Carlos Silva Acuña Appointed to CCA Expert Panel on Advanced Materials Innovation in Canada

We are proud to share that Carlos Silva Acuña, holder of the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Light-Matter Interactions (CERC-LM), Professor in the Department of Physics at Université de Montréal, and Director of the Institut Courtois, has been appointed to the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) Expert Panel on Advanced Materials Innovation in Canada.

The multidisciplinary panel brings together experts from academia, research and innovation, public policy, technology commercialization, and industry to examine Canada’s position in the rapidly evolving field of advanced materials. The assessment, undertaken at the request of the National Research Council of Canada, will address an important question: What is the current state of the advanced materials ecosystem in Canada, and how can Canada position itself to prosper from the growing global demand for advanced materials?

Advanced materials are increasingly contributing to economic growth, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability. Canada has an opportunity to build on its research strengths and critical mineral resources to pursue emerging opportunities, strengthen supply chains, and reduce reliance on foreign sources of strategically important resources.

Through his participation in the panel, Carlos Silva Acuña will contribute his expertise to an independent, evidence-based assessment intended to provide Canadian decision-makers with knowledge and insight into this strategically important sector.

This appointment is a wonderful recognition of Carlos Silva Acuña’s scientific expertise and leadership, and we are delighted to see the CERC-LM represented in this important national conversation on the future of advanced materials innovation in Canada.

The CERC-LM community warmly congratulates Carlos Silva Acuña on this distinguished appointment and wishes him and his fellow panel members every success in this important undertaking.

The panel’s assessment is expected to result in a final report in 2027.

🔗 Learn more about the Expert Panel and its mandate

CERC-LM Writing Retreat 2026 Brings Researchers Together for Two Productive Days

On June 29–30, members of the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Light–Matter Interactions (CERC-LM) gathered at the MIL campus in Montréal for the 2026 Writing Retreat, an event dedicated to advancing research projects while strengthening connections across the CERC community.

CERC-LM members participating in focused writing sessions during the 2026 Writing Retreat.

Over two days, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and team members participated in structured writing sessions designed to support focused work on scientific manuscripts, thesis chapters, research proposals, and other academic projects. The retreat provided a dedicated environment free from everyday distractions, allowing participants to make meaningful progress on their writing goals.

Beyond individual productivity, the event fostered collaboration and peer support. Regular breaks and informal discussions created opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, share writing strategies, and learn from one another’s experiences. Wellness activities, including yoga sessions led by a member of the group, helped promote balance and maintain energy throughout the retreat.

Participants enjoyed a supportive environment designed to foster productivity and well-being.

The event also highlighted the strong community spirit of CERC-LM. Participants worked together to organize meals and refreshments, contributing homemade snacks and helping with the setup and smooth running of the retreat. This collective effort contributed to a welcoming and supportive atmosphere that reflected the collaborative values of the research community.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that the shared writing environment encouraged focus, accountability, and motivation. The retreat demonstrated the value of creating dedicated opportunities for researchers to advance their work while building stronger professional connections.

CERC-LM thanks everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this year’s Writing Retreat and looks forward to future editions of this initiative. A special thank you to Mirjam Fines-Neuschild, Principal Coordinator, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in the success of the 2026 CERC-LM Writing Retreat.

Geometric Response in Open Quantum Systems: Coherence, Curvature, and Susceptibility

A new preprint by Eric R. Bittner and Carlos Silva-Acuña of the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Light-Matter Interactions (CERC-LM) explores the geometric foundations of response in open quantum systems. In“Geometric Response in Open Quantum Systems: Coherence, Curvature, and Susceptibility”. This work introduces a response-geometric framework for open quantum systems, revealing how coherence, curvature, and susceptibility shape both reciprocal and nonreciprocal responses in nonequilibrium quantum environments. The study identifies geometric work as a measurable signature of nonreciprocal behavior, providing new insights into the geometry of quantum response.

Preprint available in arXiv

Liouvillian Geometry of Multidimensional Spectra: Pathway Transport and Observational Holonomy in Open Quantum Systems

Congratulations to Eric R. Bittner, Carlos Silva-Acuña, and Hao Li, members of the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Light-Matter Interactions (CERC-LM), on their new publication:“Liouvillian Geometry of Multidimensional Spectra: Pathway Transport and Observational Holonomy in Open Quantum Systems.” The work introduces a novel geometric framework for understanding pathway transport and spectral signatures in open quantum systems, offering new insights into nonlinear spectroscopy.

Preprint available in arXiv

Welcoming New Core Team Members to the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Light‑Matter Interactions

We are delighted to announce the expansion of the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Light‑Matter Interactions (CERC‑LM) core team with the addition of three outstanding researchers: Prof. David Cooke (McGill University), Prof. Saurabh Maiti (Concordia University), and Prof. Pascale Caïdor (Université de Montréal).

Their diverse expertise will significantly strengthen our interdisciplinary mission to advance research at the frontier of light–matter interactions.

Prof. David Cooke brings world-class leadership in experimental physics, with a focus on ultrafast terahertz spectroscopy and advanced measurement techniques. His work will enhance our capacity to experimentally probe and understand dynamic processes in quantum materials at unprecedented timescales, supporting the development of innovative photonic and electronic systems.

Prof. Saurabh Maiti contributes deep expertise in theoretical condensed matter physics. His research on superconductivity, quantum many-body systems, and emergent electronic phenomena will provide critical theoretical frameworks to guide and interpret experimental discoveries within the CERC‑LM, enabling the prediction of new quantum states and functionalities.

Prof. Pascale Caïdor adds a vital dimension to our team through her work in communication, organizational studies, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Her research on the role of communication in addressing inequalities and driving organizational change will help strengthen the governance, inclusivity, and societal impact of our research initiatives, ensuring that our scientific advancements are aligned with responsible and inclusive practices.

Together, these three scholars reinforce the CERC‑LM’s commitment to excellence by integrating experimental innovation, theoretical insight, and social responsibility. We are excited to welcome them and look forward to the impactful collaborations and breakthroughs that will emerge from their contributions.

04 January 2027

Quantum Frontiers in Molecular Science 2027

Marcos Moshinsky auditorium of the Institute of Nuclear Sciences (ICN),
Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Mexico, Mexico D.C. 04510 Mexico

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14 December 2026

Workshop on Molecular Quantum Technologies (MQT 2026)

Dreams Hotel, Puerto Varas, Chile,
Del Salvador 21, 5550206 Puerto Varas, Los Lagos, Chile
Puerto Varas, Chile

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