This researcher combines the study of fundamental physics with applied research, exploring ultrafast dynamics in nanoscale systems and their application in the fields of photodetection, quantum technologies and telecommunications. Building on close collaborations via inter-institutional projects within BIST, he will join the ICN2 in October as junior group leader, complete with his recently awarded ERC Starting Grant.
The ICN2 is pleased to announce the incorporation of Dr Klaas-Jan Tielrooij, a highly multidisciplinary scientist set to join our ranks in October as junior group leader. His fields of expertise include ultrafast phenomena, nanoscale systems and devices, and optoelectronics, all of which lend themselves to ample opportunities for collaboration at the frontiers of knowledge with existing ICN2 groups. He arrives at the ICN2 with a prestigious Starting Grant from the European Research Council. His new group will take the name "Ultrafast Dynamics in Nanoscale Systems".
Many phenomena in physics, chemistry and biology, and a plethora of technological applications, depend on interactions that take place at ultrashort timescales and nanoscopic length scales. In his research Dr Klaas-Jan Tielrooij has focused on probing, understanding and exploiting just such interactions. His recent work has explored optoelectronic and thermal effects in the recently discovered class of layered materials. At the ICN2 he will have the opportunity to build on these interests and deliver even greater impact in his new position as junior group leader.
Dr Klaas-Jan Tielrooij received the 2011 FOM Physics Thesis Award for his PhD research at AMOLF in Amsterdam. He also holds a degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Chalmers University, and a postgraduate diploma in Economics from the London School of Economics. In recent years he has excelled as a postdoctoral researcher and research fellow at ICFO – the Institute of Photonic Sciences (Barcelona, Spain) and a guest researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (Mainz, Germany). He was also awarded a visiting professorship this July by the Graduate School of Excellence “Materials Science in Mainz”. He has collaborated with researchers from highly prestigious institutes, including many groups belonging to the Graphene Flagship, and has authored over 35 publications, of which 11 have appeared in Nature and Science family journals. He has also filed a patent application on a novel type of photodetector.
ERC Starting Grants are awarded by the European Commission to support talented early-career scientists who are ready to work independently and show potential as research leaders. The project awarded to the new ICN2 junior group leader, is titled “Controlling Ultrafast Heat in Layered materials” (CUHL, grant agreement number 804349) and deals with nanoscale heat transport in novel systems based on layered materials. Building on existing synergies established through the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) with such as the ICN2 Phononic and Photonic Nanostructures Group, led by ICREA Prof. Dr Clivia M. Sotomayor-Torres, and the ICN2 Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices Group, led by ICREA Research Prof. Sergio O. Valenzuela, the project and his new role as junior group leader point to promising contributions to his fields of interest.
The research lines that Dr Klaas-Jan Tielrooij brings to the ICN2 will make valuable contributions within the four thematic areas (health, ICT, energy and environment) established in the institute’s recently confirmed second Severo Ochoa research programme.
Suffice to say that at the ICN2 we are pleased to welcome him into our research community and excited to witness the advances he will bring to nanoscience in his new role.