Claude Fermon is currently directing the Nanomagnetism and Oxide Laboratory in CEA, France. After an education at the Ecole Normale Superieure and in the University of Paris VI, France, he has obtained a PhD in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance. His interest is focused on nanomagnetism, spin dynamics in nanometric objects, spin-dependent electronic transport in nanostructures, biomagnetism and spin electronics based magnetic sensors.
Dr. Claude Fermon has received a number of awards, among them the A. Abragam price for the development of neutron reflectivity methods and the A. Poirson price for the development of ultra-sensitive magnetic sensors. He has published more than 130 papers, one book, a number of book chapters and 22 patents.

Marcel Van de Voorde has 40 years` experience in European Research Organisations including CERN-Geneva, European Commission, with 10 years at the Max Planck Institute in Stuttgart, Germany. For many years, he was involved in research and research strategies, policy and management, especially in European research institutions. He holds a Professorship at the University of Technology in Delft, the Netherlands, as well as multiple visiting professorships in Europe and worldwide. He holds a doctor honoris causa and various honorary Professorships.
He is senator of the European Academy for Sciences and Arts, in Salzburg and Fellow of the World Academy for Sciences. He is a Fellow of various scientific societies and has been decorated by the Belgian King. He has authored of multiple scientific and technical publications and co-edited multiple books in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.