I-Te Lu – Light-matter Interaction – Best Researcher Award 

Dr. I-Te Lu embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in Materials Science and Engineering, earning his BS from National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Taiwan in 2010. His early academic pursuits showcased his interest in advanced materials and their interactions, leading him to pursue an MS in Applications of Synchrotron Radiation on Materials at NCTU and the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC). His thesis focused on Synchrotron Radiation Infrared Ray Analysis of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Living Cells, demonstrating his commitment to interdisciplinary research. He later completed his PhD in Materials Science with a Minor in Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA, where his thesis on First-principles calculations of electron-defect interactions and defect-limited charge transport laid the groundwork for his future contributions to quantum materials research.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Lu has had an illustrious professional career, working at some of the most prestigious research institutions worldwide. Currently, he serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Prof. Angel Rubio’s research group at the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD), Germany, where he develops quantum electrodynamics density functional theory (QEDFT) functionals for solid-state materials. Prior to this, he was a Postdoctoral Scholar in Prof. Marco Bernardi’s research group at Caltech, focusing on electron-defect interactions in materials using first-principles methods. His work as a Research Assistant at Caltech from 2015 to 2020 was instrumental in co-developing PERTURBO, an open-source code for electron-phonon interactions and carrier dynamics, further establishing his expertise in computational materials science.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Lu’s research primarily revolves around light-matter interaction, quantum materials, and computational methods. His expertise spans first-principles calculations, synchrotron radiation analysis, and high-performance computing. His work in QEDFT functionals and electron-phonon interactions has provided significant insights into how light interacts with materials at the atomic scale. His research contributions extend to nanomaterials, defect engineering, and optoelectronics, making his work essential in the development of next-generation quantum materials. His research at NSRRC on synchrotron light beams (XAS, XPS, and TXM) for material characterization further solidified his interdisciplinary approach, bridging physics, materials science, and quantum mechanics.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Lu’s impact in light-matter interaction research is evident through his contributions to major scientific projects, including PERTURBO and QEDFT functional development. His expertise in first-principles calculations has influenced a wide range of studies in computational materials science, making him a key contributor to the field. His work has received international recognition, earning him the Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany (2021-2023) and a Government Scholarship for USA Study from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (2014-2017), both prestigious accolades that highlight his scientific contributions.

🏆Academic Cites

Dr. Lu’s research has been widely cited in academic journals, with his work on electron-phonon interactions, defect-limited charge transport, and quantum electrodynamics serving as a reference point for researchers worldwide. His ability to develop computational tools such as PERTURBO has made his research highly valuable in both theoretical and applied physics. His participation in the Argonne Training Program for Extreme-Scale Computing (ATPESC) in 2017, where he received intensive training in high-performance computing, further underscores his contributions to computational material science.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. I-Te Lu continues his research in light-matter interaction, his future contributions are set to revolutionize the understanding of quantum materials. His development of QEDFT functionals and his expertise in electron-defect interactions will be crucial in advancing materials for quantum computing, energy applications, and optoelectronic devices. His ongoing research at Max Planck Institute positions him at the forefront of materials science, ensuring that his legacy in computational modeling and quantum materials research will continue to inspire future generations.

📝Light-matter Interaction

Dr. I-Te Lu’s groundbreaking work in light-matter interaction has paved the way for advancements in quantum materials and optoelectronic devices. His computational models, including PERTURBO, have enhanced the understanding of light-matter interaction at the atomic level. With ongoing research in quantum electrodynamics and solid-state materials, Dr. Lu remains a leading figure in light-matter interaction, shaping the future of materials science.

Notable Publication


📝Perturbo: A software package for ab initio electron–phonon interactions, charge transport, and ultrafast dynamics

Authors: JJ Zhou, J Park, IT Lu, I Maliyov, X Tong, M Bernardi

Journal: Computer Physics Communications

Year: 2021

Citations: 232


📝Solid-State Divalent Ion Conduction in ZnPS₃

Authors: AJ Martinolich, CW Lee, IT Lu, SC Bevilacqua, MB Preefer, M Bernardi, ...

Journal: Chemistry of Materials

Year: 2019

Citations: 49


📝Efficient ab initio calculations of electron-defect scattering and defect-limited carrier mobility

Authors: IT Lu, JJ Zhou, M Bernardi

Journal: Physical Review Materials

Year: 2019

Citations: 45


📝High-yield water-based synthesis of truncated silver nanocubes

Authors: YM Chang, IT Lu, CY Chen, YC Hsieh, PW Wu

Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Year: 2014

Citations: 32


📝First-principles ionized-impurity scattering and charge transport in doped materials

Authors: IT Lu, JJ Zhou, J Park, M Bernardi

Journal: Physical Review Materials

Year: 2022

Citations: 29


📝Using defects to store energy in materials–a computational study

Authors: IT Lu, M Bernardi

Journal: Scientific Reports

Year: 2017

Citations: 23


📝Surface modification of commercial PtRu nanoparticles for methanol electro-oxidation

Authors: CW Kuo, IT Lu, LC Chang, YC Hsieh, YC Tseng, PW Wu, JF Lee

Journal: Journal of Power Sources

Year: 2013

Citations: 23


📝Combined experimental-theoretical study of electron mobility-limiting mechanisms in SrSnO₃

Authors: TK Truttmann, JJ Zhou, IT Lu, AK Rajapitamahuni, F Liu, TE Mates, ...

Journal: Communications Physics

Year: 2021

Citations: 19

Giovanni Ciccotti – Condensed Matter Physics – Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Giovanni Ciccotti - Condensed Matter Physics - Best Researcher Award 

University Rome Sapienza - Italy

Author Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Giovanni Ciccotti's academic journey began with a strong foundation in condensed matter physics, culminating in a Laurea in Physics cum laude from the University of Roma “La Sapienza” in 1967. His early research was rooted in theoretical physics, particularly within the High Energy Theoretical Group at Rome 1 Physics Department, where he held a CNR Fellowship from 1968 to 1971. These formative years established his expertise in computational physics and statistical mechanics, paving the way for his later groundbreaking contributions to condensed matter physics.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Throughout his distinguished career, Prof. Ciccotti held various prestigious academic and research positions across the globe. He served as a Professore Ordinario of Structure of Matter at the University of Roma "La Sapienza" from 1990 to 2014 and played a pivotal role in molecular physics research. His tenure at institutions such as University College Dublin, Université de Paris VI, and MIT reinforced his reputation as a global leader in condensed matter physics. Additionally, his involvement with the Centre Européen de Calcul Atomique et Moléculaire (CECAM) and CNRS in France demonstrated his commitment to advancing computational methodologies in physics.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Ciccotti’s research has significantly influenced condensed matter physics, with key contributions in molecular dynamics simulations, statistical mechanics, and atomistic simulations. His pioneering work in computational physics has led to advancements in the understanding of the structure of matter, phase transitions, and complex molecular systems. His collaborations with international institutions and his role as a recipient of the Berni J. Alder CECAM Prize highlight his contributions to numerical methods in molecular simulations. His courses in Atomistic Simulations and Advanced Simulations have been instrumental in training new generations of physicists.

🌍 Impact and Influence

The impact of Prof. Ciccotti’s work is evident in his widespread recognition and numerous honors, including being named a Fellow of the European Physical Society and the Institute of Physics. His Schlumberger Lecture at the University of Cambridge and his position as a Visiting Fellow at Corpus Christi College underscore his influence in the scientific community. His leadership in the creation of a computerized library catalogue for the University of Roma further demonstrates his dedication to academic development.

🏆Academic Cites

Prof. Ciccotti's extensive body of work has been widely cited in scientific literature, solidifying his status as a thought leader in condensed matter physics. His publications have been referenced extensively in studies related to molecular simulations, computational physics, and statistical mechanics. His role as a guest scientist and visiting professor across multiple institutions has further amplified the reach and impact of his research.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As an Emeritus Professor at "La Sapienza" and UCD, Prof. Ciccotti's legacy is firmly established in the field of condensed matter physics. His groundbreaking research in molecular simulations and statistical mechanics continues to inspire new research directions. His contributions to advanced computational techniques ensure that future generations of physicists will build upon his pioneering work. His involvement in academic institutions worldwide guarantees that his influence in theoretical and computational physics will persist for years to come.

📝Notable Publication


📝A NEMD approach to the melt-front evolution under gravity

Authors: M. Ferrario, Mauro; G. Ciccotti, Giovanni; D. Mansutti, D.; A. DiCarlo, Antonio

Journal: Journal of Chemical Physics

Year: 2025

Citations: 0


📝Nucleation of multi-species crystals: methane clathrate hydrates, a playground for classical force models

Authors: M. Lauricella, Marco; G. Ciccotti, Giovanni; S. Meloni, Simone

Journal: Molecular Physics

Year: 2024

Citations: 0


📝A correct, reversible Trotter splitting for the evolution operator in molecular dynamics simulations of molecular systems with constraints

Authors: C.D. de Michele, Cristiano D.; G. Ciccotti, Giovanni

Journal: Molecular Physics

Year: 2024

Citations: 0


📝Effect of coarse graining in water models for the study of kinetics and mechanisms of clathrate hydrates nucleation and growth

Authors: M. Lauricella, Marco; S. Meloni, Simone; G. Ciccotti, Giovanni

Journal: Journal of Chemical Physics

Year: 2023

Citations: 4


📝Regularized Bennett and Zwanzig free energy estimators

Authors: S. Decherchi, Sergio; G. Ciccotti, Giovanni; A. Cavalli, Andrea

Journal: Journal of Chemical Physics

Year: 2023

Citations: 1


📝Continuum mechanics from molecular dynamics via adiabatic time and length scale separation

Authors: A. DiCarlo, Antonio; S. Bonella, Sara; M. Ferrario, Mauro; G. Ciccotti, Giovanni

Journal: Letters in Mathematical Physics

Year: 2023

Citations: 3