science.
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.
Aram Harrow is a Professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , affiliated with the MIT Center for Theoretical Physics and MIT Center for Quantum Engineering . He focuses on quantum information science and quantum algorithms , with additional interests in representation theory and optimization . His recent work explores quantum computing applications in chemical physics and statistical mechanics . Undergraduate and graduate degrees in Physics at MIT Faculty positions: MIT (2013-present), University of Washington (2010-12), University of Bristol (2005-10) Research Interests: His work bridges quantum information theory and many-body physics , including: Quantum algorithm design for chemistry and optimization Quantum circuit complexity and t-designs Entanglement dynamics in quantum systems Quantum-classical hybrid computing models Key Publications: Recent articles demonstrate quantum speedups for biomolecular free energy calculations , Hamiltonian simulation , and jet clustering algorithms . His research combines quantum complexity theory with practical implementations on near-term quantum devices. Scientific Awards: 2023 Simons Investigator 2018 APS Bennett Award 2017 IEEE Best Paper Award 2016 Kavli Frontiers Fellow Mentorship: He advises current PhD students Shankar Balasubramanian , Angus Lowe , and Norah Tan , with 12 former advisees including Anand Natarajan and Saeed Mehraban . His 2026 recruitment seeks one new graduate student.
Alexei Kitaev is the Ronald and Maxine Linde Professor of Theoretical Physics and Mathematics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). His research focuses on quantum computation, topological quantum phases, anyons, topological insulators and superconductors, and the black hole information paradox. He has pioneered the concept of topological quantum computation, where quantum information is protected through topological properties of many-body systems. His recent publications explore quantum error correction, scrambling dynamics, and holographic principles in SYK-like models, reflecting his interdisciplinary impact on quantum physics, computer science, and condensed matter. His work on the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model has advanced understanding of quantum chaos and gravitational phenomena. Kitaev has received numerous accolades, including the MacArthur Award (2008), Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics (2012), Dirac Medal (2015), and Oliver Buckley Condensed Matter Prize (2017). He has taught advanced courses such as 'Quantum Computation' and 'Advanced Condensed-Matter Physics' at Caltech. Scientific Awards: MacArthur Award (2008) Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics (2012) Dirac Medal (2015) Oliver Buckley Condensed Matter Prize (2017)
Dr. Samir H. Mushrif is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta . Prior to this role, he served as faculty at the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore . He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from McGill University and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Delaware, USA . Education : PhD (Chemical Engineering, McGill University), Postdoc (University of Delaware) His research focuses on computational catalysis , molecular modeling , and reaction engineering for biomass conversion and CO2 reduction . He develops novel catalysts, solvents, and reactor systems using integrated quantum mechanical and classical molecular simulations , synergized with experimental data to enable sustainable energy and chemical production . Recent publications highlight trends in condensed phase chemistry for biomass reactions, machine learning applications in solvent configuration prediction, and mechanistic studies of lignin-carbohydrate complex deconstruction. His work bridges methane activation on metal oxides, hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oil compounds, and polymerization pathways in lignin structures. Scientific Awards include: NSERC Doctoral and Post-doctoral Fellowships Discovery International Award 2017 (Australian Research Council) NANYANG EDUCATION AWARD 2016 (Singapore) SCBE Teaching Excellence Awards (Silver 2015, Gold 2016) Bharat Gaurav (Pride of India) Award 2014 Dr. Mushrif's NSERC Discovery Grant (2018), CFI John R. Evans Leaders Fund Grant (2022), and AcRF Tier-2 Grant (Singapore, 2015) have advanced his work. Current PhD and Master's students include José Carlos Velasco Calderón , Arul Mozhi Devan Padmanathan , and Sagar Bathla , among others. The CARES Lab (Catalysis Research for Sustainability) under his leadership combines ab initio molecular dynamics , machine learning potentials , and Density Functional Theory to design materials for renewable energy . Collaborations span institutions in France , Canada , India , and the UK .
Professor Jorge Eduardo Pinto Santos holds the position of Professor of Theoretical Physics at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) at the University of Cambridge. His career includes roles as Reader (2018–2022), Lecturer (2013–2018), and a Junior Visiting Professorship at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton (2019–2020). He completed his Ph.D. at DAMTP between 2006 and 2010, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at Stanford University (2013–2014) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (2010–2013). His research focuses on general relativity, quantum gravity, and gravitational aspects of string theory. Key areas include numerical relativity and applications of general relativity to condensed matter physics via holography. Notable contributions involve studies on black hole binaries, extremal black holes, and the AdS/CFT correspondence. His recent work explores topics such as spinning black binaries in de Sitter space, gravitational instabilities in anti-de Sitter space, and entanglement islands in higher dimensions. He is affiliated with the High Energy Physics and Relativity and Gravitation research groups at DAMTP. His advising record includes seven doctoral students, with ongoing supervision of William Boyce (2024–present) and John Crump (2021–present). Publications highlight interdisciplinary advances, including investigations into black hole thermodynamics, cosmic censorship violations, and holographic models of condensed matter systems. His research bridges fundamental physics and numerical methods, addressing both theoretical and applied questions in gravitational physics.
David Allcock is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Oregon, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on ion trapping, quantum computing, and hybrid quantum systems, with an emphasis on manipulating atomic and molecular systems using electric and magnetic fields for quantum information applications. He leads the Ion Trapping Lab at UO, where he develops scalable quantum technologies and open-source control systems like ARTIQ and Sinara. His work bridges experimental physics with engineering, addressing challenges in qubit control, error mitigation, and large-scale quantum computer design. Education: MPhys from the University of Oxford (2007), D.Phil. in Physics from Oxford (2012). Prior to UO, he was a Lindemann Fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, CO. His research includes innovations in trapped-ion qubit control, including laser-free entangling gates, scalable architectures, and applications in quantum sensing and dark matter detection. Key research themes include metastable qubit systems, photon scattering error mitigation, and the integration of superconducting detectors for state readout. He collaborates on open-source hardware-software stacks for quantum experiments and mentors students in quantum engineering through programs like the Quantum Technology Master’s Internship. Current projects explore hybrid quantum-classical interfaces and ultra-stable ion trap fabrication. His lab’s contributions span theoretical and experimental domains, with recent advances in geometric phase gates, microwave-driven control, and error-resilient qubit operations. The group also engages in interdisciplinary work linking quantum computing with precision measurement, such as SPUD (SPectroscopy for Ultralight Dark matter) and bosonic sensing tools.
Prof. Dr. Frank Pollmann is a Full Professor (W3) at the Department of Physics PH-I, Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair of Theoretical Solid-State Physics since 2022. His research focuses on condensed matter theory and quantum information concepts , particularly in systems of correlated electrons and quantum many-body dynamics . PhD: Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems / TU Ilmenau (2006) Postdoc: UC Berkeley (2008-2010) Group Leader: MPIPKS Dresden (2011-2016) Associate Professor: TUM (2017-2022) His work spans topological phases , frustrated spin systems , and non-equilibrium quantum dynamics , utilizing tensor network methods and quantum information theory to study phenomena like many-body localization and Hilbert space fragmentation . His publications demonstrate trends in quantum scar states , Kardar-Parisi-Zhang hydrodynamics , and quantum transport anomalies . Scientific Awards : ERC Consolidator Grant (2017) Walter Schottky Prize (2015) Otto-Hahn Medal (2007) He teaches courses including Advanced Methods in Quantum Many-Body Theory , Solid State Theory , and Topology in Condensed Matter , while leading the Pollmann Group under the TUM School of Natural Sciences.
