Rice University Hosts Quantum Materials Workshop for Early Career Researchers

From July 27 to August 1, over 30 early career researchers in quantum materials convened at the Rice Global Paris Center for a workshop focused on topological materials. The invitation-only event, co-organized by researchers from Rice University, Paris Sciences et Lettres, Universit Paris-Saclay, and the Max Planck Institute, brought together junior faculty and postdoctoral scholars internationally to promote collaboration. This workshop builds upon a series of similar events previously held in Germany, Israel, the United States, and Hong Kong, and reinforces Rice University’s commitment to global engagement and its partnership with European institutions.

More than 30 early career researchers in quantum materials convened at the Rice Global Paris Center from July 27 to August 1 for the Young Research Leaders in Topological Materials Research and Beyond workshop. This invitation-only event, partly commemorating a century of quantum materials research, brought together junior faculty and postdoctoral scholars from across the globe to facilitate the exchange of ideas and shape the trajectory of this rapidly evolving field. Building upon a successful series of Young Research Leaders workshops previously held in Germany, Israel, the United States and Hong Kong, the event differed from many conferences by focusing specifically on fostering international collaborations among rising stars.

Yonglong Xie, event co-organizer and assistant professor of physics and astronomy, expressed enthusiasm for hosting the workshop at the Rice Global Center in Paris, highlighting it as a demonstration of Rice University’s commitment to global engagement. Co-organized with European collaborators, including strategic partner Paris Sciences et Lettres, the workshop underscores Rice’s vision of facilitating international research and innovation within Topological materials research.

The event reinforces Rice University’s position as a leader in quantum materials research and strengthens its ties with European institutions, particularly its strategic global partnership with the Universit Paris Sciences et Lettres, as it explores new collaborative opportunities across Europe. Other co-organizers included Ming Yi, associate professor of physics and astronomy at Rice, alongside Arthur Marguerite (PSL-ESPCI), Ben Wieder (Universit Paris-Saclay) and Niels Schrter (Max Planck Institute-Ha).