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University of Bern establishes new endowed lectureship in molecular quantum materials

Tech

14 October 2024

The University of Bern, with the support of entrepreneur Walter Inäbnit, has established a new endowed professorship focusing on the development of energy-loss-free materials in electronics. The position will be held by PD Dr. Shi-Xia Liu at the W. Inäbnit Laboratory for Molecular Quantum Materials. The professorship will strengthen Bern’s position in quantum-based research and positions the University of Bern as a leader in the development of innovative materials for the future of energy-efficient electronics.

The University of Bern, with the support of entrepreneur Walter Inäbnit, has established a new endowed professorship focusing on the development of energy-loss-free materials in electronics. The position will be held by PD Dr. Shi-Xia Liu at the W. Inäbnit Laboratory for Molecular Quantum Materials.

The University of Bern has announced the creation of a new endowed professorship in molecular quantum materials, supported by Bernese entrepreneur Walter Inäbnit. The initiative, based at the recently opened W. Inäbnit Laboratory for Molecular Quantum Materials, aims to advance research into materials that could eliminate energy loss in electronics. PD Dr. Shi-Xia Liu, a researcher at the University of Bern since 2004, will lead the scientific project.

As energy costs and demand continue to rise due to digitalization, the development of energy-loss-free electronics has become critical. Devices with no electronic resistance or energy loss would run continuously without overheating, addressing a major challenge in areas such as artificial intelligence where energy consumption is skyrocketing. The endowed professorship at the University of Bern aims to tackle this problem by developing new classes of materials that could revolutionize electronics.

Walter Inäbnit, the benefactor behind the professorship, has donated CHF 2 million over ten years to support this groundbreaking research. His contributions have supported several scientific endeavors at the University of Bern, including the stem cell platform and a new laser laboratory. Inäbnit emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, as the project will involve partnerships with the University of Basel and other international institutions.

Dr. Shi-Xia Liu’s research will focus on topological quantum materials, which have unique properties such as resistance to external perturbations. Her team will develop atomically thin materials similar to graphene, which could lead to lossless superconducting electronics and more efficient quantum computers. This work will help advance Switzerland’s role as a hub for quantum research.