The 2026 EPS-QEOD Prize for Research in Laser Science and Applications awarded to Carlo Callegari and Kevin Prince

Carlo Callegari leads the Low Density Matter beamline at FERMI. Following his studies at the University of Pisa and Scuola Normale Superiore and a PhD in Chemistry from Princeton University, he contributed to the construction and commissioning of FERMI. His research focuses on the coherent interaction of ionising radiation with atoms and molecules, time-resolved molecular dynamics, and the physics of coherent free-electron laser processes.

Kevin Prince, an Elettra Fellow and researcher at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, has played a key role in the development of beamlines and scientific programmes at both the Elettra synchrotron and the FERMI free-electron laser. His research encompasses the study of the electronic structure of atoms, molecules and surfaces using synchrotron and FEL radiation, with recent work concentrating on ultrafast dynamics and attosecond-resolved interference techniques.

The award recognises contributions made through research activities carried out at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste and its FERMI free-electron laser facility, highlighting the role of these infrastructures in advancing research in laser science and ultrafast phenomena.