Francesco M. D. PELLEGRINO
I work as an Associate Professor of Condensed Matter Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy "Ettore Majorana", University of Catania, Italy.
I earned the Ph.D in Matter Physics (Scienze Fisiche della Materia) from the University of Roma Tre in 2013, presenting a thesis on the electronic properties of strained graphene. Before this, I completed my Master's Degree in Physics at the University of Catania in 2009, graduating with top honors.
My research focuses on the theoretical Physics of Condensed Matter, with particular emphasis on low-dimensional solid-state systems. My work extensively explores the electronic and optical properties of graphene and related materials, bridging fundamental physics with application in novel device technologies. Over the years, I collaborated with various international experimental groups, such as A. Geim's group in Manchester. My contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the "Alfredo di Braccio" awards from the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei in 2013 and the "Giuliano Preparata" awards from the Società Italiana della Fisica in 2012.
Throughout my career, I have held several academic positions, including postdoctoral fellowships at institutions such as Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa and the National Research Council's Institute for Nanoscience. I joined the University of Catania as a fixed-term Assistant Professor in 2018, progressed to a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in 2019, and was appointed Associate Professor in 2023.
Education
- 2013 Ph.D. in Matter Physics (Scienze Fisiche della Materia), University of Roma 3. Discussion of the thesis “Electronic properties of strained graphene”.
- 2009 Master’s Degree in Physics, University of Catania, obtained with the mark 110/110 cum laude.
Professional Experience
- April 2023 - Associate Professor at Dept of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania (Italy)
- April 2020 - Tenure Track Assistant Professor at Dept of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania (Italy)
- February 2018 - Fixed Term Assistant Professor at Dept of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania (Italy)
- March 2017 - Postdoctoral fellowship at Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa (Italy)
- March 2016 - Postdoctoral fellowship at CNR - Istituto Nazionale di Nanoscienze, Pisa (Italy)
- January 2016 - Postdoctoral fellowship at CSFNSM - Dept of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania (Italy)
- January 2013 - Postdoctoral fellowship at Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa (Italy)
- July 2009 - Research fellowship at Dept of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania (Italy)
Prizes and Habilitation
- 2019 - "Giovan Pietro Grimaldi" Award of the Accademia Gioenia.
- 2013 - "Alfredo di Braccio" Award of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Young Scientist prize in physics.
- 2012 - "Giuliano Preparata" Award of the Italian Society of Physics (SIF), for "his theoretical research about graphene, in particular about the effects of impurities and strain on its electronic and transport properties".
- Italian National Scientific Habilitation (ASN) as an associated professor in THEORETICAL PHYSICS OF MATTER (02/B2) (expiry date 05/12/2028).
- Italian National Scientific Habilitation (ASN) as a full professor in THEORETICAL PHYSICS OF MATTER (02/B2) (expiry date 11/11/2031).
- Italian National Scientific Habilitation (ASN) as a full professor in THEORETICAL PHYSICS OF FUNDAMENTAL INTERACTIONS (02/A2) (expiry date 09/11/2031).
Scientific Association
- INFN Sezione di Catania
Last Update 31/03/2025
My research interests concern the theoretical physics of condensed matter, particularly low-dimensional solid-state systems. Most of my research activity has focused on studying the electronic and optical properties of graphene and graphene-related compounds, addressed to both fundamental physics and applied physics for new devices. Over the years, I have developed good analytical and numerical skills and frequently supported theoretically different international experimental groups.
Local Principal Investigator (PI):
- “National Quantum Science and Technology Institute” - Spoke 5 “Electron-based platform for quantum technologies”;
- PRIN 2022 "Solid State Quantum Batteries: Characterization and Optimization (SoS-QuBa)" (co-PI);
- PRIN PNRR "ENTANGLE- thErmoplasmonic quaNtum maTerials-enhanced seawAter miniNG for circular bLue Economy";
- "QUantum devices based on grAPHENE and related compounds (QUAPHENE)", Linea di Intervento 3 “Starting Grant”, PIACERI 2020/2022 - funded by Università degli Studi di Catania.
I am involved in scientific dissemination events, such as Pint of Science, Italian Quantum Weeks and the European Researchers' Night.