‘Graphene and Beyond’ US-EU joint workshop connects researchers around the globe

We are proud to report that the Graphene Flagship took part in the online ‘Graphene and Beyond’ workshop from 12 – 14 May 2021. This is the sixth in a series of joint workshops between top institutions in Europe and the United States. The event featured talks by top scientists from around the world, with over 50 posters shown across two poster sessions. In total, over 400 participants attended.

The first day kicked off with a keen introduction from Joshua Robinson and Joan Redwing, two professors of Materials Science from the University of Pennsylvania. That morning, a diverse panel of speakers presented their cutting-edge research into the design, growth and manipulation of graphene and other two-dimensional materials. Then, after a live and interactive poster session, Graphene Flagship Science and Technology Officer Andrea Ferrari, based at Graphene Flagship partner the University of Cambridge, UK, took to the stage.

Ferrari presented his concise-yet-captivating summary of the recent advances in graphene-based research, paving the way to the afternoon’s talks on graphene theory and magnetism in two-dimensional and layered materials. Among the EU speakers was Alberto Morpurgo, Graphene Flagship Work Package Deputy for Enabling Materials, who ventured into the phenomenon of magnetism in layered and two-dimensional materials like graphene – and beyond.

The second day shone the spotlight on the properties that make graphene such a special material. In the morning, researchers presented their studies investigating the exciting phenomena and interactions caused by graphene’s unique properties. The afternoon showcased just how these special properties can lead to unique applications, with a series of talks highlighting some of the many potential new applications of graphene. The Graphene Flagship’s own Frank Koppens, Work Package Leader for Photonics and Optoelectronics and ICREA Professor at Graphene Flagship partner ICFO, Spain, presented his group’s research into nanocavities in graphene, and how this could translate to applications in photodetectors.

On the third day, researchers continued to share their exciting research into graphene’s weird and wonderful properties, and how these properties could lead to new photonic devices for data transfer, long-distance communications and more. Several prominent Graphene Flagship scientists presented their cutting-edge research: Giulio Cerullo, Professor at Graphene Flagship partner the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy, Jonathan Coleman, Graphene Flagship Work Package Deputy and Professor at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and Marco Romagnoli, Principal Investigator at Graphene Flagship partner CNIT, Italy.

Two interactive poster sessions took place during the two first days, which gave delegates the opportunity to chat to each other and freely explore new research in the virtual lounge. Overall, the three-day workshop was a great success, and was enjoyed by all who came, with many new and interesting insights shared freely in a warm, friendly setting.

As always, the Graphene Flagship were proud to be involved, and we all look forward to connecting with our American and European colleagues again next year.