Domenico De Fazio

Today, the Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice hosted an insightful talk by Dr Federico Levi, deputy editor at Nature, as part of the Engineering Physics Colloquia. The room was filled to capacity with 90 attendees, and additional participants joined via Zoom, underscoring the significant interest in the topics covered. During his presentation, Levi shed light on several critical aspects of the publishing process at Nature, including their stance on preprint submissions, the role of double-blind peer reviews, the pre-submission enquiry process, and many other topics. One highlight of the discussion was Nature‘s encouragement of preprint submissions to platforms like arXiv, a crucial tool for disseminating early-stage research and receiving feedback. The talk offered a rare glimpse into the journal’s editorial decision-making process, as Levi explained how Nature seeks to publish the most impactful scientific developments while ensuring that they resonate not only with specialized research communities but also with the broader public. His presentation emphasized how influential the journal can be in steering research by focusing on key scientific challenges, reflecting on the kinds of groundbreaking work that get selected for publication. Overall, the event was a great success and provided attendees with valuable insights into the editorial principles that guide Nature. It also opened discussions on the role of high-impact journals in shaping the global research agenda.

Graphene, the wonder two-dimensional material, has shown exceptional electronic properties, making it a sought-after candidate for various advanced technologies. However, maintaining high carrier mobility in practical device applications has been a challenge, with the choice of substrate and encapsulation playing a pivotal role. A team of researchers, including Dr Domenico De Fazio at the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, has made a breakthrough in this domain by successfully encapsulating graphene in tungsten disulfide (WS2). This achievement, detailed in a recent paper, offers an alternative to the commonly used hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) encapsulation method. The researchers applied a chemical treatment involving a super-acid, bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonimide (TFSI), to overcome the hysteresis and enhance the mobility of graphene encapsulated in WS2. High mobility, a key requirement for electronic devices, was achieved through WS2 encapsulation, presenting numerous advantages. The study revealed a significant reduction in hysteresis, making WS2-encapsulated graphene a compelling alternative to hBN. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for various electronic applications, including field-effect transistors, modulators, photodetectors, and sensors. With hBN’s limitations addressed by WS2, the world of graphene-based electronics may soon see significant improvements in performance and scalability, paving the way for more efficient and powerful devices. The full article is available at the following link: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0151273

As part of the Engineering Physics colloquia monthly held at the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, renowned researcher and former Italian minister Maria Chiara Carrozza was honoured with the “Emmy Noether Lecture Award” for her exceptional contributions to the fields of science, technology, and public service. Carrozza, currently serving as the President of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), was recognized for her groundbreaking work and outstanding leadership in the pursuit of scientific advancements. The Emmy Noether Lecture Award is an accolade which will be presented yearly to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary achievements in the fields of physics and engineering, embodying the spirit of innovation, determination, and societal impact. Named after the pioneering German mathematician Emmy Noether, the award serves as a testament to the recipient’s outstanding intellectual contributions. Carrozza’s illustrious career spans both academia and public service, where she has consistently pushed the boundaries of scientific research while working tirelessly to translate her discoveries into tangible benefits for society. As the President of the CNR, she has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government to drive innovation and stimulate economic growth. Throughout her career, Carrozza has made significant breakthroughs in the field of robotics and assistive technologies, revolutionising the way we understand human-machine interactions and providing novel solutions to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Her research has paved the way for advancements in neuroprosthetics, wearable robotics, and rehabilitation engineering, earning her international recognition and acclaim. Carrozza’s exceptional leadership skills and passion for knowledge dissemination have also been instrumental in shaping science and technology policies at both national and international levels. Her previous role as the Italian Minister of Education, University, and Research allowed her to promote scientific literacy and establish strategic partnerships to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Upon receiving the prestigious Emmy Noether Lecture Award, Carrozza expressed her deep gratitude and emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing the complex challenges of our time. The ceremony at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice was attended by the Rector of the University Tiziana Lippiello, the Director of the Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems Maurizio Selva and by the renowned physicist and SuperVenice member Guido Caldarelli, who gave a short lecture on the Noether’s theorem. The session was chaired by the coordinator of the Engineering Physics course Stefano Bonetti. Through a journey across her past activities in the world of science and technology, Carrozza emphasised the role of research institutions and universities in driving technological advancements and nurturing the next generation of innovators. The conferral of the Emmy Noether Lecture Award upon Maria Chiara Carrozza not only celebrates her remarkable achievements but also inspires aspiring female researchers and young minds to pursue scientific excellence and contribute to the betterment of society. Her commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and harnessing technology for the greater good serves as an exemplary model for generations to come.