Nicholas Kurti Science Prize 2014

The Nicholas Kurti Science Prize 2014, which this year celebrates its 10^th anniversary, has been awarded to Dr. Alexander Ako Khajetoorians from Institute of Applied Physics, University of Hamburg. This prestigious award is sponsored by Oxford Instruments, a leading provider of high technology tools and systems for industry and research.

Dr. Khajetoorians joined the Institute of Applied Physics, University of Hamburg in 2008, following his graduate work in the group of Prof. Chih-Kang Shih at the University of Texas, Austin. He was awarded the prize for the first demonstration of all-spin atomic-scale logic devices as well as the realisation of artificial nanomagnets with tailored properties, based on the fundamental knowledge of the atomic-scale spin-dependent interactions. More recently, Alexander Khajetoorians has begun to explore new materials like topological insulators, as well as address magnetisation dynamics at the atomic scale. He has already published several papers concerning the magnetisation dynamics of single spins coupled to metallic surfaces.

His achievements were recognised by the Gerhard Ertl Young Investigator Award at the spring meeting of the German Physical Society (DPG) in 2012, which is an international award for young researchers recognising significant achievements in the field of surface science. He was also awarded an Emmy Noether Research Group in summer 2013, sponsored by the German Science Foundation (DPG), which he presently leads.

Professor George Pickett of Lancaster University, chairman of the committee of senior scientists who assess the nominations, commented: “The panel have decided to award the prize to Alexander Khajetoorians from a very strong panel of nominees. We were particularly impressed by his pioneering work on the magnetic aspects of nanoscience including spintronics down to the single-atom scale. His work shows much potential for the development of novel devices. The importance of this field has been demonstrated by its high prominence among the work of the prize nominees in recent years.”

The Nicholas Kurti European Science Prize is intended to recognise and promote outstanding achievements of young scientists in the field of physical sciences research and to support their career development. It is named after Professor Nicholas Kurti known for his distinguished work in ultra-low temperature physics at the Clarendon Laboratory, Oxford University. The prize winner receives a €8000 cash prize, a unique trophy and certificate. The winner also has the opportunity to present his work at a conference of his choice.