Dr. Anyao Liu is a Senior Research Fellow/Lecturer at the School of Engineering, Australian National University (ANU). Her research focuses on improving solar photovoltaic (PV) device efficiency through materials science and semiconductor physics. She completed her PhD in 2015 at ANU and held an ACAP Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018–2022). Notable awards include the Ulrich Goesele Young Scientist Award (2022). Her work emphasizes impurity and defect engineering in silicon solar cells, with collaborations at Leibniz University Hannover and Fraunhofer Institute in Germany. She teaches ENGN3516/6516 Energy Resources and Technologies and supervises PhD students. Current projects include ARENA-industry co-funded initiatives. Education: PhD in Silicon Photovoltaics (ANU, 2015), Bachelor of Engineering (ANU, 2010) Research Themes: Solar PV materials, gettering mechanisms, silicon defects, industrial applications Awards: Ulrich Goesele Young Scientist Award, ACAP Fellowship Dr. Liu’s research is published in high-impact journals like Progress in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells . Her team’s work frequently appears in journal covers and industry magazines. She seeks students for PhD/MPhil projects with available scholarships.
Iain McCulloch is a Professor of Polymer Materials in the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London (Faculty of Natural Sciences), since October 2007. His research focuses on developing high-performance organic semiconductor materials for organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, collaborating with the Physics and Chemistry Departments. He is co-inventor on over 50 patent families and has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles. Research Interests: Organic electronics materials (OFETs, OPVs) Solution-processable semiconductors Mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs) Perovskite/silicon tandem photovoltaics CO₂ photocatalytic reduction Terahertz modulators Publications: Recent work emphasizes interface engineering for tandem photovoltaics (2025), noncompensating ions in OMIECs (2025), and CO₂ reduction via cobalt-embedded frameworks (2025). These reflect trends in sustainable energy materials, electrochemical device optimization, and advanced optoelectronics. Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). Lab/Teams: Leads the McCulloch Group, which develops materials for organic electronics applications including photovoltaics, transistors, and bioelectronic interfaces. The group emphasizes interdisciplinary collaborations and industry-relevant scalability.
Adrienne Stiff-Roberts is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Associate Dean for Community-Based Innovation at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering. She also holds a professorship in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. Dr. Stiff-Roberts earned her B.S. in Physics from Spelman College and B.E.E. from Georgia Tech, followed by an M.S.E. from the University of Michigan (2001) and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics (2004). Her research focuses on novel thin-film deposition techniques like RIR-MAPLE, enabling hybrid organic-inorganic materials for optoelectronics and energy applications. Her work spans hybrid perovskites, nanocomposites, and catalytic frameworks. Awards include the Presidential Early Career Award (2008) and the IEEE Early Career Nanotechnology Award (2009). She mentors students in interdisciplinary projects and teaches courses such as Quantum Mechanics and Materials Science. Current advisees include Tomas Barraza, Spencer Ferguson, and Niara Wright. Her lab develops scalable deposition methods with industry and academic partnerships, contributing to next-generation energy and sensor technologies.
Mariam Ahmad is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Mads Clausen Institute (MCI) of the University of Southern Denmark, with additional appointments as a Scientific Assistant at the SDU SCC Elite Center SOLAN and within the SDU Climate Cluster. Her research focuses on advancing organic photovoltaic technology through materials engineering and device optimization. Her research interests span multiple dimensions of renewable energy materials science, with particular expertise in organic solar cells (100% focus), electron transfer mechanisms (48%), photovoltaics (42%), metal oxide materials (36%), thin film technology (32%), and device performance optimization (17%). Her work bridges fundamental materials science with practical energy applications. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on improving the stability and efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices. Her research trajectory shows increasing sophistication in addressing critical challenges such as surface defect states in electron transport layers, layer-by-layer structural engineering, and the impact of material purity on device performance. The publications demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across materials science, electrical engineering, and nanotechnology domains. Mariam actively collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions as evidenced by her co-authorship on publications with international teams. Her work on ambient energy harvesting for IoT applications demonstrates the broader applicability of her photovoltaic research beyond traditional solar energy applications. Based at the Mads Clausen Institute, she works within specialized research environments focused on sustainable energy solutions, contributing to the University of Southern Denmark's strong presence in renewable energy research through the SDU Climate Cluster and Elite Center SOLAN initiatives.
Francesco Giacalone is a Full Professor at the Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (STEBICEF) at the University of Palermo. He specializes in the development of hybrid catalytic materials for CO2 conversion, functionalization of carbon nanostructures, and sustainable organic synthesis. His research integrates ionic liquids, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), and nanocarbon supports for cross-coupling reactions. Recent publications highlight his work on: Deep eutectic solvents for carbon nanoform functionalization Catalytic systems for CO2 conversion into cyclic carbonates Palladium nanoparticle immobilization on modified nanocarbons Applications of supported ionic liquids in organic reactions He has extensively explored the synergistic effects of heterogenized catalysts in reactions like Suzuki-Miyaura, Heck, and alcohol oxidation, with a focus on recyclability and green chemistry principles.
Professor Alison Walker is a leading researcher in the Department of Physics at the University of Bath, specializing in computational modeling of next-generation photovoltaic materials. She holds leadership roles in multiple international research initiatives including coordination of the EU H2020 MAESTRO project (2017-2025) and serving as Bath team leader for the Energy Oriented Centre of Excellence (EoCoE). Her work spans the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies, and the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change. Her research focuses on multiscale modeling of organic and perovskite electronic devices, with particular emphasis on ion transport mechanisms, degradation pathways, and hysteresis phenomena in perovskite solar cells. Recent work integrates Bayesian statistics with drift-diffusion modeling to characterize mobile ion vacancies and develop digital twin approaches for degradation prediction. Her fingerprint analysis reveals dominant contributions to perovskite solar cell research (100%), electron transfer (63%), and halide material science (47%). Analysis of her 15 most recent publications shows an evolving research trajectory from fundamental charge transport modeling (2016-2018) toward sophisticated diagnostic tools incorporating machine learning and digital twin technologies (2023-2025). Key thematic areas include ion migration quantification, defect characterization, and the development of computational frameworks that bridge molecular-scale phenomena with device-level performance. Professor Walker serves as Academic Director for the EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training in New and Sustainable PV (CDT-PV), a seven-university consortium led by the University of Liverpool. She has supervised 21 research projects and contributes to major collaborative networks including Supersolar Network Plus and EoCoE II. Her leadership extends to national assessment as a member of the REF2021 subpanel 9 in Physics. Her research directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goals through development of sustainable photovoltaic technologies, with applications spanning energy access, climate action, and responsible consumption. Current projects focus on making perovskite technologies truly exploitable for commercial applications while addressing fundamental stability challenges.
Nicholas Long holds the Sir Edward Frankland BP Endowed Chair in Inorganic Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London. He concurrently serves as Deputy Director of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Medical Imaging (King's/Imperial collaboration) and Deputy Head of the Chemistry Department, leading research and academic operations at Imperial's White City Campus. His research program centers on applied synthetic inorganic and organometallic chemistry, with core expertise in transition metal and lanthanide systems for functional molecule synthesis, homogeneous catalysis, and biomedical imaging probe development. Recent breakthroughs include designing organometallic interfaces for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells, creating the first fluorescent hemo-oxygenase activity reporter, and discovering novel organometallic allotropes like 'sexiferrocene', demonstrating exceptional interdisciplinary integration. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward convergence of chemistry, materials science, and medical diagnostics, with significant impact in renewable energy materials (solar cells), chemical biology (enzyme activity probes), and fundamental organometallic innovation. This work consistently bridges synthetic chemistry with real-world applications in healthcare and sustainable technology. His scientific recognition includes: Royal Society of Chemistry 2023 Interdisciplinary Prize for 'innovative synthetic chemistry applied to functional materials and biomedical imaging' 2020 RSC Frankland Prize 2006 RSC Prize in Organometallic Chemistry Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship (2009/10) Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2011) Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit grant (2018) Fellowship of the European Academy of Sciences Professor Long actively mentors postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers through the Long Group, welcoming new talent to advance his research vision. His grant portfolio includes prestigious awards like the Royal Society Wolfson grant, supporting high-impact projects in molecular imaging and energy materials with translational potential. The Long Group operates from the Molecular Sciences Research Hub at Imperial's White City Campus, functioning as a dynamic interdisciplinary team that integrates synthetic chemistry, materials characterization, and biomedical applications to solve complex scientific challenges in energy and healthcare.
Hyungsoo Choi is a Research Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with The Grainger College of Engineering. His research spans nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, and advanced materials science, with particular focus on targeted therapeutic delivery using nano- and micro-scale carriers. Choi holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Brown University (1983) and has established himself as a leading researcher in nanotechnology applications for medical treatments. Dr. Choi's research interests encompass targeted delivery and controlled release of therapeutics mediated by nano- and micro-spheres, contrast agents for medical imaging, cell therapy via microencapsulation, nanostructured materials synthesis, sensors and plasmonic metamaterials, metal oxide topological insulators, and hybrid perovskite solar cells. His work bridges photonic technologies with translational biotechnologies, creating innovative solutions for medical challenges. Recent publications demonstrate his continued leadership in developing novel nanoscale delivery systems for applications ranging from diabetes treatment to cancer imaging and stroke therapy. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on nanoscale drug delivery systems, particularly using gelatin and other biocompatible materials. His work spans multiple disciplines including nanomedicine, materials science, and biomedical engineering, with significant contributions to cancer imaging, diabetes treatment, stroke therapy, and agricultural biotechnology. The research demonstrates sophisticated understanding of both material properties and biological applications. UI College of Medicine, Student Award, Britta & Charles Wolfe Awards for Diabetes Research, 2019 National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), Winner of EnvisioNano Contest, 2015 Arnold O. Beckman Research Award, 2012 Arnold O. Beckman Research Award, 2006 Dr. Choi has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom appear as co-authors on his publications. His research has been supported by significant grants enabling the development of innovative drug delivery platforms. Current projects focus on microcapsules for pancreatic cell transplants to treat type I diabetes, nanoscale drug delivery to the brain, and advanced materials for solar energy applications. His laboratory at the Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory continues to push the boundaries of nanomedicine and advanced materials science.
Dr David Pham is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Southern Queensland with affiliations to the Centre for Future Materials . He holds a PhD in Materials Chemistry from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and has held postdoctoral positions at QUT and Pukyong National University. BEng (HoChiMinh University of Technology, 2009) MEng (Pukyong National University, 2013) PhD (Queensland University of Technology, 2020) His research focuses on electrochemical energy storage , green chemistry , and chemical recycling , with expertise in synthesizing materials for sustainable technologies. Recent work includes upcycling waste materials , deep eutectic solvents , and potassium ion capacitors . Publications span topics like Li-ion battery recycling , supercapacitor design , and hydrothermal processes for waste valorization. Scientific awards include Best Oral Presentation (2021), Executive Dean’s Commendation for Outstanding Thesis (2020), and recognition for top-cited work (2024). He has contributed to Elsevier's Supercapacitors: Materials, Design, and Commercialization as an editor.
Rachael Arnold is a Researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), specializing in materials science for photovoltaic applications. Her work focuses on degradation mechanisms in solar modules and advanced materials for renewable energy systems. Key research areas include Photovoltaic module durability Polymer material stability Corrosion and environmental aging Perovskite solar cell degradation Recent publications analyze fluoropolymer alternatives, antireflective coating failures, and passivation layer breakdowns under extreme conditions. Collaborations span industry and academic partners, with technical expertise in accelerated stress testing and materials diagnostics.
Søren Peder Madsen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Mechanics and Materials section, at Aarhus University. His research focuses on numerical optimization, micromagnetics, and computational methods for electromagnetism and photonics. Recent work explores photon upconversion for solar energy applications using gold nanostructures and core/shell nanocrystals , alongside hexaferrite magnetism and resonant optical gratings . These studies often employ finite element methods and topology optimization. Selected Keywords: Materials Science, Photonics, Optimization, Magnetism, Plasmonics, Quantum Dots Contact: sma@mpe.au.dk | +45 41 89 31 78
Professor Chike Oduoza is a leading academic in Process and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton, Faculty of Science and Engineering, where he holds the position of Professor and serves as the academic lead for Chemical Engineering. He has a long-standing career in academia, with prior appointments at the University of Exeter and research fellowships at Teesside and Newcastle Universities. His work is deeply rooted in both chemical and manufacturing engineering, with a focus on sustainability, risk management, and industrial innovation. His educational background includes a PhD in Instrumentation and Control from UMIST, an MBA from the University of Exeter, and several professional certifications, including Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Professor Oduoza's research spans a wide array of topics including electroplating and corrosion protection, reactor design, life cycle engineering, oil and gas processing, and lean manufacturing. His work often integrates sustainability and risk mitigation, especially in SMEs and developing countries. He has led major EU and EPSRC-funded projects, including the €1M RiMaCon project on risk management software for construction SMEs, which won a regional innovation award. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend toward sustainable engineering solutions, digital transformation in oil and gas, advanced materials, and risk-informed decision-making. His work bridges industrial application with academic rigor, often involving collaboration with industry and international partners. Scientific Awards and Honors: Winner, West Midlands Construction Excellence Awards (2017, Innovation Category) Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (FIChemE) Chartered Engineer (CEng) Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) He has supervised over 30 PhD students and has been an external examiner for multiple UK universities. His professional service includes editorial roles in journals such as Robotics and Computer Integrated Manufacturing and International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology , as well as leadership in professional societies like the Society of Chemical Industry and the Engineering Professors Council. He has also contributed to national ethics curricula through the Royal Academy of Engineering. Professor Oduoza leads the FLAREMANAGER consortium focused on gas flare management in the oil and gas sector and is coordinating a Horizon 2020 consortium (PROCEDURE) aimed at training early-stage researchers in future chemical process design. His labs and teams operate at the intersection of industry collaboration, academic research, and policy-relevant innovation.
Dr. Ben Breitung is a Group Leader at the Institute of Nanotechnology at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany. He leads the research group focused on "Nanomaterials for Electronic and Energy Applications" within the Electronic Devices and Systems research unit. His research spans several critical areas in advanced materials science: High-entropy materials for energy storage applications Printed electronics and transistor technologies Nanomaterials for photovoltaic and battery applications Metal-organic frameworks for sensing and memory devices Dr. Breitung's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on high-entropy materials, particularly for battery technologies. His recent work (2023-2025) shows a clear trend toward applying the high-entropy concept to various energy storage systems, including lithium-ion, sodium-ion batteries, and memristive devices. He has also made significant contributions to printed electronics, developing novel fabrication techniques for transistors and memory devices using inkjet printing and other solution-based methods. His scientific contributions include: Pioneering work on high-entropy oxides for battery anodes and cathodes Development of printed electronic devices using novel materials Creation of specialized databases like opXRD for materials characterization Dr. Breitung collaborates extensively with researchers across KIT and internationally, as evidenced by his numerous co-authored publications. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy storage and electronics.
Edward G. Gillan is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on thermochemically driven syntheses of inorganic materials for energy and catalytic applications. Postdoctoral Research: Harvard University, Rice University PhD: University of California, Los Angeles (Inorganic Materials Chemistry) BS: University of California, Berkeley Gillan's research program addresses: Development of novel synthetic methodologies for inorganic materials with kinetically stabilized structures and tunable properties Design of energetic decomposition reactions to produce materials with metastable chemical compositions and nanostructures Applications in structural materials, magnetic systems, and electrocatalysts for energy conversion (UV/visible light photocatalysis, fuel cell electrochemistry, H 2 storage, water splitting) Recent publications highlight work on: Transition metal borides/phosphides for water splitting electrocatalysis Carbon nitride photocatalysts with nanoscale features Mechanochemical synthesis of zeolites Doping strategies for titanias and oxide materials Botanical templating for macrostructured ZnO Scientific Awards: Research Laboratory Excellence in Safety Award (2025, UI Laboratory Safety Committee) Gillan's group has received NSF-REU program recognition, with alumni advancing to prestigious postdoctoral positions and graduate programs. His work bridges fundamental inorganic chemistry with applied energy and environmental technologies.
Stéphane Cordier is a CNRS Research Director and Head of the Solid State Chemistry and Materials (CSM) team at the Institute of Chemical Sciences of Rennes (ISCR), University of Rennes, France. He leads an active research group focused on the chemistry and applications of metal atom clusters, with strong national and international collaborations, including the France-Russia International Research Project CLUSPOM. Research Interests: His work bridges fundamental solid-state and inorganic chemistry with applied materials science, particularly in metal atom clusters , crystal chemistry , and functional hybrid nanomaterials . His research spans the design of luminescent materials , bio-labeling agents , photocatalysts , and electrochromic devices , leveraging cluster compounds as molecular building blocks for advanced functionalities. The trends in his recent publications (2015–2020) highlight a consistent focus on molybdenum and tantalum-based clusters for optoelectronic and biomedical applications. Key themes include near-infrared luminescence , nanoparticle theranostics , proton-conducting materials , and energy conversion systems , demonstrating interdisciplinary innovation from synthesis to device integration. Scientific Awards: French Chemical Society: Solid State Division Award (2015) Doctor Honoris Causa, Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Novosibirsk, Russia (2017) Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, as a Research Director and team leader, he supervises PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. He directs the CLUSPOM international project, indicating significant grant leadership and collaborative funding. His position at CNRS reflects sustained research support through national and international funding mechanisms. Laboratories and Teams: He leads the Solid State Chemistry and Materials (CSM) team within ISCR, a major research unit at the University of Rennes. His lab specializes in high-temperature solid-state synthesis, cluster characterization, and the development of functional materials for lighting, bioimaging, and energy applications.
