Paul Scheck | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Paul Scheck | Physics | Best Researcher Award

HTBLA Hallstatt, Austria

Paul Scheck is an emerging professional in the field of interior architecture, wood technologies, and restoration techniques. With a solid educational foundation from HTBLA Hallstatt and practical experience in both technical drawing and hands-on woodworking, Paul bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern digital design. His expertise spans across architectural drafting, BIM software, CNC fabrication, and advanced material applications. Paul’s commitment to preserving historical structures is evident through his specialized trainings in historic window restoration, lime burning, and rammed earth construction. His forthcoming publication on the hygrothermal performance of box windows with insulated inner sashes marks his entry into the research community, focusing on sustainable and historically sensitive construction practices. Additionally, Paul demonstrates a strong drive for continuous learning, evident through his diverse skill set in design software, presentation techniques, and material science tools. While still early in his research journey, Paul shows potential for making significant contributions at the intersection of architectural heritage conservation, building physics, and material innovation. His professional growth is complemented by a passion for creative design, outdoor activities, and a forward-looking attitude toward integrating traditional methods with modern technology.

Professional Profile

Education

Paul Scheck completed his secondary and technical education at HTBLA Hallstatt, focusing on interior architecture, wood technologies, and restoration techniques. The program provided him with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in the areas of furniture design, building conservation, and material applications. He successfully passed his Reife- und Diplomprüfung (graduation and diploma examination), affirming his proficiency in combining design thinking with technical execution. Beyond formal schooling, Paul pursued targeted advanced trainings such as rhetoric and presentation techniques, which enhanced his communication and professional presentation abilities. His specialized courses in historical window restoration at the Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl and lime burning techniques in Gößl reflect a commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Additionally, his hands-on experience with rammed earth construction for the Sternenkinder monument, designed by Anna Herringer, further enriched his education by integrating sustainable materials and traditional craftsmanship. These educational achievements provide a solid foundation for his technical work and emerging research focus, equipping him with both broad competencies and niche expertise in the architectural and construction fields.

Professional Experience

Paul Scheck has gained practical experience across both technical drafting and carpentry, contributing meaningfully to real-world projects. At Planarium GmbH in Gmunden, he worked as a technical draftsman during internships in July 2023 and July 2024, where he developed design concepts through hand sketches and digital tools, created comprehensive submission documents, and produced detailed execution plans using BIM software. His active participation in construction meetings and coordination with project stakeholders demonstrated his ability to bridge the phases of design, approval, and implementation. Prior to this, Paul completed a carpentry internship at Tischlerei Stieger in Bad Goisern, where he gained hands-on experience fabricating and assembling furniture, saunas, and structural woodwork. He demonstrated proficiency in operating machinery, using tools, and supporting on-site installations, honing his craftsmanship and technical problem-solving skills. This combination of design, drafting, and manufacturing experience allows Paul to understand projects holistically, from initial concept through to finished execution. His professional background is further strengthened by his software expertise, covering tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, Fusion360, 3ds Max, CNC programming, and various Adobe applications.

Research Interests

Paul Scheck’s research interests focus on the intersection of building physics, sustainable materials, and architectural conservation. His forthcoming publication on hygrothermal interactions in historic box windows with insulated inner sashes highlights his dedication to understanding the material and environmental performance of traditional construction elements. Paul is particularly interested in how modern interventions can be sensitively applied to heritage structures, ensuring energy efficiency and durability while preserving cultural value. Additionally, his practical exposure to lime burning, rammed earth construction, and the restoration of historic elements shapes his research focus on low-carbon, traditional building materials and their performance in contemporary applications. He is also keen on exploring the integration of digital tools like BIM and life cycle assessment software (such as openLCA) to evaluate and optimize construction methods from both an environmental and a design perspective. Through combining craft knowledge with scientific analysis, Paul aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable architecture, adaptive reuse, and the responsible modernization of historical buildings.

Research Skills

Paul Scheck possesses a well-rounded set of research skills, combining practical material expertise with digital modeling and analytical tools. He is proficient in Autodesk software (Revit, AutoCAD, Fusion360, 3ds Max) and Adobe programs (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), enabling him to create precise technical drawings, renderings, and visual analyses. His familiarity with CNC programming tools (HOPS, AlphaCAM) allows him to prototype and fabricate components accurately, integrating design concepts with manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Paul has experience using environmental assessment software such as openLCA and Topas, which are valuable for conducting life cycle analyses and material performance evaluations. His hands-on knowledge of historic restoration techniques, gained through specialized workshops and practical internships, equips him to design research projects that combine empirical investigation with field application. With English proficiency at B2 level, Paul is able to access and engage with international literature and scientific discussions. These combined research skills position him well for multidisciplinary work in architectural conservation, sustainable construction, and material innovation.

Awards and Honors

While Paul Scheck is still early in his research career, his most notable academic recognition so far is the acceptance of his co-authored publication on box window performance, which will appear in the journal Bauphysik in 2025. This publication represents an important acknowledgment of his technical insights and contribution to research on hygrothermal performance in historical window systems. Beyond formal awards, Paul’s acceptance into specialized training programs, such as the restoration workshop at the Kaiservilla Bad Ischl and the rammed earth project led by renowned architect Anna Herringer, reflects peer recognition of his technical abilities and commitment to heritage conservation. Although he has not yet accumulated a significant record of research awards or competitive honors, his achievements in combining practical experience with emerging research contributions suggest strong future potential. As his career develops, pursuing grant opportunities, research fellowships, or competitive project funding would allow him to build a more substantial honors portfolio aligned with top researcher profiles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Paul Scheck is a promising young professional whose strengths lie in the fusion of technical craftsmanship, digital design, and emerging research in sustainable and heritage-sensitive construction. His educational and professional experiences have provided him with a rare blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skill, and a research-oriented mindset, particularly focused on improving the performance of historical building elements. While his research profile is still developing, with only one publication currently accepted, he shows clear dedication to advancing his expertise and contributing to the field. To fully position himself as a leading researcher eligible for major research awards, Paul would benefit from expanding his research output, leading independent projects, seeking research funding, and deepening his engagement with academic and professional communities. Overall, Paul’s profile reflects a strong foundation and considerable growth potential, suggesting that with time and strategic career development, he can become a significant contributor to architectural conservation research and sustainable building innovations.

Qing-Feng Sun | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Qing-Feng Sun | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Professor from School of Physics, Peking University, China

Prof. Qing-Feng Sun is an internationally renowned physicist specializing in quantum transport phenomena. Currently a professor at the International Center for Quantum Materials (ICQM), Peking University, China, his research spans quantum dots, topological insulators, superconductors, graphene systems, and spin-orbit interactions. He is widely respected for his contributions to understanding fundamental quantum processes and has produced a substantial body of highly cited work in top-tier journals. Prof. Sun has significantly advanced the theoretical understanding of spin currents, quantum Hall effects, and mesoscopic transport systems. His career, marked by early academic excellence and international postdoctoral experience, has positioned him at the forefront of condensed matter research. Over the years, Prof. Sun has actively mentored PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, helping build a strong research community around quantum transport topics. His work not only addresses fundamental physics but also provides theoretical frameworks that may guide future technological innovations in quantum computing, spintronics, and advanced materials. Recognized by several prestigious national awards, Prof. Sun’s standing in the scientific community reflects both the depth and impact of his research. His continued output and leadership make him an exemplary candidate for top research honors, including the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

Education

Prof. Qing-Feng Sun completed all his higher education at Peking University, one of China’s top academic institutions. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics between 1991 and 1995, developing a solid foundation in fundamental physical theories and experimental methods. Building on this, he pursued his doctoral studies at the same university from 1995 to 2000, obtaining a Ph.D. in Physics. During his doctoral work, Prof. Sun focused on condensed matter physics, particularly quantum transport, which would become the central theme of his later career. His Ph.D. research was so distinguished that it earned him the Excellent National Doctoral Dissertation award in 2002, signaling early recognition of his research talents by the Chinese scientific community. This rigorous educational background gave Prof. Sun both the theoretical grounding and research discipline needed to excel in complex and abstract areas of quantum physics. His time at Peking University, a hub for China’s elite scientific minds, positioned him well for postdoctoral work abroad and for a lifelong academic career. His education continues to underpin his innovative contributions to the global field of quantum transport.

Professional Experience

Prof. Qing-Feng Sun’s professional experience reflects both international engagement and long-term academic leadership. After completing his Ph.D. in 2000, he pursued postdoctoral research at McGill University in Canada (2000–2003), where he expanded his expertise and built important international collaborations. Returning to China, he was appointed Professor at the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IoP, CAS) from 2003 to 2013. During this period, he further developed his research profile, producing numerous influential publications and establishing himself as a leading figure in quantum transport. In 2013, he moved to Peking University’s International Center for Quantum Materials (ICQM), where he has continued as a full professor. At ICQM, he leads research teams, mentors doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows, and contributes to China’s rising prominence in condensed matter and quantum materials research. His positions reflect a balance of hands-on research, supervision, and international scientific collaboration. Prof. Sun’s ability to sustain a dynamic and productive research career over more than two decades, across both national and international settings, highlights his resilience, adaptability, and strong academic leadership.

Research Interests

Prof. Qing-Feng Sun’s research interests are centered on quantum transport phenomena, a core topic in condensed matter physics. His work spans quantum dots, topological insulators, superconductors, graphene, spin-orbit coupled systems, and even biomolecular systems like DNA. A common theme across his research is the investigation of how electrons behave under quantum mechanical rules when moving through nanoscale systems or complex materials. He explores the interplay of spin, charge, and quantum coherence, advancing understanding of phenomena like the quantum spin Hall effect, Andreev reflections, persistent spin currents, and spin-selective electron transport. Prof. Sun’s research also connects to key emerging areas, including quantum information processing and spintronics, providing theoretical frameworks that support experimental progress. His interdisciplinary curiosity has led him to explore bio-inspired systems, such as electron transport in DNA helices, reflecting an openness to cross-disciplinary questions. With deep theoretical insights and a focus on explaining experimental observations, Prof. Sun’s research interests place him at the intersection of fundamental physics and future technological innovation. His work continues to shape how the scientific community understands and applies quantum transport phenomena in various cutting-edge fields.

Research Skills

Prof. Qing-Feng Sun possesses advanced research skills in theoretical and computational condensed matter physics. His expertise includes analytical modeling of quantum transport systems, developing and solving complex quantum mechanical equations, and applying advanced mathematical frameworks to explain experimental findings. He is highly skilled in working with quantum dots, graphene, topological insulators, and superconducting systems, understanding the role of spin-orbit coupling, quantum coherence, and dephasing effects. Prof. Sun’s ability to connect theoretical models with experimental realities allows him to propose innovative hypotheses and guide empirical investigations. Beyond technical modeling, he has strong skills in academic writing and scientific communication, producing clear, rigorous, and widely cited publications in leading physics journals. His mentoring experience reflects additional skills in guiding research projects, supervising experimental collaborations, and training young researchers in advanced topics. He also demonstrates strong collaborative abilities, having worked across international research groups and maintained productive partnerships. Altogether, Prof. Sun’s research skills position him as a leading figure capable of driving forward both theoretical breakthroughs and meaningful contributions to the broader scientific community.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Qing-Feng Sun has received several prestigious honors that underscore his excellence and impact in the field of physics. In 2002, he was awarded the Excellent National Doctoral Dissertation, marking national recognition for the exceptional quality of his Ph.D. work. This early achievement set the tone for a career marked by consistent excellence. In 2005, he was named an NSFC Distinguished Young Scholar by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, an honor given to young researchers demonstrating outstanding creativity and potential for long-term impact. Later, in 2013, he was appointed a Cheung Kong Scholar, one of the most prestigious academic titles in China, reflecting his leadership and influential contributions to the country’s scientific landscape. These awards highlight not only Prof. Sun’s individual research achievements but also his broader role in advancing China’s standing in global scientific research. Together, they serve as testament to his sustained innovation, productivity, and reputation in the scientific community. His record of honors reinforces his position as a top-tier candidate for further recognition through international awards like the Best Researcher Award.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prof. Qing-Feng Sun stands out as an exceptional researcher whose career combines deep theoretical insights, a strong publication record, international collaborations, and national recognition. His work on quantum transport has had a significant impact on the global scientific community, offering key advances in understanding quantum coherence, spin transport, and the behavior of complex materials. With a background rooted in rigorous training at Peking University, international postdoctoral experience, and two decades of academic leadership, Prof. Sun has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and innovation. While there is room for even greater interdisciplinary outreach and engagement with applied or technological research, his achievements already firmly establish him as a leader in his field. His numerous awards, high-profile publications, and contributions to mentoring the next generation of physicists reflect a career of sustained excellence. Prof. Sun is unquestionably a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, representing not just personal scientific achievement but also the advancement of physics at both national and international levels.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Nanoscale Polymorph Engineering of Metal-Correlated Insulator Junctions in Monolayer NbSe₂
    Authors: Chen, Yaoyao; Dai, Yixin; Zhang, Yu; Sun, Qingfeng; Wang, Yeliang
    Journal: ACS Nano
    Year: 2025

  2. Title: Superconducting lens and Josephson effect in AA-stacked bilayer graphene
    Authors: Lu, Weitao; Fang, Tiefeng; Sun, Qingfeng
    Journal: Physical Review B
    Year: 2025

  3. Title: Orbital hybridization in graphene-based artificial atoms
    Authors: Mao, Yue; Ren, Huiying; Zhou, Xiaofeng; He, Lin; Sun, Qingfeng
    Journal: Nature
    Year: 2025

  4. Title: Frustration-enhanced persistent currents in correlated trimer nanorings
    Authors: Fang, Tiefeng; Lu, Weitao; Guo, Aimin; Sun, Qingfeng
    Journal: Physical Review B
    Year: 2025

  5. Title: Design of a Josephson diode based on double magnetic impurities
    Authors: Sun, Yufei; Mao, Yue; Sun, Qingfeng
    Journal: Physical Review B
    Year: 2025

  6. Title: Edge supercurrent in Josephson junctions based on topological materials (Review)
    Authors: Qi, Junjie; Chen, Chuizhen; Song, Juntao; Sun, Qingfeng; Xie, Xincheng
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 2

  7. Title: Spin splitting Nernst effect in altermagnets
    Authors: Yi, Xing Jian; Mao, Yue; Lu, Xiancong; Sun, Qingfeng
    Journal: Physical Review B
    Year: 2025

  8. Title: Altermagnetism-induced parity anomaly in weak topological insulators
    Authors: Wan, Yuhao; Sun, Qingfeng
    Journal: Physical Review B
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 1

  9. Title: Tunable Quantum Confinement in Individual Nanoscale Quantum Dots via Interfacial Engineering
    Authors: Ren, Huiying; Mao, Yue; Ren, Yaning; Sun, Qingfeng; He, Lin
    Journal: ACS Nano
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 1

  10. Title: Phase transitions in quantum dot-Majorana zero mode coupling systems (Open access)
    Authors: Mao, Yue; Sun, Qingfeng
    Journal: SciPost Physics Core
    Year: 2025