Wim Bras
About Wim Bras
Wim Bras is a Research Scientist currently serving as the Director of the Soft Condensed Matter and Biology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He has extensive experience in synchrotron radiation and time-resolved X-ray scattering, with a career spanning over three decades in various international research facilities.
Current Role at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Wim Bras currently serves as a Research Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he has been employed since 2018. In this role, he also holds the position of Director of the Soft Condensed Matter and Biology Division within the Neutron Sciences Directorate. His responsibilities include overseeing research initiatives and leading projects that focus on the application of neutron scattering techniques in various scientific domains.
Previous Experience at Research Institutions
Wim Bras has a substantial background in research, having worked for 28 years at the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, where he specialized in synchrotron radiation. He was a Project Leader for the Dutch Belgian beam lines at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, from 2002 to 2016. Additionally, he spent 11 years as a visiting scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and contributed to advanced research projects at AMOLF in Amsterdam for 2 years.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Wim Bras studied at the University of Groningen, where he focused on Experimental Physics and earned his drs degree from 1976 to 1986. He later pursued a PhD in Biophysics at Liverpool John Moores University from 1992 to 1998. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his research in materials science and physics.
Research Specialization and Focus Areas
Wim Bras specializes in time-resolved X-ray scattering and spectroscopy, with significant expertise in managing various sample environments, including external fields and temperature variations. His research primarily focuses on materials such as glass ceramics and polymers, particularly in relation to crystallization processes. This specialization highlights his contributions to advancing knowledge in materials science.
Professional Recognition and Affiliations
Wim Bras has been recognized as a Fellow of the Institute of Physics in the UK, which reflects his standing and contributions to the field of physics. His extensive experience at international research facilities, including 20 years at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, underscores his influence and commitment to advancing scientific research.