Prof. Paul van Loosdrecht's research interests include the fundamental properties of complex matter and the optical manipulation of molecular and complex systems using advanced linear and nonlinear spectroscopies. His current research is focused on non-equilibrium material physics and the influence of spin-orbit coupling, correlations, and topology on the physical properties of novel quantum materials. Prof. van Loosdrecht has held several academic leadership roles, including serving as Dean of the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Cologne. He is the founder and leader of the research center for Control and Dynamics of Quantum Materials at the Institute of Physics, University of Cologne.