On 12 September 2025, Wenfeng Liu successfully defended his PhD cum laude at the University of Amsterdam, under the supervision of Dr. Corentin Coulais. This highest academic distinction highlights Wenfeng’s outstanding contributions to the field of metamaterials.
He was also awarded the prestigious NWO Rubicon grant, which will allow him to continue his scientific career at Harvard University, where he will explore how pressurized shells can be designed to deform in controlled, sequential steps rather than collapsing catastrophically.
Wenfeng’s doctoral research was part of the M2i project funded by NWO “Dissipative Metamaterials”, led by Dr. Coulais at UvA. Within this project, he investigated how metamaterials—engineered materials whose properties are defined by their architecture rather than their composition—can be designed to not only withstand loads but also efficiently dissipate shocks and vibrations. His work bridged fundamental science with industrial relevance, involving collaboration with Tata Steel and ATG Europe, and opening applications ranging from lighter crash absorbers in electric vehicles to shock dampers in aerospace structures.
The impact of his research extends beyond academia. Wenfeng’s findings have led to a patent application and the creation of a new start-up company, Metamaterial Works, founded together with Bernard Ennis of Tata Steel. The company aims to translate his discoveries into real-world solutions for industries facing urgent challenges in safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
The Materials innovation institute M2i warmly congratulates Wenfeng and his supervisor Corentin Coulais on these remarkable achievements. Their joint efforts demonstrate the power of combining cutting-edge science with industrial engagement. With his cum laude distinction, Rubicon grant, patent application, and new start-up, Wenfeng is now set on a highly promising international career path that will take him from Amsterdam to Harvard and beyond.