Meet the 2023 Science & Technology Award Recipients
September 27, 2024
The Science & Technology Awards are presented to recognize distinguished contributions to the Laboratory's science and technology objectives. The 2023 recipients were:
Valentina Bisogni, National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS-II)
The Science and Technology Award was granted to Lead Beamline Scientist Valentina Bisogni for her exceptional contributions to Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS) research. Valentina’s work spans crucial studies on spin excitations in materials, including unconventional superconductors and nickelates. Her research has significantly advanced the understanding of magnetic materials and she has been recognized with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Early Career Research Award.
As the Lead Beamline Scientist for the SIX beamline, Valentina developed the instrument to have the highest resolution in the world and in doing so put the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) on the map for this technique. As part of this she led a team that developed a complex mechanical device, called the "Triple Rotating Flange," which allows a 15 meter long vacuum pipe to swing through 120 degrees without breaking vacuum. This and specialized sample environment capabilities establish SIX as the premier beamline in the world for these measurements, and it is one of the most oversubscribed instruments at NSLS-II as a result, attracting impactful experiments in energy and quantum information science from the best researchers in the field. This award acknowledges Valentina Bisogni's exceptional achievements, leadership, and the significant benefits her work brings to Brookhaven.
Congratulations Valentina!
Steven Kettell, Physics Department
Steven Kettell, a distinguished scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, received the Science and Technology Award for his significant contributions to kaon and neutrino experiments. His work at the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron E787/E949 and in the Daya Bay experiment marked key advancements, including the observation of a rare particle decay and precise measurement of a neutrino mixing angle. (The neutrino mixing angle is a measure of how fast one neutrino changes into another type of neutrino and is really important to our understanding of these fascinating particles.)
In addition to his research, Steven played a leading role in developing the DUNE long baseline neutrino experiment. Importantly, he managed international collaborations, oversaw prototype construction and installations, and navigated challenges, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His achievements, spanning over three decades, demonstrate outstanding leadership and innovation. Steven’s efforts positioned Brookhaven Laboratory as a leader in particle physics, attracting significant funding and fostering collaborations. This award recognizes his exceptional contributions, leadership, and enduring impact on advancing scientific capabilities.
Congratulations Steven!
Bjoern Schenke, Physics Department
Bjoern Schenke, a senior scientist in the Physics Department, received the 2023 Science and Technology Award for his groundbreaking contributions to hydrodynamic modeling, significantly impacting nuclear physics. Hydrodynamics is the study of liquids, which Bjoern applied to the flow of matter during the very intense collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC).
He developed a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model, incorporating realistic initial conditions and fluctuations inside the nucleon, based on gluon saturation, that has revolutionized our understanding of heavy ion collisions. This model, essential for interpreting RHIC experimental data, addresses challenges in proton-neutron and proton-proton collisions, showcasing its versatility.
Bjoern’s innovative approach to initial conditions for hydrodynamics establishes a crucial link between the physics of nucleon structure (which is what we are trying to understand) and the heavy ion collisions (which is what we see). The connection Bjoern made offers unique insights into those nucleons and has far-reaching implications.
With 192 papers and close to 13,000 citations, Bjoern’s influential publication record underscores his impact. His leadership roles, including principal investigator for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) collaboration "Saturated Glue" and vice-chair of the APS Topical Group for Hadron Physics, highlight his leadership beyond research.
The benefit of Bjoern Schenke's achievements at Brookhaven Lab are profound, enhancing the RHIC physics program and providing a valuable foundation for future research at the Electron Ion Collider (EIC).
Congratulations Bjoern!
Aihong Tang, Physics Department
Aihong Tang, also of the Physics Department, received the 2023 Science and Technology Award for outstanding contributions to the STAR collaboration and for his pioneering research in relativistic heavy ion collisions. Aihong's leadership in the STAR Collaboration played a crucial role in scientific discoveries that have come from that collaboration. In particular, his innovative use of the cumulant method for flow measurements at RHIC, which initially was met with skepticism, is now a standard widely adopted in the scientific community.
Aihong's visionary leadership in the High-Level Trigger project for the STAR experiment revolutionized data analysis, enabling instant availability of track momentum vectors. This led to groundbreaking discoveries, including the observation of the anti-alpha nucleus. Aihong's pioneering work on antimatter, particularly the discovery that the force between anti-protons is attractive, gained global attention and was published in Nature.
His recent study on global spin alignment in heavy-ion collisions, published in Nature, has sparked intense scientific discourse, advancing our understanding of complex phenomena.
Aihong Tang's recognized achievements, with over 5,000 citations, significantly contribute to the understanding of correlation and fluctuations in heavy ion collisions, making him a deserving recipient of the Science and Technology Award.
Congratulations Aihong!
Jim Wishart, Chemistry Department
The Science and Technology Award was also presented to Jim Wishart, a distinguished chemist at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Jim’s groundbreaking work in radiation chemistry , particularly in the development of the Laser Electron Accelerator Facility (LEAF), has earned him international acclaim. LEAF, under his leadership, has become the world's foremost center for pulse radiolysis studies. With this technique you shine high energy electrons at a chemical to look at really short lived excited states, which cannot be studied any other way.
Jim has established a pioneering radiation chemistry program for studying ionic liquids, inspiring similar initiatives globally. His leadership in the Molten Salts in Extreme Environments Energy Frontier Research Center reflects his dedication to cutting-edge research. Molten salts are of interest because they can be used in nuclear reactors to make them much safer than water cooled reactors. Also his inclusive collaborations with diverse institutions showcase a commitment to advancing science for all.
Congratulations Jim!
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