Valeria Militello is a Full Professor at the Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Palermo, School of Basic and Applied Sciences. Her research focuses on biophysics, protein aggregation, and biomedical applications of nanomaterials. Key research areas: Protein aggregation mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases Metal ion effects on protein stability Nanocarrier systems for drug delivery Spectroscopic characterization of biomolecules Development of biocompatible hydrogels Publications show a consistent focus on amyloid fibrils, thermal protein stability, and magnetic/optical nanomaterials from 2016-2025. She supervises thesis projects in biotechnology and collaborates internationally through Erasmus agreements with Spanish institutions.
Dr Hamish Hei-Man Yeung serves as Associate Professor in Materials Chemistry at the University of Birmingham's School of Chemistry, where he leads research on advanced functional materials. His work bridges synthetic chemistry, crystallography, and materials physics to develop novel substances for energy storage, electronics, and sensing applications. His academic background includes: PhD in Materials Science, University of Cambridge (2012) BA/MSci in Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge (2008) Dr Yeung's research program centers on materials formation mechanisms and structure-property relationships , with particular expertise in crystallographic characterization. Key focus areas include: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for energy storage and chemical sensing Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites exhibiting ferroelectricity Molecular conductors under high-pressure conditions In situ experimental techniques for real-time materials observation His recent publications (2019-2024) reveal a strong emphasis on dynamic materials behavior and structural control , particularly through advanced crystallographic methods. Research trends show increasing focus on time-resolved studies of MOF formation and symmetry-breaking phenomena in perovskites, with significant contributions to understanding nucleation pathways and field-responsive properties. Dr Yeung holds professional memberships including: Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) Member of the Institute of Physics (MInstP) He actively serves on the Diamond Light Source Peer Review Panel (chair since 2021) and the British Crystallographic Association. Current research projects funded by EPSRC, Royal Society, and Royal Society of Chemistry include: Formation of metal-organic frameworks (EPSRC, UoB) Pre-nucleation behaviour of MOFs (Royal Society) Discovery of hybrid perovskite ferroelectrics (RSC) Electric field-induced distortions in perovskites (Diamond Light Source) The Yeung Research Group operates state-of-the-art laboratories at Birmingham and maintains extensive collaborations with Diamond Light Source and international partners. The team employs diverse synthetic approaches alongside single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction techniques, with growing emphasis on in situ characterization to capture transient materials states during formation processes.
Xiaodan Li is a Senior Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland, affiliated with the Laboratory of Biomolecular Research. Her work focuses on structural biology, particularly 2D membrane protein crystallography using advanced techniques like cryo-EM and X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL). She leads a research group studying dynamic conformations of membrane proteins in lipid bilayers and collaborates with academic and industrial partners globally. Key Research Areas: Structural dynamics of membrane proteins, XFEL technology, lipid bilayer interactions, and neurotoxin-receptor complexes. Collaborations: National and international partnerships in academia and industry. Technologies: Serial femtosecond crystallography, 2D/3D crystal diffraction, and microfabricated sample holders. Xiaodan Li’s recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding membrane protein conformations, neurotoxin interactions, and XFEL applications. Her work emphasizes biological relevance by preserving lipid environments and enabling real-time structural studies. Students: Jan Rheinberger (Ph.D. Student) Martin Schärer (Ph.D. Student) Selected Publications: Over 15 articles in journals like Advanced Synthesis and Catalysis , Journal of Biological Chemistry , and Structural Dynamics , focusing on structural biology, neurotoxins, and XFEL methodologies.
Prof. Dr. Ulf Kleineberg serves as a Group Leader at the Faculty of Physics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich), where he directs cutting-edge research in ultrafast optics and X-ray science at the Attoworld center in Garching. His laboratory, located at Am Coulombwall 1, Room 223, maintains regular office hours (Tuesday 10:00-12:00) and operates at the forefront of attosecond science and extreme ultraviolet optics development. Professor Kleineberg's research program spans multiple critical areas of modern physics, with particular emphasis on soft x-ray optics, attosecond physics, and ultrafast nano-plasmonics. His expertise includes the development of multilayer soft x-ray optics for attosecond XUV pulses, measurement and control of electronic dynamics in nanostructures, and time-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. His current projects focus on pushing the frontiers of attosecond metrology, investigating collective electron dynamics in metallic nanoparticles, and developing highly brilliant coherent EUV light sources for metrology and nanolithography applications. His work bridges fundamental physics with practical industrial applications, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing through extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL). Analysis of Professor Kleineberg's publication record reveals consistent innovation from his early work on Mo/Si multilayer optics in the 1990s through to his current leadership in attosecond science. His recent publications demonstrate particular strength in developing advanced instrumentation for ultrafast measurements, with significant contributions to multilayer mirror technology, petahertz magnetization control, and novel imaging techniques at the nanoscale. His research shows a clear trajectory from foundational optics development toward increasingly sophisticated applications in quantum control and ultrafast dynamics. As Group Leader, Professor Kleineberg oversees a dynamic research team working at the intersection of ultrafast optics, nanophotonics, and X-ray science. His laboratory maintains state-of-the-art facilities for generating and characterizing attosecond pulses, with specialized equipment for electron microscopy, electron beam lithography, and nanoscale characterization. The group maintains strong international collaborations and contributes significantly to the global advancement of ultrafast science through regular participation in major conferences and publication in leading scientific journals.
Anatoly Belonoshko is Professor in Theoretical Physics specializing in condensed matter theory at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. His research investigates material behavior under extreme pressures and temperatures, particularly in planetary cores, using advanced supercomputer simulations. Research focuses on: Earth's core composition and dynamics Phase transitions at extreme conditions High-pressure melting behavior Exoplanetary interiors Recent work has resolved longstanding questions about Earth's solid iron core despite extreme heat, while developing new computational methods for materials simulation. Publications utilize cutting-edge facilities like X-ray free-electron lasers to validate theoretical models. Research contributes to climate science through extreme-condition studies and enables new materials development by predicting stability under extraordinary parameters.
Dr. Daniel Schick is a Leibniz Junior Research Group Leader at the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy in Berlin, Germany. His research focuses on ultrafast magnetism, spin dynamics, and coherent phonon interactions in nanoscale systems. He leads the group Complex Spin Structures in Time and Space , contributing to projects 3.2 and 3.3 on solids, nanostructures, and transient structures. His work integrates resonant magnetic scattering, XMCD spectroscopy, and ultrafast X-ray techniques to explore antiferromagnetic systems and spin-phonon coupling. Education: Ph.D. in Physics (2013), University of Potsdam Diploma in Physics (2009), University of Rostock Erasmus exchange (2006), Umeå University Research Interests: Dr. Schick investigates ultrafast magnetization dynamics using extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and soft X-ray spectroscopy. Key areas include the interplay between spin and phonon dynamics in antiferromagnetic materials, element-specific probing of magnetic moments, and time-resolved X-ray scattering for studying transient structures. His experimental tools include laser-driven plasma sources and tabletop setups for picosecond time resolution. Articles Trends (2022–2025): Recent work emphasizes ultrafast magnetism in nanoscale systems, with breakthroughs in observing spin reorientation in multiferroics and quantifying ultrafast spin dynamics. Studies on multi-THz phonons and all-optical switching highlight advancements in coherent control of magnetic and structural phases. The use of resonant four-wave mixing and XUV transient gratings expands capabilities for nanoscale spin wave imaging. Grants & Advising: No specific grants are listed, but his role as a junior group leader implies ongoing funding. No student advisees are documented here. Labs/Teams: Maintains the Electron and Spin Dynamics group (B1) at the Max Born Institute, collaborating with synchrotron facilities (e.g., BESSY II) and international institutions like ICFO (Barcelona). Key tools include picosecond laser-driven X-ray sources and advanced time-resolved setups.
Prof. Klaus Reimann is a leading researcher at the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy , specializing in the Femtosecond Spectroscopy of Solids department. His work focuses on ultrafast phenomena, terahertz spectroscopy, and nonlinear dynamics in condensed matter and semiconductors. Key research interests include solvated electrons, coherent phonon dynamics, and quantum pathways in materials like bismuth, boron nitride, and crystalline systems. He has pioneered techniques in phase-resolved two-dimensional spectroscopy and time-resolved x-ray diffraction to study ultrafast charge and lattice motions. Recent studies involve nonperturbative terahertz excitations, symmetry reduction in bismuth, and soft-mode dynamics in ionic crystals. His contributions span from fundamental physics to applied photonics, with a focus on high-field effects and coherent energy transport. Collaborations include work on quantum cascade lasers and metasurface-enhanced phonon amplification. No academic awards are explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record reflects high scientific impact. Advising roles and student collaborations are not detailed in available texts. His group operates within advanced facilities at the Max Born Institute, leveraging femtosecond laser systems and cutting-edge spectroscopic tools. Current projects explore terahertz-driven polaron oscillations in liquids and anharmonic phonon couplings in layered materials.
Ivan Oleynik is Professor of Physics at the University of South Florida, holding fellowships in the American Physical Society, American Vacuum Society, and AAAS. His research focuses on materials behavior under extreme conditions using advanced computational and experimental methods. Research explores high-pressure physics, shock compression, quantum molecular dynamics, warm dense matter, and materials for exoplanetary interiors. Recent work includes development of machine learning interatomic potentials and studies of carbon phase transitions under extreme pressures. Major honors include triple fellowship recognition from leading scientific societies. Current research involves collaborations at X-ray free electron laser facilities for in situ studies of material transformation dynamics.
Yubin Zhang serves as a Senior Researcher at the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), with expertise in advanced materials characterization. His primary affiliation is with DTU Mechanical Engineering (MEK), where he contributes to the 3D Imaging Center (3DIM) project and conducts research on microstructure engineering of metallic materials. His research focuses on Microstructure Engineering, Materials Science, and Tomography, with specialized expertise in aluminum alloys, recrystallization phenomena, nucleation mechanisms, and grain boundary dynamics. He integrates experimental techniques like X-ray microscopy with computational approaches including deep learning for microstructural analysis, enabling precise characterization of deformation and phase transformations in complex materials. Recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward multimodal 3D/4D imaging techniques combined with machine learning for microstructure quantification. His work bridges fundamental materials science with industrial applications, particularly in additive manufacturing and aluminum processing, where advanced imaging provides critical insights into material behavior during thermo-mechanical treatments. As a dedicated supervisor, Dr. Zhang mentors PhD candidates including Defer, M. C. on additive manufactured AlSiMg alloys, Knipschildt-Okkels, E. F. F. on recrystallization nucleation, and Lindkvist, A. A. on residual stresses in multiphase steels. His research is supported through major grants including the 3DIM project (2016-2029) and Microstructural Engineering of Additive Manufactured AlSiMg (2023-2026), where he serves as Principal Investigator and supervisor respectively. Dr. Zhang operates within DTU's 3D Imaging Center, a state-of-the-art facility utilizing synchrotron radiation and laboratory X-ray sources for non-destructive 3D characterization. His team specializes in diffraction contrast tomography, dark field X-ray microscopy, and machine learning applications for microstructure analysis, with strong collaborations across European research institutions.
Ganesh Pokharel, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of West Georgia within the Dr. Perry College of Mathematics, Computing, and Sciences. His research focuses on quantum materials with applications in energy storage and magnetism, utilizing solid-state reactions and advanced characterization techniques. Prior to this role, he held postdoctoral positions at the University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) and completed his education at Tribhuvan University (Nepal), the University of Memphis, and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Dr. Pokharel has taught a wide range of physics courses at both high school and university levels, including introductory physics, experimental physics, and materials science. He actively mentors students in research programs such as the Quantum Foundry summer internship at UCSB, emphasizing hands-on experimental learning and integration of cutting-edge technologies into curricula. His research interests span the synthesis and characterization of magnetic materials, charge density wave phenomena in kagome metals, and topological electronic states. Recent work includes studies on Fermi surface reconstruction under pressure, nanoscale charge order visualization, and the interplay between electronic and structural phases in quantum materials. Dr. Pokharel’s advising and grant activities include coordinating mentorship programs for undergraduate researchers and contributing to initiatives in materials synthesis and high-pressure crystal growth. He is affiliated with laboratories exploring advanced materials characterization techniques and has collaborated on projects involving neutron scattering, angle-resolved photoemission, and in situ spectroscopic methods.
Yoshikawa K. is a researcher specializing in physical chemistry and ultrafast molecular dynamics. Recent work focuses on time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy techniques to investigate hydrogen migration and ejection mechanisms in alcohol molecules under photoexcitation. Research interests center on ultrafast chemical dynamics, photoelectron spectroscopy methodologies, molecular dissociation pathways, and time-resolved imaging of chemical reactions in gas-phase systems. Publications demonstrate expertise in analyzing molecular-frame photoelectron angular distributions and diffraction patterns to track femtosecond-scale atomic movements during photochemical processes.
Pablo Villanueva Perez is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics at Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering (LTH). He is a Principal Investigator in Synchrotron Radiation Research and actively contributes to key interdisciplinary initiatives including NanoLund, the LTH Profile Areas in Nanoscience and Photon Science, and the LU Light and Materials research environment. He is also affiliated with eSSENCE: The e-Science Collaboration, highlighting his role in computational and data-intensive science. His research focuses on developing novel X-ray imaging methods and instruments that leverage the unique properties of diffraction-limited synchrotron-radiation facilities and X-ray free-electron lasers, such as MAX IV Laboratory and the European XFEL. His work spans advanced imaging techniques including ptychography, phase contrast imaging, and crystal optics, with applications in materials science, nanotechnology, and structural biology. The research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to innovation, industry, and sustainable infrastructure. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in high-resolution, time-resolved, and multi-modal X-ray imaging, particularly using next-generation synchrotron and XFEL sources. These works emphasize technical innovation in instrumentation, reconstruction algorithms, and experimental design for in-situ and operando studies. Pablo Villanueva Perez is involved in significant research projects, including AI-Twin (funded by the Swedish Research Council and eSSENCE), which integrates physics-informed AI for imaging reconstructions, and XUVPM (funded by Horizon Europe), focusing on extreme ultraviolet ptychographic microscopy. These projects reflect his leadership in merging advanced computational methods with experimental physics. He supervises research students, including Gunnarsson J. K., and collaborates extensively with national and international teams. His work is supported by major grants from the Swedish Research Council, eSSENCE, and the European Commission, underscoring the strategic importance and impact of his research. He is part of collaborative networks involving institutions across Europe and contributes to the development of beamlines and imaging infrastructure. His role as a supervisor and co-investigator positions him at the forefront of next-generation X-ray science and technology.
Manuel Guizar Sicairos is an Associate Professor of Physics at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the School of Basic Sciences (SB), Institute of Physics (IPHYS), and leads the Computational X-ray Imaging group at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI). He has held these joint positions since January 2023, following a progression from Postdoctoral Fellow (2010) to Senior Scientist (2021) at PSI. B.Sc. in Physics Engineering, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico (2002) M.Sc. in Electronic Systems, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico (2005) M.Sc. in Optics, University of Rochester, USA (2008) Ph.D. in Optics, University of Rochester, USA (2010) His research centers on computational imaging, particularly for synchrotron X-ray sources, with a focus on phase retrieval, ptychography, coherent diffractive imaging, holography, tomography, and scanning small-angle X-ray scattering (sSAXS). He has co-developed key techniques such as 3D nanoscale ptychography, magnetization vector nanotomography, and small-angle scattering tensor tomography (SASTT). His work emphasizes experimental design, novel imaging configurations, and algorithm development for hyperspectral and dynamic nanotomography. The recent articles highlight a consistent trend in high-resolution 3D imaging of complex materials using correlative X-ray techniques. His publications span topics from integrated circuits and magnetic materials to hierarchical composites, demonstrating expertise in both algorithmic innovation and experimental application. The integration of ptychography with sSAXS and vector tomography enables multiscale, multimodal investigations across materials science and biology. Innovation Award on Synchrotron Radiation (2014, 2021) ICO Prize (2019) Fellow of The Optical Society (2021) Fellow of SPIE SPIE Community Champion (2019) Multiple Optics & Photonics Education Scholarships (2004–2009) He advises PhD students including Fang Wenxuan and Karabay Aknur at EPFL. He has secured institutional support for advancing imaging research at both PSI and EPFL. His group develops open-source algorithms such as those for subpixel registration, Hankel transforms, and tomographic reconstruction (e.g., GridrecMS). He is a confidential advisor for the Respect@PSI campaign, promoting diversity and inclusion in scientific research. His leadership supports large-scale facility research at PSI and academic training at EPFL. He leads the Computational X-ray Imaging group at PSI, which collaborates closely with the cSAXS beamline and focuses on advancing computational methods for synchrotron-based imaging. The team integrates algorithm development with experimental validation, fostering interdisciplinary research across physics, materials science, and bioimaging.
Dr. Anna Robinson is a Visiting Fellow in the Division of Biomedical Science & Biochemistry at the Australian National University (ANU), with a PhD and BSc Hons from ANU. Her research focuses on molecular dynamics simulations of voltage-gated ion channels, particularly sodium (Nav1.4) and potassium (Kv2.1, Kv1.3) channels, and their interactions with neurotoxins and inhibitors. She has pioneered computational studies on toxin binding mechanisms, channelopathies, and structural biology. Key Research Areas: Voltage-gated ion channels, molecular dynamics, neurotoxin interactions, enzyme engineering, mitochondrial detoxification Her recent work explores the DI S5-S6 extracellular linker dynamics of Nav1.4 in skeletal muscle, functionalized fullerene targeting of Nav1.7, and conotoxin binding mechanisms. Earlier studies include mitochondrial heteroplasmy in albatrosses and structural analysis of dienelactone hydrolase mutants. Scientific Awards Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Dr. Robinson's publications span biopolymer simulations, enzyme engineering, and computational toxicology, with significant citations in sodium channel and neurotoxin research. She contributes to understanding ion channel dynamics in neurological disorders and muscle physiology.
Dr. Tobias Weinert is a Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator (PI) at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, affiliated with the Laboratory of Biomolecular Research . His work focuses on advancing time-resolved serial crystallography at synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) to study protein structural dynamics, particularly enzymes. He integrates computational tools like dimensionality reduction and machine learning with experimental methods to resolve transient structural states under functionally relevant conditions. Senior Scientist & PI at PSI Active in serial crystallography and method development His research emphasizes designing triggering strategies for non-photoactive proteins, enabling controlled molecular process initiation. He also supports serial crystallography activities at PSI’s Laboratory of Biomolecular Research (LBR), contributing expertise in experimental design, data acquisition, and processing. Key publications highlight applications in enzyme mechanisms , photoreceptors , and time-resolved structural analysis , with a focus on bridging experimental and computational approaches. Recent articles demonstrate trends in serial synchrotron crystallography , light-activated proteins , and X-ray free-electron laser applications , often addressing conformational changes and kinetic modeling.
