EDUCATION

• PhD in Physics, Magna cum Laude – University of Bucharest, Romania (April 2002)
• MSc in Physics – University of Bucharest, Romania (July 1993)

FELLOWSHIPS

• Visiting Professor, INP Grenoble, France (2013–2014)
• Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS) Long-Term Professor Fellowship, Japan (2019)
• JSPS Bridge Professor Fellowship, Japan (2024)

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Selected Awards

• Best Paper Award, IEEE CAS 2011 & 2019
• Featured Article, IET Electronics Letters (2018)

Memberships

• Board of Delegates, European Materials Research Society (E-MRS) (2003–Present)
• Founding Member, Transparent Conductive Materials Research Network (TCM-NET) (2016)

COMMISSIONS OF TRUST

Evaluator & Rapporteur

• EMRP/EMPIR, ANR, UEFISCDI, EU H2020, M-ERA.NET, TWAS

PhD Examiner

• INSA Rennes, INP Grenoble, Linkoping University, Institute of Physical Chemistry Bucharest

Editorial Roles

• Guest Editor: Thin Solid Films, Applied Surface Science (Elsevier)

CONFERENCE ORGANIZATION

Organized 12 international symposia on optical and X-ray metrology at:

• E-MRS Spring/Fall Meetings (2003–2021)
• OptoX NANO Conferences, Okayama, Japan (2017, 2019, 2024)

I earned my Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Bucharest in 2002 and, in the same year, began my journey at the Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork. For over two decades, I have had the privilege of leading a wide array of research projects funded by the EU and Ireland, delving into the fascinating world of material science. Prior to my role at Tyndall, I was a Senior Researcher at the National Institute for Microelectronics in Bucharest (1993-2002).

My passion lies in pioneering novel materials for microelectronics and optoelectronics. My work in optical spectroscopies has been fundamental to advancing our understanding of thin films and their interfaces. Throughout my career, I have explored many classes of emerging materials, from the growth of HfO2 for future CMOS technologies to the exciting potential of 2D materials like graphene or MoS2 and, more recently, novel phase-change materials for ultrafast optoelectronics and emerging oxide ferroelectrics for the next generation of communication technologies.

I am pleased to have coordinate the H2020 EIC FET Proactive project, NANO-EH, which focuses on smart energy harvesting for the next-generation Internet-of-Things. Furthermore, I am Principal Investigator in two Horizon Europe projects, Powersat and NET4Air. I also serve as a Principal Investigator on two other EU H2020 projects, PHEMTRONICS and NANOSMART. My research has taken me across the globe, with rewarding fellowships in France and, more recently, in Japan.

I am a firm believer in the power of collaboration and have worked to bridge the gap between material rational design modeling and experimental studies, a methodology that is now widely adopted in European research. It is a privilege to contribute to the scientific community, whether through organizing international symposia, publishing my work, or speaking at international conferences. With over 180 published articles and a commitment to mentorship and innovation, I continue to be driven by the endless possibilities of material science.

Experienced researcher with over two decades of expertise in micro/nanoelectronics, materials science, and optical metrology. Recognized for leadership in EU-funded projects as EU project coordinator, international collaborations, and pioneering work in nanoscale ferroelectric materials and, and renewable energy-harvesting systems. Over his career, he has secured 12 major research grants (7 EU, 2 Japan, 3 Ireland), chaired 12 international conferences, and published more than 175 peer-reviewed papers.

My passion lies in pioneering novel materials for microelectronics and optoelectronics. My work in optical spectroscopies has been fundamental to advancing our understanding of thin films and their interfaces. Throughout my career, I have explored many classes of emerging materials, from the growth of HfO2 for future CMOS technologies to the exciting potential of 2D materials like graphene or MoS2 and, more recently, novel phase-change materials for ultrafast optoelectronics and emerging oxide ferroelectrics for the next generation of communication technologies.