Committee

Prof. Alessandro Laio is a leading researcher in computational physics and statistical mechanics. His research focuses on the development of analysis techniques for complex data landscapes, and to the development of algorithms for enhancing the capability of computer simulations to provide predictive answers for complex heterogeneous systems. He is widely recognized for co-developing metadynamics, a groundbreaking atomistic simulation technique that has become a powerful tool in computational physics, chemistry, materials science, and biology.

Prof. Michiel Sprik is a renowned researcher in theoretical chemistry and materials modeling. His research physical chemistry of electrochemical interfaces, combining atomistic simulations, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamic theory to understand energy conversion processes and the behavior of complex materials systems. His contributions have advanced the fundamental understanding of electrochemical and energy-related materials.

Prof. David J. Srolovitz is the Chair Professor of Materials Theory and Dean of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong. His research spans materials theory and computational materials science, with interests in defects, interfaces, microstructural evolution, mechanical deformation, radiation effects, and advanced simulation methods for emerging materials systems. He has authored more than 500 scientific publications and received numerous honors, including the Materials Theory Award from the Materials Research Society.

Prof. Mark E. Tuckerman is an internationally recognized expert in theoretical and computational chemistry. His research centers on molecular dynamics, free-energy methods, molecular crystal structure prediction, and machine learning applications in chemical and materials sciences. He is widely known for pioneering advances in molecular and path integral simulations and computational methods for complex molecular systems.

Prof. Su-Huai Wei is a distinguished scientist in computational materials science and electronic-structure theory. His research specializes in the first-principles calculation of electronic structures and the exploration of optoelectronic, magnetic, and energy-related properties of semiconductors, nanomaterials, and emerging functional materials. His work has made significant contributions to the understanding and design of advanced materials for energy and electronic applications.