National Institute of Materials Physics | Romania
Florentina-Cristina Chirila (Dragoi) is a highly accomplished physicist specializing in ferroelectric and multiferroic materials. With extensive experience in material science research, she has contributed significantly to the field through national and international collaborations. As a Senior Researcher at the National Institute of Materials Physics, Romania, she has coordinated and participated in multiple high-impact research projects, secured patents, authored numerous high-ranking publications, and presented at international conferences. Her leadership in developing functional materials for electronics and sensors has placed her at the forefront of innovation in advanced material applications. Recognized for both her scientific output and mentorship, she exemplifies a researcher deeply committed to advancing technology for future energy, sensing, and electronic solutions.
Profiles
Education
Florentina-Cristina Chirila completed her academic training at the University of Bucharest, where she obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics, followed by a Ph.D. focused on the electrical and ferroic properties of complex heterostructures involving ferroelectric materials. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for her future research on functional oxide materials. Her doctoral work bridged theoretical understanding and practical applications in electronic devices, sensors, and memory systems. This strong academic background, combined with subsequent international research experience in Germany and Spain, allowed her to develop expertise in a broad range of experimental and analytical techniques, which she continues to apply in advanced materials development and interdisciplinary scientific collaboration.
Professional Experience
Florentina-Cristina Chirila began her research career at the National Institute of Materials Physics in Romania, where she currently holds the position of Senior Researcher Rank I. Her career includes specialized training and short-term scientific stages in prominent European institutes, such as the Max Planck Institute and the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona. She has led research efforts on ferroelectric thin films and multiferroic heterostructures, coordinating multi-year, high-budget projects and managing research teams. In addition to project leadership, she has contributed as a team member on several international and national projects. Her collaborative network spans multiple countries, enhancing her capacity to integrate cross-border expertise into her scientific endeavors.
Awards and Honors
Florentina-Cristina Chirila has been recognized with several prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to materials science. Her accolades include the esteemed “Radu Grigorovici” Prize from the Romanian Academy and the “Roger Kelly Award” for young researchers. She has also been a consistent recipient of medals and recognition at EUROINVENT, securing Bronze, Silver, and Excellence Awards. These honors acknowledge not only her research achievements but also her innovation, as demonstrated by her patent applications and technology development in the area of energy harvesting and sensor design. Her reputation as an expert reviewer for high-impact journals further affirms her standing in the global scientific community.
Research Focus
Florentina-Cristina Chirila’s research centers on the development and characterization of functional materials, particularly ferroelectric thin films, multiferroic heterostructures, and oxide-based interfaces. Her work emphasizes experimental methods, electrical characterization, and strain engineering to improve the performance of energy storage devices, pyroelectric sensors, and multistate memory elements. A significant portion of her research addresses energy harvesting and advanced sensor applications. She has made impactful contributions through innovation in pyroelectric elements and dielectric nanolaminates. Her ability to translate fundamental material properties into applied technologies positions her research at the interface of physics, engineering, and nanotechnology, enabling next-generation electronic and optoelectronic solutions.
Notable Publications
Ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Thin Films on TiN/Si Substrates Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition at CMOS-Compatible Temperatures
Authors: C.F. Chirila, G.A. Boni, D.G. Popescu, C.M. Istrate, M.A. Husanu, L.D. Filip, C. Besleaga, L. Pintilie, A. Dimoulas
Journal: Ceramics International
Year: 2025
Electrical properties of epitaxial PZT-LSMO magnetoelectric heterostructures: the effect of the interface with the electrodes
Authors: L.M. Hrib, L. Trupina, M.I. Botea, C.F. Chirila, A.G. Boni, M.C. Istrate, L. Pintilie
Journal: Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
Year: 2025
Guanine-based spin valve with spin rectification effect for an artificial memory element
Authors: N. Iacob, C. Chirila, M. Sangaré, A. Kuncser, A.E. Stanciu, M. Socol, …
Journal: Heliyon
Year: 2025
Surface charge dynamics on air-exposed ferroelectric Pb(Zr, Ti)O3(001) thin films
Authors: L.E. Abramiuc, L.C. Tanase, M.J. Prieto, L. de Souza Caldas, A. Tiwari, …
Journal: Nanoscale
Year: 2023
Resistive-like Behavior of Ferroelectric p–n Bilayer Structures Based on Epitaxial Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 Thin Films
Authors: A.G. Boni, C. Chirila, L. Trupina, C. Radu, L.D. Filip, V. Moldoveanu, I. Pintilie, …
Journal: ACS Applied Electronic Materials
Year: 2023
Conclusion
Florentina-Cristina Chirila exemplifies excellence in applied physics and material science through her deep technical expertise, consistent scientific output, and leadership in multidisciplinary projects. Her ability to lead high-value research and collaborate across international borders underscores her value to the global scientific community. She stands as a role model for future generations of researchers.