Patrick Soukiassian is Professor of Physics at the University of Paris-Sud/Orsay and Head of the SIMA Laboratory at CEA/Saclay (Atomic Energy Commission) France. Previously, he was Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and at Northen Illinois Universtity in the U.S.A., and associate Professor at the University of Reims-Champagne-Ardennes. He attained a PhD in Physics at the University of Paris-Sud/Orsay and a PhD in Electron Optics at the University of Reims-Champagne-Ardennes. He is also the President of the STAR (Science, Advanced Technology and Research) non-profit organization and he serves as Editorial Board Member on Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics and Surface Review and Letters.
He investigates the structure, properties and nanochemistry of semiconductor surfaces, interfaces and nano-objects, in particular those of silicon carbide, using near-field scanning probe microscopy/spectroscopy and synchrotron radiation-based techniques. This research has lead to the discovery of novel surface/interface properties, and nano-objects with unprecedented characteristics.

The Prize ceremony, followed by a plenary lecture, will take place on Friday, August 24, 2007.