News: 2025

July

Laura Gagliardi to Lead Center for Advanced Materials for Environmental Solutions (CAMES)

July 10, 2025

The University of Chicago’s Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth has launched the Center for Advanced Materials for Environmental Solutions (CAMES), a multidisciplinary research center led by Laura Gagliardi and dedicated to developing innovative materials that can significantly reduce the impact of climate change.


June

Joshua Wagner of Sibener Group Receives Hoffman Award

June 30, 2025

Joshua Wagner, a graduate student with the Steve Sibener Group, has been named the recipient of the distinguished Dorothy M. and Earl S. Hoffman Award from the AVS (American Vacuum Society). 


JFI Alum Michelle Brann Receives ACS Astrochemistry Dissertation Award

June 30, 2025

Michelle Brann has received the 2025 ACS Astrochemistry Dissertation Award in recognition for the significant contributions made during her doctoral studies with Prof. Steven J. Sibener.


May

Dam Thanh Son leads new Leinweber Institute for Theoretical Physics

May 30, 2025


First JFI Postdoc Happy Hour

May 30, 2025

Postdocs from multiple labs joined in the Spring JFI postdoc happy hour! Look out for another happy hour coming in the Fall.


Sid Nagel Interviewed by Quanta Magazine

May 28, 2025

Sid Nagel was interviewed by Quanta Magazine on the physics of "ordinary" phenomena.


Apply for the JFI Trainee Travel Award

May 28, 2025

JFI Travel Award enables trainees to attend and present their research at a scientific conference between 2/1/2025-1/31/2026.  The award will be for $600 towards reimbursement of travel expenses (hotel & transportation).  Applications for the forthcoming year will be considered starting 6/1.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria: (1) Be a graduate student or post-doctoral trainee in the James Franck Institute at the time of application and travel. (2) Priority will be given to those who have not previously received an award. (3) Personal Statement, Budget and Note from Advisor will be the primary means of selection. (4) Consideration will be made to distribute awards equitably across JFI groups. No more than two applications per group per.


Margaret Gardel & Peter Littlewood Elected to NAS

May 1, 2025

Margaret Gardel & Peter Littlewood have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences


April

Littlewood group introduces linear field theory for non-reciprocal systems

April 30, 2025

The Littlewood group introduced a general classical linear field theory for non-reciprocal interactions. Their article in Physical Review E demonstrates how non-reciprocity can, surprisingly, enhance stability, while instabilities occur at Critical Exceptional Points.


Guyot-Sionnest group designs quantum dot photoconductors

April 30, 2025

The Guyot-Sionnest group designed highly sensitive quantum dot photoconductors with optical enhancement. Their publication in ACS Nano discusses how they used a HgTe quantum dot film to create photoconductors with a ~20-fold improvement in long-wave infrared detectivity.


Vincenzo Vitelli Named CNRS Fellow-Ambassador

April 30, 2025

Vincenzo Vitelli was named a CNRS Fellow-Ambassador, which invites leading researchers to visit and mentor with French laboratories.


Allison Squires Joins the JFI

April 30, 2025


March

Tian Group Introduces Novel Hydrogel

March 31, 2025

The Tian group introduced a hydrogel derived from the malva nut with multiple biomedical applications, from wound care to ECG readings. Their publication in Matter discusses the sustainable extraction process used isolate the nut’s polysaccharides and demonstrates its enhanced performance in biosignal recording and tissue regeneration.


Vitelli Group Designs Compound Robot with Odd Elasticity

March 31, 2025

The Vitelli Group designed a compound robot which use principles of odd elasticity and active materials to enable decentralized locomotion across challenging terrains. Their paper in Nature explains how each part exerts nonsymmetric and nonreciprocal forces to create a robust collective machine that senses and responds to its environment.
 


Greg Voth Receives 2025 ACS Award in Theoretical Chemistry

March 31, 2025