Guangming Tao | Interactions and fields | Best Paper Award

Prof. Guangming Tao | Interactions and fields | Best Paper Award

Professor at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China

Professor Guangming Tao is a distinguished academic at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan, China. He serves as a Professor at both the Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics and the School of Materials Science and Engineering, and also leads as Director of the Sports and Health Initiative at the Optics Valley Laboratory. With a prolific academic journey rooted in optics and advanced materials, Prof. Tao has become an internationally recognized leader in wearable photonic technologies, metatextiles, and fiber-based smart systems, boasting over 120 research papers and ~6500 citations as of 2025.

👨‍🎓Profile

Google scholar

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Tao began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Optical Information Science and Technology from Shandong University (2006-2009). He then earned a Master’s in Optics from Fudan University, further deepening his expertise in light-based technologies. Driven by a strong research inclination, he pursued his Ph.D. in Optics at the University of Central Florida (CREOL), under the guidance of Prof. Ayman Abouraddy. His early academic focus laid a robust foundation in photonic materials, optical fiber design, and fabrication techniques, which later evolved into interdisciplinary applications in wearables, health monitoring, and energy-efficient devices.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors 

Following his Ph.D., Prof. Tao continued at CREOL, University of Central Florida, serving as a Research Scientist (2014–2015) and later as a Senior Research Scientist (2015–2017). In 2017, he returned to China to join HUST as a full professor. At HUST, he leads multiple initiatives spanning materials science, optoelectronics, and smart textiles. As Director at Optics Valley Laboratory, he coordinates research that bridges fundamental science with real-world applications, notably in sports health, environmental sensing, and interactive display systems. His work emphasizes scalability, interactivity, and energy efficiency, making significant contributions to national and global research programs.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Tao’s research is centered around wearable optoelectronics, fiber-based intelligent systems, and metamaterials for thermal regulation. He has pioneered innovations such as photochromic fiber displays, cooling metafabrics, and smart electronic cords. His published work includes breakthroughs in Science, Light: Science & Applications, Advanced Materials, and Nature Communications. His group focuses on designing materials that combine mechanical comfort, visual functionality, and energy autonomy, enabling advances in smart clothing, health monitoring, and adaptive camouflage. His innovations bridge the gap between lab-scale photonics and consumer-level smart textiles, defining new paradigms in functional wearables.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With over 6500 citations, Prof. Tao’s research has had a broad international impact across optics, materials science, wearable electronics, and environmental engineering. His innovations are shaping next-generation smart fabrics and redefining how textiles interact with light and temperature. His passive radiative cooling metafabrics, recognized by Science, are now a reference in sustainable energy management. His photochromic fiber displays are transforming interactive wearables, making them lighter, more responsive, and energy-efficient. Through international collaborations and open-access dissemination, he has become a thought leader, influencing both academic peers and industrial developers in smart material systems.

📚 Academic Citations

Prof. Tao’s scholarly influence is marked by 120+ peer-reviewed publications and ~6500 citations (as of July 2025), with papers featured in top-tier journals such as Science, Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and Light: Science & Applications. His most cited works include “Hierarchical-morphology metafabric” (Science 2021) and “Imperceptible braided electronic cord” (Nat. Commun. 2022). His research is consistently referenced in studies on thermal textiles, wearable sensors, and adaptive optics, underlining his central role in advancing interdisciplinary material technologies. His H-index and citation velocity reflect both the depth and growing relevance of his contributions to global innovation.

🧪 Research Skills

Prof. Tao possesses a unique combination of expertise in optics, nanofabrication, polymer processing, and textile integration. His core skills include fiber optics design, photochromic materials engineering, thermal management systems, and flexible electronics integration. He excels at converting advanced material science principles into functional, wearable prototypes. He leads multi-institutional projects, efficiently managing teams with diverse backgrounds. His capability to develop scalable fabrication processes makes his innovations ready for mass production and real-world adoption. With strong analytical and experimental skills, he bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial application, often delivering solutions tailored to healthcare, environment, and defense sectors.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching Experience 

At Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Prof. Tao teaches courses in Optoelectronics, Advanced Materials, and Smart Textiles to undergraduate and graduate students. He actively supervises Ph.D. and Master’s students, many of whom have received national scholarships and awards. His mentorship emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking, hands-on experimentation, and innovation-driven research. He integrates cutting-edge research topics into his teaching, fostering a research-intensive learning environment. Through seminars, workshops, and lab training, he cultivates the next generation of scientists in wearable technologies and functional materials. His teaching philosophy is centered on curiosity, creativity, and cross-border collaboration.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Prof. Tao has earned multiple accolades recognizing his scientific innovation and leadership. These include Best Paper Awards, invitations to international keynote speeches, and governmental research grants supporting national-level projects. His paper on radiative cooling metafabric gained global attention and has been cited in climate and textile engineering domains. He has been nominated for awards in smart wearable innovation and advanced materials research, reflecting his broad influence. His leadership at the Optics Valley Laboratory and his role in large-scale interdisciplinary projects showcase his visionary direction in research. His consistent recognition affirms his place among leading figures in wearable photonics.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Guangming Tao is shaping the future of smart materials and functional fabrics. His legacy lies in merging fundamental optics with wearable systems, setting new benchmarks in interactive textiles and adaptive materials. Looking forward, he aims to expand into bio-integrated systems, AI-driven textile interfaces, and next-gen photonic skin for healthcare and defense. He envisions a world where textiles are not passive layers, but intelligent interfaces interacting seamlessly with users and the environment. Through global collaborations, mentorship, and technology transfer, Prof. Tao is committed to pushing scientific boundaries while ensuring that innovations reach and benefit society at large.

Publications Top Notes

Radiation-modulated thermoelectric fabrics for wearable energy harvesting

  • Authors: Y. Wang, H. Liu, S. Zhang, G. Tao, C. Liu, C. Shen

  • Journal: National Science Review

  • Year: 2025

Stretchable polymer optical fiber with an unusual relationship between optical loss and elongation

  • Authors: W. Wang, Z. Li, R. Zhao, Y. He, G. Tao, C. Hou

  • Journal: Journal of Lightwave Technology

  • Year: 2024

All-polymer aqueous fiber battery for sustainable electronics

  • Authors: M. Yang, G. Tao, M. Zhu, C. Hou

  • Journal: Advanced Fiber Materials

  • Year: 2025

Scalable hierarchical‐colored passive cooling Metapaint for outdoor facility

  • Authors: M. Yang, Z. Zhou, M. Liu, J. Wu, J. Li, J. Liang, S. Zhang, M. Chen, H. Zeng, X. Li, G. Tao, et al.

  • Journal: EcoMat

  • Year: 2024

Cooling textiles provide a new solution to urban heat islands

  • Authors: Z. Li, S. Zhang, Z. Yang, Z. Liang, N. Zhou, G. Tao, C. Hou

  • Journal: Advanced Fiber Materials

  • Year: 2024

 

 

Dario Bercioux | Quantum Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dario Bercioux | Quantum Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Donostia International Physics Center, Spain

Dr. Dario Bercioux is an Ikerbasque Associate Professor and group leader at the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) in Spain. With a specialization in mesoscopic systems, quantum materials, and light-matter interaction, his work spans theoretical and applied condensed matter physics. He has published extensively, contributed to major international collaborations, and held numerous postdoctoral positions across Europe. A fluent speaker of four languages, Dr. Bercioux is also a recognized science communicator, conference organizer, and mentor to young researchers, influencing the next generation of quantum scientists.

Profile

Google scholar

Scopus

ORCID

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Bercioux’s academic journey began in Naples, Italy, where he earned his Laurea in Physics (summa cum laude) and Ph.D. from the Federico II University of Naples. His doctoral research, focused on spin-dependent transport in nanostructures, laid the groundwork for his later interest in quantum transport phenomena. Under the guidance of Professors V. Cataudella and V. M. Ramaglia, he developed strong foundations in low-dimensional physics and quantum electronics. His early education reflects exceptional academic performance, including a perfect score in his high school technical diploma.

Professional Endeavors

Over two decades, Dr. Bercioux has held progressively prestigious roles, beginning as a postdoctoral researcher in Germany (Regensburg, Freiburg, Berlin) and culminating in a tenured professorship at DIPC. He joined Ikerbasque in 2014, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2019, and now leads the Mesoscopic Electrons and Photons Systems (MEPS) group. His international collaborations include affiliations with the Université d’Aix-Marseille, Stanford University, and the University of Bordeaux. He’s also an editorial board member of Communication Physics and serves as advisor to the Phenikaa Institute in Vietnam.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Bercioux’s research centers on graphene, spintronics, topological matter, non-Hermitian physics, and quantum simulation. He has contributed to the understanding of chiral edge states, photonic lattices, and pseudo-spin systems, and co-authored high-impact reviews in Review of Modern Physics and Reports on Progress in Physics. His group explores quantum effects in low-dimensional systems, bridging theory and experiment. With over 70 publications, including 18 letters in top-tier journals such as PRL, Nat. Mater., and Commun. Phys., he remains at the forefront of quantum condensed matter research.

Impact and Influence

With over 2,190 citations and an h-index of 23, Dr. Bercioux has significantly influenced the field of condensed matter physics. His work is regularly cited in top-tier journals, and he has delivered 70 invited talks across global institutions. He has organized more than 20 international schools and workshops, such as the renowned Capri Spring School series. He actively shapes scientific discourse as an editor, reviewer, and conference chair, with roles in high-profile review panels and editorial boards. His multidisciplinary collaborations enhance the global understanding of quantum transport and materials.

Academic Cites and Metrics

According to Web of Science (July 2025), Dr. Bercioux’s publication metrics include 70 peer-reviewed papers, over 2,190 citations, and an average of 31 citations per article. He has published in PRL, Nature Nanotech, Nat. Mater., and Advanced Quantum Technology, highlighting the quality and relevance of his work. He’s authored three reviews, three News & Views, and a lecture book for Springer, solidifying his standing as both a scholar and educator. His Research-ID and ORCID maintain up-to-date records of his contributions, evidencing his scientific integrity and productivity.

Research Skills

Dr. Bercioux excels in quantum transport theory, non-Hermitian physics, light-matter coupling, and spin-orbit photonics. His analytical prowess spans tight-binding models, topological classification, and synthetic lattices. He possesses deep expertise in multi-terminal quantum devices, photonic simulations, and Dirac systems. His interdisciplinary skills enable work on quantum materials for computation, superconductivity, and spin textures, contributing to quantum technology development. Skilled in project coordination, he has secured over €900,000 in competitive funding and mentored doctoral candidates, showcasing his ability to translate theoretical insight into impactful research outputs.

Teaching Experience

Dr. Bercioux has mentored 7 Ph.D. students and 11 undergraduates, guiding theses in mesoscopic physics, quantum transport, and topological systems. His teaching philosophy emphasizes foundational understanding and research readiness, often combining coursework with hands-on research. He’s organized and lectured at 18+ international physics schools, including the Capri Spring School, and hosted workshops on quantum materials. As a Privatdozent at Freiburg and later ASN-certified associate professor in Italy, his academic credentials enable him to teach across European institutions, enriching the physics curriculum with cutting-edge topics.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Bercioux has received several prestigious awards, including the Ikerbasque Research Fellowship, the ASN Italian National Qualification, and the Aix-Marseille Excellence Fellowship. He has earned multiple PhD grants, DFG and MINECO project funds, and international workshop sponsorships, reflecting trust from academic funding bodies across Europe and Asia. Recognized for scientific leadership, he serves on expert review panels for NWO, ESF, Romanian Research Council, and others. His work has also attracted support from the Basque Government, positioning him as a key figure in European quantum research.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Bercioux’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to bridge fundamental theory and real-world applications in quantum technologies. As a mentor, organizer, and collaborator, he is shaping the future of quantum simulations, non-Hermitian systems, and low-dimensional materials. Through his continued involvement in strategic projects like IKUR—Quantum and photonic simulators, he fosters innovation at the intersection of light and matter. His ongoing efforts in science diplomacy, editorial duties, and workshop leadership ensure that his influence will extend across generations, advancing both knowledge and mentorship in quantum physics.

Publications Top Notes


Colloquium: Synthetic quantum matter in nonstandard geometries

  • Authors: T. Grass, D. Bercioux, U. Bhattacharya, M. Lewenstein, H.-S. Nguyen, …
    Journal: Reviews of Modern Physics 97 (1), 011001
    Year: 2025

Wannier center spectroscopy to identify boundary-obstructed topological insulators

  • Authors: R.A.M. Ligthart, M.A.J. Herrera, A.C.H. Visser, A. Vlasblom, D. Bercioux, I. Swart
    Journal: Physical Review Research 7 (1), 012076
    Year: 2025

Correction to Topological Properties of a Non-Hermitian Quasi-1D Chain with a Flat Band

  • Authors: C. Martínez-Strasser, M.A.J. Herrera, A. García-Etxarri, G. Palumbo, F.K. Kunst, D. Bercioux
    Journal: Advanced Quantum Technologies 8 (3)
    Year: 2025

Chiral spin channels in curved graphene pn junctions

  • Authors: D. Bercioux, D. Frustaglia, A. De Martino
    Journal: Physical Review B 108 (11), 115140
    Year: 2023

Implementation and characterization of the dice lattice in the electron quantum simulator

  • Authors: C. Tassi, D. Bercioux
    Journal: Advanced Physics Research 3 (9), 2400038
    Year: 2024