Dr E.P.A.M. Bakkers appointed part-time Professor of NanoScience
01 December 2009 by M&C Applied SciencesDr Erik P.A.M. Bakkers was recently appointed part-time professor (0.2 FTE) of the department of NanoScience, for a period of five years. Dr Bakkers will conduct his research in the Quantum Transport group (Prof. L.P. Kouwenhoven) and in the Molecular Electronic Devices group (Prof. H.S.J. van der Zant). He also holds posts at Philips Research and TU Eindhoven.
Growth mechanism
Erik Bakkers is a physical chemist specialising in “the catalytic growth mechanism”, which is currently a red-hot topic. He has introduced various novel nanowire structures and combinations of materials. Although fundamental in nature, his research has clear industrial applications that are in keeping with social issues such as energy (solar cells, LEDs, and thermo-electric devices) and health (air quality and biosensors).
Education
Erik Bakkers has also been appointed to Prof. Koenaad’s staff (TU Eindhoven). This double appointment will generate close cooperation between TU/e and TU Delft. In this context, TU/e and TU Delft will exchange students and postdocs (nanowire growth at TU/e, and characterisation at TU Delft). Bakkers, Kouwenhoven and Koenraad launched this cooperative venture by submitting a joint, major application to the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). Dr Bakkers will give lectures (and guest lectures) entitled “Synthesis and properties of nanostructures” and “Applications of nanomaterials”. He will also supervise the research of various Master’s students and PhD students.
MIT Award
In addition to being a member of various international Steering Committees, Dr Bakkers has an impressive portfolio of scientific publications. He has also submitted no fewer than 28 patent applications (some in conjunction with other workers) and is the coordinator of various projects within his group at Philips Research. In 2007, in recognition of his international leadership, he was awarded the prestigious TR35 MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) award for “the world''s top innovators under the age of 35”.
