Nuh Gedik is the Donner Professor of Physics at MIT, leading the Gedik Research Group. His work focuses on quantum materials, employing advanced optical and electron spectroscopies. He joined MIT in 2008 as an Assistant Professor, earned his B.S. from Bogazici University (1998), and Ph.D. from UC Berkeley (2004) before postdoctoral work at Caltech. His awards include NSF CAREER, DOE Early Career, Sloan Fellowship, and APS Fellow recognition. Research interests include ultrafast dynamics in topological insulators, charge density waves, and light-induced phenomena. Key techniques include time-resolved ARPES, ultrafast electron diffraction, and terahertz spectroscopy. His group explores hidden orders in quantum materials and develops novel measurement tools. Recent work includes metastable magnetization control in FePS₃ and Floquet-Bloch states in graphene. Affiliated with the MIT Center for Quantum Engineering and Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies.
Christoph Bostedt holds dual appointments as a Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and as Head of the Laboratory for Synchrotron Radiation and Femtochemistry (LSF) at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI). He leads strategic operations for the LSF, managing five research groups and overseeing four beamlines at the Swiss Light Source and the Alvra Endstation at SwissFEL. His research focuses on ultrafast x-ray science, including single-shot imaging, non-linear x-ray spectroscopy, and femtosecond pump-probe techniques. He collaborates globally on initiatives like the Athos project, aiming to advance ultrafast x-ray technologies. Bostedt has over 150 publications and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, recipient of the Röntgen Prize. Education: Ph.D. from the University of Hamburg with research at Lawrence Livermore and Berkeley National Laboratories. Prior roles include leadership at Argonne National Laboratory and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Research Interests: Single-particle imaging and coherent diffraction X-ray free-electron laser applications Ultrafast dynamics in nanoparticles and molecular systems Non-linear x-ray spectroscopy Time-resolved x-ray pump-probe methods Awards: Fellow of the American Physical Society Röntgen Prize (University of Giessen) Labs & Projects: Spearheads the Athos beamline project at SwissFEL, developing the Maloja endstation for ultrafast x-ray studies. Oversees the Laboratory for Femtochemistry and collaborates on advanced imaging techniques for nanoscale science.
Eric Collet is a University Professor and Head of Department at the Institute of Physics of Rennes (IPR), a joint research unit of CNRS and Université de Rennes. His work centers on ultrafast photoinduced phase transitions, spin-crossover materials, and the control of functional materials using light and THz excitation. He leads a dynamic research team and is deeply involved in international collaborations, particularly through the IM-LED International Laboratory with Japan. University: University of Rennes School: Institute of Physics of Rennes Department: Department of Materials and Light Academic Rank: Professor Email: eric.collet@univ-rennes.fr Professor Collet's research explores the ultrafast dynamics of molecular and condensed matter systems, especially those exhibiting multistability and photoresponsiveness. His work combines femtosecond optical and X-ray techniques to probe structural and electronic changes at atomic scales. Key areas include spin-crossover phenomena, photomagnetism, ferroelasticity, and nonlinear phononics. He investigates how light can trigger cooperative responses in materials, leading to persistent phase transitions with applications in photonics and memory devices. The recent publications of Eric Collet reveal a strong focus on ultrafast structural dynamics, photoinduced charge and spin transitions, and the coupling of electronic states with lattice distortions. His team frequently employs advanced X-ray methods at large-scale facilities like ESRF and LCLS. The research spans from fundamental quantum dynamics to applied materials science, with recurring themes in symmetry breaking, cooperative switching, and room-temperature photoresponse in molecular systems. Scientific awards and recognitions include: CNRS Silver Medal (2020) Louis Ancel Prize, French Physical Society Hot Paper selection in PCCP (2019) Very Important Paper recognition in Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. (2019) News & Views feature in Nature Chemistry (2020) Eric Collet actively mentors PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and has supervised numerous publications in top journals. He has led major scientific initiatives such as the UCM2018 symposium and JMC2021 conference. His research is supported by grants from ANR, CNRS, and the Institut Universitaire de France. He collaborates extensively with institutions in France, Japan, and beyond. His research is conducted primarily within the Department of Materials and Light at the Institute of Physics of Rennes. He co-directs the IM-LED International Laboratory with Prof. Shin-ichi Ohkoshi (University of Tokyo) and collaborates with groups in Bordeaux, Lebanon, and Japan. His lab specializes in time-resolved X-ray diffraction, ultrafast spectroscopy, and nonlinear optical control of materials.
Prof. Stefan Eisebitt is a Director at the Max-Born-Institut für Nichtlineare Optik und Kurzzeitspektroskopie and holds a Professorship in Experimental Physics at the Technische Universität Berlin. His research focuses on ultrafast magnetization dynamics, nanoscale structure analysis, and novel imaging techniques using coherent XUV/X-ray spectroscopy. He leads the Transient Electronic Structure and Nanoscience group and is involved in cutting-edge projects involving femtosecond laser-driven X-ray sources and spintronic materials. Education and Career: He obtained his Diplom (1992) and Ph.D. (1996) from Cologne University, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia and Forschungszentrum Jülich. He became a Privatdozent at Humboldt-Universität Berlin (2005) and held professorships at TU Berlin (2008–2015) and Lund University (2012–2015) before his current role since 2015. He leads the Functional Nanomaterials joint research group between Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and TU Berlin. Research Interests: His work spans transient electronic structure, ultrafast optical manipulation of magnetization, nanoscale material characterization, and advanced coherent imaging methods. Key techniques include XUV/X-ray spectroscopy, laser-driven plasma sources, and femtosecond time-resolved studies. Professional Roles: He chairs the Physikalische Gesellschaft zu Berlin and the Elettra Scientific Advisory Council. He has held leadership roles in the European XFEL Scientific Advisory Committee and the Komitee für Forschung mit Synchrotronstrahlung (KFS). His lab develops state-of-the-art setups for ultrafast X-ray scattering and holography.
Valery Kiryukhin is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers University, where he also serves as a Member of the Graduate Faculty. His research focuses on electronic, structural, and magnetic properties of novel materials, particularly in strongly-correlated systems, quantum magnetism, and multiferroics. He leads the Rutgers Center for Emergent Materials (RCEM), emphasizing collaborations to explore spin liquids, frustrated magnets, and materials with self-organized nanostructures using advanced neutron and x-ray scattering techniques. His experimental work combines campus-based facilities with national labs like Brookhaven National Laboratory and NIST, offering students unique exposure to cutting-edge scattering facilities and crystal growth. Key areas include magnetoelectric coupling, spin-phonon interactions, and domain dynamics in antiferromagnetic materials. His group has pioneered visualization methods for antiferromagnetic domains, as seen in recent publications. Kiryukhin has received prestigious awards including the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award, NSF CAREER Award, and Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society (2014) and co-recipient of a W. M. Keck Foundation grant. His research bridges fundamental condensed matter physics with applications in quantum information technologies. Awards: Donald H. Jacob’s Chair in Applied Physics, Alexander von Humboldt Bessel Award, NSF CAREER Award Grants: W. M. Keck Foundation Award (2014), DOE and NSF projects Collaborations: RCEM, Brookhaven National Lab, NIST His lab provides advanced training in scattering techniques, crystallography, and interdisciplinary collaborations, shaping the next generation of materials physicists.
Joel Rosenthal is Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Delaware, where he also serves as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences. His group integrates inorganic synthesis, electrochemistry, and photochemistry to create functional materials and catalysts for energy, environmental, and biomedical challenges. Education & Training B.S. with Honors, New York University (2001) Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2007) NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT (2007-2010) Research Directions The Rosenthal Research Lab pursues four intertwined themes: Environmental & energy sustainability via CO₂ reduction and solar-to-fuel conversion. Design of catalytic platforms for small-molecule up-conversion. Light-activated therapeutics targeting cancer and other diseases. Electrosynthetic routes to advanced inorganic materials and coordination complexes. To tackle these goals, the group synthesizes non-traditional tetrapyrroles, porous inorganic frameworks, and metal alloys, then interrogates them with electrochemical, spectroscopic, and ultrafast methods in collaboration with colleagues across UD, other universities, and National Laboratories. Recent Publication Trends Between 2021-2025 the group has published extensively on (i) selective electrochemical CO₂ reduction using bismuth, tin, and alloy catalysts, (ii) structure–function relationships in palladium and ruthenium tetrapyrrole complexes for singlet-oxygen generation, and (iii) new metal–organic framework (MOF) electrosyntheses. The work bridges fundamental mechanistic insights with practical device demonstrations, including 3-D-printed flow cells and solar-powered reactors. Scientific Awards & Honors While specific awards are not enumerated in the provided text, Prof. Rosenthal has garnered recognition through sustained federal funding, invited colloquia, and extensive peer-reviewed publication records. Students, Collaborators & Infrastructure The group actively recruits graduate students, post-docs, and undergraduates interested in interdisciplinary research. Trainees gain expertise spanning chemical synthesis, electrochemical cell design, ultrafast spectroscopy, computational modeling, and biological assays through partnerships both on campus and at national user facilities. The lab maintains state-of-the-art instrumentation for electrochemistry, photochemistry, and materials characterization, and communicates its latest findings via Twitter @rosenthal_lab .
Jerome Hastings is a Research Professor at the Photon Science Directorate , Stanford University, and a Principal Investigator at the Stanford PULSE Institute. He is affiliated with the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and holds the academic rank of Research Professor (A.R.). His research focuses on advanced X-ray scattering techniques, femtosecond laser interactions, and high-energy-density material physics. Currently on leave from June 15, 2025, to September 15, 2025, Hastings has taught courses such as Advanced Topics in X-ray Scattering (APPPHYS 322) and Principles of X-ray Scattering (APPPHYS 222, PHOTON 222). Teaching : 2025-26: Advanced Topics in X-ray Scattering (Spr), Principles of X-ray Scattering (Win), Directed Studies (Aut/Wi/Spr), Research (Aut/Wi/Spr) Prior courses (2024-25, 2023-24) include similar offerings. Research Interests : His work explores the intersection of photon science and material dynamics, utilizing free-electron lasers to probe ultrafast structural changes, phonon hardening, and electronic responses in materials under extreme conditions. Key areas include X-ray diffraction , time-resolved spectroscopy , and high-intensity X-ray interactions . Publications : Hastings has contributed to 47 publications, with recent studies (2024) on supercooled liquid hydrogen crystallization and phonon hardening in laser-excited gold. Earlier works (2019-2016) address X-ray split-delay systems, photodissociation dynamics, and anomalous Compton scattering. Scientific Contributions : Notable projects include the development of compact X-ray diagnostics and phase-contrast imaging instruments at LCLS, enabling nanoscale temporal and spatial resolution for high-energy-density experiments. Students : He has advised doctoral candidates Arijit Majumdar, Chance Ornelas-Skarin, Madison Singleton, and Catherine Weibel. Contact : Academic email jerome.hastings@stanford.edu
Wendy Mao is a Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Photon Science, and (by courtesy) Geophysics at Stanford University, affiliated with SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Her research focuses on materials under extreme conditions, particularly high pressure, to understand planetary interiors, energy materials, and novel phases. Key interests include phase transitions in minerals, silicate melts, and light-element alloys, with applications in planetary core modeling and hydrogen storage. Education: Ph.D. in Geophysical Sciences from the University of Chicago (2005). Teaching includes Earth's interior dynamics, mineralogy, and a freshman seminar on diamonds. Research emphasizes high-pressure experimentation using diamond anvil cells and synchrotron X-ray techniques. Recent work explores metallic hydrogen, iron spin states in super-Earths, and amorphization in halide perovskites. Collaborations leverage machine learning and advanced imaging for material characterization. Her lab develops methods to stabilize metastable phases and study ultrafast structural responses under shock compression. The group also investigates defects in quantum sensors and novel synthesis pathways for energy materials.
O.J. Luiten is Full Professor in the Coherence and Quantum Technology group at Eindhoven University of Technology. His research focuses on fundamental quantum physics, materials science, nanotechnology, and life sciences, with emphasis on improving temporal resolution in electron microscopy and developing ultracold electron sources. He leads the Coherence and Quantum Technology group and is a core member of ICMS. His research interests center on quantum materials, ultrafast electron microscopy, and coherent light-electron interactions. Key areas include: Ultracold plasma applications for high-coherence electron sources Coherent manipulation of electron beams using laser light X-ray generation via electron beams His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on advancing charged particle beam technologies and light-matter interactions, with recent work emphasizing compact X-ray sources, ultrafast microscopy, and quantum electron manipulation. Scientific Awards: Smart*Light: Een tafelmodel synchrotron (2016) He leads multiple research projects including 'ICS-SAXS: Hard X-ray metrology' and 'Smart*Light 2.0', collaborating with institutions like ASML. Manages labs for ultrafast electron microscopy and quantum beam technology.
Mingda Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), holding the Class of 1947 Career Development Professorship. His research spans quantum materials, nanoscale energy transport, and AI-driven materials discovery, utilizing neutron/X-ray scattering techniques and machine learning to address challenges in quantum computing, thermal management, and energy conversion. He leads the Quantum Measurement Group and teaches graduate courses including Quantum Theory of Materials Characterization. Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, 2009 Doctor of Philosophy in Nuclear Science and Engineering, MIT, 2015 Postdoctoral Research, MIT Mechanical Engineering Department Research Interests: Dr. Li's quantum research develops theoretical frameworks for topological order and defect-engineered quantum materials, with applications in microelectronics and quantum computing. His energy transport studies investigate phonon/electron dynamics at interfaces under non-equilibrium conditions to design materials for thermal management in electronics. The AI program creates symmetry-aware generative models that integrate ab initio calculations with experimental data, enabling closed-loop materials discovery for quantum and energy technologies. Publication Trends: Analysis of 15 recent 2025 publications reveals dominant themes in quantum materials (topological semimetals, 2D magnets), AI-driven design (generative models, symmetry-equivariant networks), and advanced characterization (neutron/X-ray spectroscopy). Key innovations include defect engineering for thermal transport, machine learning for spectroscopic data interpretation, and quantum phenomenon discovery in complex materials, reflecting strong interdisciplinary integration. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Li mentors graduate students in the Quantum Measurement Group, guiding research in quantum materials characterization and AI applications. He has taught core courses including Applied Nuclear Physics and Machine Learning in Nuclear Science and Engineering. His research is supported by grants focused on quantum engineering and nuclear materials, with collaborations spanning national laboratories and industry partners for quantum computing and energy applications. Labs and Teams: The Quantum Measurement Group operates at the intersection of experimental physics and computational science, utilizing neutron scattering facilities (including Spallation Neutron Source) and ultrafast X-ray techniques. The team develops custom software for data analysis and collaborates with institutions like MIT.nano for materials synthesis, maintaining a pipeline from theoretical prediction to device-level validation for quantum and thermoelectric materials.
Dr. Bastian Pfau serves as Department Head of the “Imaging and Coherent X-rays” (B2) division and Project Coordinator for “Transient Structures and Imaging with X-rays” at the Max Born Institute in Berlin, where he has conducted postdoctoral research since 2016. His work pioneers nanoscale magnetic imaging using coherent X-ray techniques, with significant contributions to ultrafast magnetization dynamics and topological spin structures. His academic foundation includes a Dr. rer. nat. (PhD) in Physics from Technical University Berlin (2013) with thesis “Imaging magnetic nanostructures using soft x-ray Fourier transform holography,” and a Diplom (MSc) in Physics from Technical University Dresden (2006) focused on “Combining photon correlation spectroscopy and fluctuation analysis for investigating diffusion dynamics.” Additional research experience spans Lund University (2014-2015), Technical University Berlin (2010-2013), and Helmholtz Center Berlin (2006-2010). Dr. Pfau’s research centers on developing and applying X-ray holography and coherent diffraction imaging to visualize magnetic nanostructures at nanometer-femtosecond scales. His group specializes in ultrafast magnetization dynamics , skyrmion imaging , and element-specific magnetic probing using soft X-rays. Key innovations include achieving 5 nm resolution magnetic imaging and demonstrating all-optical helicity-independent switching via plasmonic nanostructures, with applications in next-generation spintronic devices and magnetic storage technologies. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in nanoscale magnetic imaging (particularly skyrmions and topological textures), ultrafast opto-magnetic effects using extreme ultraviolet radiation, and advanced X-ray methodologies for capturing transient magnetic states. His work consistently bridges fundamental physics with practical instrumentation development, as evidenced by contributions to laser-driven plasma sources and tabletop X-ray setups. As Department Head of B2, Dr. Pfau leads a multidisciplinary team operating cutting-edge X-ray microscopy facilities at MBI. The group maintains strong collaborations with international synchrotron facilities (including BESSY II) and free-electron laser centers, focusing on developing MHz-repetition-rate pump-probe capabilities and high-resolution magnetic imaging techniques. Current projects emphasize real-time visualization of light-induced phase transitions and magnetic switching phenomena in functional materials.
Prof. Thomas Fennel is a faculty member at the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy, leading the department A1: Strong Field Processes at Extreme Wavelengths. His research focuses on ultrafast phenomena in strong-field physics, nanoplasma dynamics, and quantum coherent imaging. He has pioneered work on attosecond electron emission, laser-driven nanoplasma expansion, and light-induced dynamics in nanoscale systems. His educational background includes advanced studies in physics and optics, though specific degrees are not detailed here. His lab specializes in experimental and theoretical investigations of extreme light-matter interactions, particularly at the nanoscale. Key techniques include time-resolved spectroscopy, diffraction imaging, and ultrafast laser systems. Recent publications explore topics like subcycle metallization of nanoparticles, attosecond electron emission from metal tips, and quantum coherence in nanostructures. These contributions highlight his leadership in advancing ultrafast science and nanoscale optics. No awards are explicitly mentioned, though his prolific publication record indicates significant contributions to the field. He collaborates extensively with international teams on projects involving femtosecond imaging, plasma dynamics, and strong-field ionization. His work bridges fundamental physics with applications in nanotechnology and quantum photonics, positioning him as a key figure in modern ultrafast science.
Lisa Randolph is a researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, affiliated with the Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW). Her work focuses on advanced diagnostics in high-energy-density physics and ultrafast material dynamics using X-ray techniques. Institute: Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) Location: Brainergy Park Jülich Building / Room 0 Her research spans X-ray spectroscopy , plasma physics , and nanoscale dynamics , with emphasis on probing laser-induced phenomena in solids and plasmas. Recent publications highlight applications of X-ray free-electron lasers and Thomson scattering for structural and thermal analysis. Scientific trends in her work include ultrafast heating processes , shock compression diagnostics , and vacuum birefringence experiments . Key subfields involve solid-density plasma evolution , picosecond surface correlations , and nanometric dynamics .
Paul Evans is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Engineering. His research focuses on nanoscale materials synthesis, ultrafast dynamics, and advanced X-ray characterization techniques. PhD, Harvard University (2000) MS, Harvard University (1996) BS, Cornell University (1994) Evans investigates solid-phase epitaxy of complex oxides, strain imaging in acoustic devices, and optically driven phase transitions. His work combines experimental and computational approaches, including deep learning for diffraction data analysis. His recent publications highlight breakthroughs in nanoscale crystallization, ultrafast magnetization dynamics, and hybrid magnon-phonon systems. Awards include the Bascom Professorship and Vilas Mid-Career Award. Surface Science and Technology Bascom Professorship (2022) Vilas Associate Award (2019) Polygon Engineering Outstanding Instructor Award (2006) Evans teaches courses in materials structure, advanced X-ray methods, and thesis research. His lab enables scalable synthesis of perovskites and defect-minimized oxide heterostructures.
Claus M. Schneider is a Professor at the Faculty of Physics, University of Duisburg-Essen, and director of the Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-6) at Forschungszentrum Jülich. His research focuses on the electronic structure of quantum materials, particularly correlated electron systems, using advanced photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Current affiliations: University of Duisburg-Essen, Forschungszentrum Jülich Key experimental facilities: Synchrotron radiation sources DELTA (Dortmund), BESSY (Berlin), ELETTRA (Trieste) His work investigates the fundamental connections between electronic structure and physical properties like superconductivity, magnetism, and giant magnetoresistance. Techniques include high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy with laboratory sources and synchrotron-based nanospectroscopy, enabling energy, spatial, and temporal resolution at atomic scales. Recent research highlights include the discovery of tunable orbital angular momentum in crystals and the production of the first 2D semimetal with spin-selective conductivity. His group operates specialized equipment such as a microwave-excited rare gas lamp system for photoemission and a hemispherical analyzer with spin-polarization analysis capabilities. The group's experimental infrastructure spans laboratory-based ARPES systems and synchrotron beamlines optimized for angle- and spin-resolved studies of magnetic multilayers, interfaces, and topological materials. All experiments are conducted under ultra-high vacuum conditions, with integrated surface preparation and characterization tools.
