Professors Cory Dean and Brian Metzger Named Finalists For 2020 Blavatnik National Awards

Cory Dean, PhD (Columbia University) – Cory Dean kicked off a revolution in experimental physics. Working with a unique class of two-dimensional materials called van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure materials—very thin materials made of single atomic layers stacked and held together by weak forces—Dean’s breakthrough experimental techniques sparked a completely new field of study known as “twistronics”. His work has enabled the exploration of new areas in quantum physics, including superconductivity, topology, and magnetism.

Brian Metzger, PhD (Columbia University) – Where does gold come from? Astrophysicist Brian Metzger has found the answer. Metzger’s theoretical predictions correctly mapped the properties of visual flares accompanying binary neutron star mergers that produce gravitational-wave events. In so doing, Metzger made a remarkable scientific discovery: these binary mergers are the Universe’s factories where heavy elements—like gold—are made.

For more information on the 2020 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists please click here.