Michal Vališka from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University has been awarded the Neuron Prize for promising scientists in physics by the Neuron Foundation and has also secured the highly competitive Junior Star grant from the Czech Science Foundation. These distinctions recognise his research in the field of quantum materials, particularly the study of unconventional and topological superconductors based on exceptionally pure single crystals. His work contributes to the understanding of complex electronic states in solids, including phenomena linked to symmetry breaking and topology, which are central to modern condensed matter physics.
A key component enabling this research is access to advanced experimental infrastructure provided by the Materials Growth & Measurement Laboratory. The investigation of ultraclean superconductors requires precise control of sample quality and the ability to probe physical properties under extreme conditions, including low temperatures, high magnetic fields, and applied pressure. These capabilities are essential for identifying exotic quantum states such as those potentially hosting Majorana fermions, which are of interest for future quantum technologies. The Junior Star project “STiUS: Symmetry and Topology in Ultraclean Superconductors” will further expand this research, leveraging the open-access environment of MGML to pursue high-impact discoveries. These achievements illustrate how state-of-the-art infrastructure supports both scientific excellence and the development of independent research careers.