Dr. Phaedon Avouris is a distinguished chemical physicist and materials scientist renowned for his pioneering contributions to nanoscience and nanotechnology. Born in Athens, Greece in 1945, he earned his BSc in chemistry from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 1968 and completed his PhD in physical chemistry at Michigan State University in 1974. Following postdoctoral work at UCLA and AT&T Bell Labs, he joined IBM Research Division in 1978, where he established himself as a leader in the field of nanoscale science. Dr. Avouris currently serves as an IBM Fellow and group leader for the Nanometer Scale Science and Technology Group at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, positions representing the highest technical achievement within the company.
Dr. Avouris's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed the understanding and application of carbon-based nanomaterials in electronic and photonic devices. His experimental and theoretical studies on carbon nanotubes and graphene have revealed their extraordinary potential for next-generation computing technologies, demonstrating how these materials could potentially surpass traditional silicon-based transistors. His work has been instrumental in establishing the scientific foundation for molecular electronics and has catalyzed a global research effort into carbon-based nanoelectronics, with profound implications for future computing architectures. The impact of his contributions extends beyond academia, influencing the strategic research directions of major technology companies worldwide and establishing critical knowledge frameworks for future nanoscale device development.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Avouris has played a pivotal role in shaping the field of nanotechnology through his leadership and mentorship, guiding numerous researchers who have gone on to establish their own successful careers in academia and industry. His election to the National Academy of Sciences in 2017 and recognition as a corresponding member of the Academy of Athens underscore his standing as one of the field's most influential figures. Dr. Avouris continues to explore the frontiers of nanoscale science, investigating emerging applications of two-dimensional materials and hybrid nanostructures for advanced electronic and optoelectronic systems. His ongoing work remains at the cutting edge of materials science, bridging fundamental physics with practical technological applications to address the evolving challenges of modern computing and electronics.
