Dr. Arvydas Ruseckas is a Research Fellow at the School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews. His research focuses on organic photovoltaics, semiconductor materials, and optoelectronic systems. Key areas include exciton dynamics in solar cells, perovskite photovoltaics, and X-ray detector technologies. He collaborates extensively on interdisciplinary projects, bridging material science with marine biology and quantum optics. Research interests span organic solar cells, energy harvesting, and semiconductor physics, with contributions to understanding charge transfer mechanisms and material optimization. He has published widely on topics such as exciton diffusion, light-harvesting in red algae, and polariton condensates in organic semiconductors. His work often involves experimental studies of thin films, photoluminescence, and device performance, with a focus on advancing sustainable energy technologies and novel optoelectronic applications.
Dr. Yi Shen is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, and Chair of RACI Women in Chemistry. She is also affiliated with multiple research institutes including Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, The Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation, and The University of Sydney Nano Institute. PhD in Soft Materials from ETH Zurich Postdoctoral research at University of Cambridge and Harvard University Her research focuses on protein phase behavior and functional biomaterials development, utilizing soft matter approaches and microfluidic techniques to address challenges in neurodegenerative diseases, sustainable materials, and biomedical engineering. She has published extensively in top journals like Nature Nanotechnology and PNAS, with a particular emphasis on: Protein liquid-liquid phase separation mechanisms Biomaterials from protein nanofibrils Microfluidic manipulation of biological systems Biodegradable bioplastics development Shear force effects on biomolecular systems Pathological protein aggregation dynamics Key scientific achievements include: 2022 ARC DECRA Fellowship 2022 Sydney Nano Frontier award 2018 ETH Zurich Spark Award (for Fe delivery system invention) 2012 Princeton Grand Challenges Program 2 patents pending 2 Nature Nanotechnology cover articles As an educator, she coordinates CHNG2802 Chemical Engineering Modelling and Analysis, co-teaches CHNG3804 Biochemical Engineering and CHNG5605 Bio-products: Laboratory to Marketplace, and guest lectures across biomedical and nanotechnology programs. Her lab actively collaborates with institutions in Switzerland (ETH Zurich), UK (Cambridge), and US (Harvard, Princeton), focusing on transforming biomolecular understanding into real-world applications in health, industry, and environmental sustainability.
Jiwoong Park is Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Chicago, and simultaneously Professor of Molecular Engineering in the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. His interdisciplinary research group, the Park Group, is jointly affiliated with the James Franck Institute and the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at UChicago, and operates from the Gordon Center for Integrative Science. Education & Training Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley (2003) B.S., Seoul National University (1996) Junior Fellow, Rowland Institute, Harvard University (2003–2006) Assistant → Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University (2006–2016) Research Interests Park’s research centers on the science and technology of precisely engineered nanomaterials, particularly atomically-thin two-dimensional (2D) crystals and van der Waals solids. Spanning chemistry, physics, materials science and electrical engineering, his group develops novel synthetic, imaging and characterization techniques to uncover new physical phenomena and translate them into scalable device technologies. Key thrusts include growth of wafer-scale molecular crystals, optical and transport spectroscopy of 2D semiconductors, mechanical behavior of polycrystalline nanomembranes, and integration of these materials into photonic, electronic and energy-harvesting devices. Scientific Awards Elected Fellow of the American Physical Society (2022) – “for the development of synthetic, imaging, and characterization techniques of atomically thin materials and the discovery of novel properties of van der Waals solids.” Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2023) – recognition for multiple papers ranking in the global top 1% by citations in Materials Science and Chemistry. Group & Collaborations The Park Group is an interdisciplinary team of postdocs, graduate researchers and undergraduates housed in the Gordon Center for Integrative Science. The group actively collaborates with colleagues across the Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics, and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, leveraging shared facilities at the James Franck Institute and MRSEC to push the frontiers of 2D material science.
Gunnar Kusch is a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. His research focuses on defects in semiconductors, porous AlGaN materials, and advanced characterization techniques like cathodoluminescence (CL) and atom probe tomography (APT). He holds a PhD from the University of Strathclyde and leads projects on UV-B LED optimization, nanoscale defect behavior analysis, and semiconductor device design. His work bridges materials synthesis, characterization, and device performance, with applications in energy-efficient lighting and solar cell technology. Key research areas include: Defect engineering in III-nitride semiconductors Porous AlGaN templates for high-efficiency UV emitters Correlative microscopy techniques (CL, EBSD, APT) Composition-structure-property relationships in photovoltaic materials Notable contributions include developing CL-based methods for nanoscale defect analysis and demonstrating improved Cu(In,Ga)S₂ solar cell efficiencies through compositional engineering. His laboratory focuses on translating microscopic insights into macroscopic device improvements.
Erkki Ikonen is a Professor of Measurement Science and Technology at Aalto University since 1995, with a joint appointment at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd since 2005. His roles include membership in the Board of Directors of EURAMET, Chairmanship of the EMPIR Committee (2016–2021), and Vice President Technical of the CIE (2015–2019). He holds M.Sc. and Dr.Sc.Tech. degrees from Helsinki University of Technology (now part of Aalto University). His research focuses on optical measurements, particularly in metrology of complex micro/nanostructures, aerosol analysis, and photovoltaic characterization. He has supervised 35 doctoral students and authored over 190 peer-reviewed publications. Key contributions include advanced reflectometry techniques, field-deployable sensors, and international metrology standards. Education: M.Sc. (Tech.), Helsinki University of Technology, 1982 Dr.Sc.Tech., Helsinki University of Technology, 1988 Awards: Working Community Award 2008 (Helsinki University of Technology) Grants/Advising: 35 supervised doctoral theses; active in international metrology programs like EMPIR. Labs/Teams: Metrology Research Institute at Aalto University.
Asbjørn Moltke is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), working within the Fiber Sensors & Supercontinuum research group. His research is centered on advanced photonic technologies, including supercontinuum generation, ultrafast lasers, and nonlinear optical phenomena, with applications in renewable energy and biosensing. His research interests span nonlinear optics , fiber photonics , UV light generation , and laser-based material processing . He applies these technologies to areas such as solar cell fabrication , optical sensing , and metasurface engineering . His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and responsible innovation. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in developing high-power, low-noise UV and visible supercontinuum sources through pump modulation techniques, as well as their application in solar cell processing and biomolecular detection . These works reflect a multidisciplinary approach combining theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation in advanced photonic systems. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text. Asbjørn Moltke has been involved in significant research projects and has served as a supervisor in a PhD project focused on UV supercontinuum sources and metasurfaces. He has presented his work at international conferences, demonstrating active engagement in the scientific community. While no specific grants are listed, his participation in funded PhD projects indicates involvement in competitively supported research. He is affiliated with the Fiber Sensors & Supercontinuum group at DTU, a leading team in nonlinear fiber optics and advanced light source development. This team focuses on pushing the boundaries of supercontinuum technology for industrial and biomedical applications.
Kumar Varoon Agrawal is an Associate Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), holding the Gaznat Chair for Advanced Separations. He is affiliated with the School of Basic Sciences (SB), the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), and the Laboratory of Advanced Separations (LAS) in Sion, Switzerland. Additionally, he contributes to the Swiss Doctoral School in Chemical and Bioengineering (SCGC) and serves as Vice President of the Confédération des Chimistes et des Génie Chimique (CCE). Research Focus: Material Chemistry & Engineering at the Ångström scale for high-performance inorganic and hybrid membranes, emphasizing energy-efficient molecular separations. Teaching: Courses include Fundamentals of separation processes , Diffusion and mass transfer , and Chemical engineering product design . Scientific Contributions: His 15 most recent publications (2025-2020) span topics like graphene pore engineering , 2D material synthesis , carbon capture , and gas separation membranes , with keywords such as Nanotechnology , Materials Science , and Molecular Transport . Subfields include Atomic-Scale Pores , Membrane Stability , and Industrial Scalability . Students and Collaborations: He advises 10 current PhD students and has mentored 9 past PhD candidates in areas like graphene membranes , ion separation , and MOF films . He is an Academic Referent for the EPFL Carbon Team and a committee member for the EDCH Doctoral Program in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Jun Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo. His research focuses on advanced energy materials, nano/micro-mechanics, and self-powered systems, with applications in triboelectric energy harvesting and scanning probe microscopy. Education: PhD, Materials Engineering, University of Alberta (2018) MS, Materials Science, Shanghai University (2015) BE, Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang University (2012) Research Interests: Development of tribovoltaic and triboelectric systems for self-powered electronics Mechanical energy harvesting via dynamic heterojunctions and Schottky contacts 3D-printed hydrogel structures for energy absorption and flexible electronics Nanoscale characterization using atomic force microscopy Design of nanocomposite sensors and catalytic materials Publication Trends: His work emphasizes triboelectricity, nanoscale energy conversion, and sustainable materials. Recent articles explore bionic tactile sensing, tunable hydrogels, and quantum dynamics in sliding interfaces. Awards: SONY Faculty Innovation Award (2021) Nature Springer MINE Young Scientist Award (2020) International Contest of Applications in Nano/Micro Technology Prize (2013) Laboratory: Advanced Energy Materials and Nanomechanics Lab at University at Buffalo.
CHUA Lay-Lay is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the National University of Singapore (NUS). She holds a joint professorship with the University of Cambridge and leads research in organic semiconductor materials. Her work focuses on polymer-based electronic materials and hybrid systems with graphene/SWCNTs for applications in LEDs, solar cells, and sensors. She has pioneered breakthroughs in multivalent anion-based electron donor materials and solution-processable organic electronics. Education: Ph.D., University of Cambridge (2007); B.Sc. Computational Chemistry, NUS (1995). Prior roles include Research Fellowships at NUS and Cavendish Lab, and industry experience at Bell Labs and Chartered Semiconductor. Research highlights include the 2019 Nature paper demonstrating multivalent anion electron donors, enabling air-stable low-work-function materials. Her group explores energy-level engineering and morphology-property relationships in organic electronics. Editorial roles: Associate editor of Journal of Materials Chemistry C . Awards include the NUS-Cambridge Dual Professorship (2008). Teaching: CM4254 Chemistry of Semiconductors (AY2022/2023). Laboratory affiliations: Organic Nano Device Laboratory (ONDL) focusing on plastic electronics innovation.
Susanna Thon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), affiliated with the Whiting School of Engineering. She serves as Associate Director of the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI) and a member of the Data Science and AI Institute. Her research focuses on nanomaterials engineering for optoelectronic devices, emphasizing solar energy conversion and sensing. Notable areas include plasmonic-photocatalytic systems using aluminum nanoparticles and nanostructured materials like colloidal quantum dots for next-generation devices. Thon holds a BSc from MIT (2005) and MSc/PhD in Physics from UC Santa Barbara (2008/2010). She joined JHU in 2013 after postdoctoral work at the University of Toronto. Her work is funded by agencies such as the NSF, U.S. Army, and Maryland Energy Innovation Institute. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers and received JHU’s Catalyst and Discovery awards. Key research projects include developing plasmonic systems to enhance light absorption in titanium dioxide and creating scalable fabrication techniques for optoelectronic materials. Thon’s team also advances quantum dot solar cells and novel characterization methods for energy materials. She actively participates in professional societies, including the Optical Society of America and IEEE. Her grants and collaborations aim to train the next generation in sustainable energy research, with recent initiatives funded through NSF and Space@Hopkins seed grants. Thon’s lab integrates nanophotonics, materials science, and machine learning to address global energy challenges.
Yueh-Lin (Lynn) Loo is the Theodora D. '78 and William H. Walton III '74 Professor in Engineering and Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Princeton University. She holds affiliated roles in the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Department of Chemistry, Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton Environmental Institute, and Princeton Materials Institute. Her research focuses on organic and polymer electronics, with emphasis on solution-processable materials, soft lithography, and interfacial engineering in solar cells. She has pioneered innovations in organic electronics fabrication and scalable energy technologies. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University (2001); BSE in Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania (1996). Research Interests: - Solution-processable organic conductors for thin-film electronics - Soft lithography techniques for patterning plastic electronics - Self-assembled monolayers for optimizing organic solar cell interfaces - Development of cost-effective, large-area electronic device fabrication methods Her articles span organic semiconductor material design, device fabrication techniques, and energy applications. Awards include Fellowships from the National Academy of Engineering, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and multiple industry recognitions for innovation in materials science and clean energy. Advises graduate students in chemical engineering and materials science. Leads the Organic and Polymer Electronics Laboratory, advancing research in decarbonization technologies and maritime energy solutions. Current projects include smart solar spectrum management systems and recyclable plastic electronics.
Ahmed Hammad is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of Academic Integrity, ENG WIL, Co-op and Career Connections. With 25 years of industry experience as a Project Planning & Control Manager on global mega-projects (including Oil Sands, LNG, and Infrastructure across Canada, UAE, Australia, and Egypt), he brings extensive practical expertise to academia. Education: Doctorate of Philosophy, Construction Engineering & Management, University of Alberta (2009) Master of Science, Construction Engineering & Management, University of Alberta (1999) Master of Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Cairo University (1996) Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Mansoura University (1989) Research Focus: Dr. Hammad's work centers on applying smart tools to achieve sustainable construction through maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste . His research employs Machine Learning , Multi-Criteria Decision Making , Knowledge-Based Decision Support Systems , and digital twin technologies to optimize project planning, resource allocation, and sustainable material selection. He investigates the integration of BIM and Augmented Reality to enhance construction processes while reducing environmental impact. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2023-2025) emphasize sustainable construction methodologies, with 60% focusing on GHG reduction, resource optimization, and decision support systems. Key themes include machine learning for labor estimation, TOPSIS/MCDM for sustainable material selection, and digital twins for production planning, reflecting his NSERC-funded projects on KBDSS and construction-oriented digital twins. Scientific Recognition: Best Paper Award at 8th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (2018) Best Paper Award at HBRC Green Smart Sustainable Buildings Conference (2024) Research Leadership: Dr. Hammad secures major industry-academic partnerships, including NSERC Mission Alliance Grants ($1.2M+) with 16 industry partners for GHG reduction projects and NSERC Alliance Grants with 9 partners for digital twin development. His completed projects include collaborations with the City of Edmonton and Alberta Ministry of Infrastructure on resource allocation models. Research Ecosystem: As leader of the Sustainable Construction Research Group (SCRG), he fosters industry-academia collaboration through regular workshops with construction firms and government agencies, focusing on translating research into practical tools for sustainable project delivery.
Dr. Benjamin Scott Flavel is a Research Group Leader at the Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany. His research focuses on carbon nanotubes and their applications in photovoltaics and sensing technologies. He leads a dynamic research team conducting cutting-edge work on the separation, purification, and application of single- and double-walled carbon nanotubes. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Chemistry), Flinders University, Australia, 2010 Bachelor of Science in Nanotechnology (Honors), Flinders University, Australia, 2005 Habilitation in Materials Science, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 2018 His research interests lie at the intersection of nanotechnology and energy materials, particularly in carbon nanotube-based solar cells , chirality-specific separation techniques , and nano-sensing devices . His group has pioneered methods such as ATPE for enantiomer sorting and developed innovative solar cell architectures with industrial relevance. The research spans fundamental charge transport mechanisms to applied device engineering. The publication record shows a strong trend in advancing carbon nanotube photovoltaics, with key contributions in interface engineering, scalable fabrication, and high-efficiency CNT:Si solar cells. Work also extends to spectroscopic characterization, alignment techniques, and software tools for data analysis. Scientific Awards: Heisenberg Program, DFG (2018) Emmy Noether Program, DFG (2013) Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship (2011) Australian Government Endeavor Research Fellowship (2009) Bloom-Gutmann Prize, Royal Australian Chemical Institute (2008) Hope Meeting, Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (2008) Research Fellowship, Flinders University (2007) Dr. Flavel has successfully advised multiple PhD students, including Dr. Moritz Pfohl, Dr. Katherine Moore, and Dr. Daniel Tune. His research has been supported by significant grants from the German Research Foundation (DFG), including funding for a double-walled carbon nanotube project and an organic evaporation system (~320,000 EUR). Collaborations span institutions such as NIST, Freie Universität Berlin, University of Antwerp, McMaster University, and University of Sydney. The research group operates within the Institute of Nanotechnology at KIT, utilizing advanced infrastructure for nanomaterials synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication. The team is recognized internationally, with work featured in Open Access Government , Research Features , and Europhotonics , and covered by Nanotechweb.
Professor Kevin Sivula is a Full Professor of Chemical Engineering at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he leads the Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Optoelectronic Nanomaterials (LIMNO) and serves as Director of the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC). He teaches courses on Transport Phenomena, Chemical Engineering Practicals, Product design, and solar energy conversion systems. His research focuses on photoelectrochemical solar energy conversion, particularly developing novel nanomaterials for renewable energy applications. Professor Sivula's work bridges chemical engineering, materials science, and renewable energy technologies with emphasis on solar water splitting and hydrogen production. His research group explores organic semiconductors, transition metal dichalcogenides, perovskite materials, and metal oxide photoelectrodes for solar fuel generation. Professor Sivula's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate his leadership in advancing perovskite solar cell technology, developing novel photoelectrochemical systems for hydrogen production, and engineering semiconductor interfaces for improved energy conversion efficiency. His work spans fundamental materials characterization to device engineering, with particular emphasis on stability and scalability of solar fuel production systems. As an academic leader, Professor Sivula has supervised numerous PhD students whose research spans organic semiconductor nanoparticles for solar hydrogen production, perovskite materials engineering, photoelectrochemical CO 2 reduction, and nanomaterials for energy conversion. His research has been supported by various grants focused on advancing sustainable energy technologies.
Nuri Yazdani is a Lecturer at the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering at ETH Zürich, Switzerland. Based at the Institute for Electronics (Institut für Elektronik) in Zurich, Dr. Yazdani contributes to both teaching and research in advanced materials and nanotechnology. His work spans multiple interdisciplinary areas connecting physics, chemistry, and electrical engineering, with particular emphasis on nanocrystal-based materials and their applications in electronics and optoelectronics. Dr. Yazdani's research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials, particularly semiconductor nanocrystals and quantum dots. His work explores the fundamental physical properties of these materials, including exciton-phonon interactions, structural ordering in multicomponent systems, and charge transport mechanisms in nanocrystal assemblies. He investigates how nanoscale phenomena affect macroscopic material properties, with applications ranging from catalysis to optoelectronic devices. His approach combines experimental techniques like small-angle X-ray scattering with theoretical modeling to understand structure-property relationships in nanomaterials. Analysis of Dr. Yazdani's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on perovskite and chalcogenide nanocrystals, with particular interest in how structural features like cation distribution, octahedral tilting, and surface chemistry affect optical and electronic properties. His work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications, spanning from quantum optics to energy conversion technologies. A recurring theme is the investigation of size-dependent phenomena and the role of phonons in determining material behavior at the nanoscale. Dr. Yazdani collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple institutions and disciplines, as evidenced by his authorship on numerous multi-investigator publications. His work appears in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Nature Physics, reflecting the significance and interdisciplinary nature of his contributions to nanoscience and nanotechnology.
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