Bar Ilan University - Israel
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Gilbert Daniel Nessim began his academic journey at Politecnico di Milano in Italy, where he earned his M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering in 1993. He continued his education at Ecole Centrale Paris in France, obtaining another M.Sc. in Engineering in 1991. Following this, he pursued Opto-electronic Engineering at Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI) and earned a pre-Ph.D. qualification in 1991. His academic pursuits also led him to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Fontainebleau, France, in 1994.
Subsequently, he pursued a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 2004 to 2009. His doctoral thesis focused on the synthesis of carbon nanotubes for integrated circuit interconnects under the guidance of Prof. Carl V. Thompson.
Professional Endeavors
Before pursuing his Ph.D. at MIT, Prof. Nessim accumulated 12 years of innovation and product development experience in the technology sector in the USA and Europe. Notable roles included Director of Research & Development at Boston Group Development Inc. and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at 613 Technologies. His responsibilities involved leading technology-related activities, patent submissions, due diligence for technology start-ups, and managing wireless surveillance start-ups.
He also served as Managing Consultant at PA Consulting Group, Director of Business Development at Mobilee, and Senior Manager of Product Development at Pittiglio, Rabin, Todd & McGrath (PRTM). His expertise in improving operational strategies and processes had a significant impact on clients in various industries.
As an R&D Engineer and Project Manager at Otis Elevator Company, Prof. Nessim contributed to the development and implementation of an innovative infrared electronic detector for elevator doors.
Contributions and Research Focus
After completing his Ph.D., Prof. Nessim transitioned to academia and has been a prominent figure in the field of nanotechnology. His research focus, as evident from his academic positions, revolves around the synthesis of 1D and 2D nanostructures, particularly carbon nanotubes.
He has made substantial contributions to the scientific community through his involvement in the Israel Vacuum Society (IVS), where he served as the President from 2020 to 2023 and currently as a board member. Prof. Nessim organized various conferences, workshops, and initiated webinar series, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in nanomaterials.
Accolades and Recognition
Prof. Nessim's leadership and organizational skills are evident in the success of the IVS conferences and workshops he spearheaded. His efforts in leading the IVS student conference, annual conferences, and the Israel-Italy workshop have been noteworthy, attracting significant participation.
He also served as a visiting professor at the University of Bergamo, delivering a one-week course as an invited professor. His expertise in nanotechnologies and nanostructure synthesis has been acknowledged in various academic settings.
Impact and Influence
Prof. Nessim's impact extends beyond his academic roles, as seen in his leadership in technology firms, his contributions to product development, and his engagements with international scientific societies. His work in improving operational strategies for major companies and his contributions to elevator technology demonstrate his influence on industry practices.
As the President of the IVS, he played a crucial role in expanding the society's activities, organizing conferences, and fostering collaborations in the field of nanomaterials.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Prof. Nessim's legacy is marked by his multidimensional contributions - from industry innovation to academic leadership. His research in nanotechnology, especially in carbon nanotubes, has left a lasting impact on the field. His dedication to promoting scientific activities through IVS and international collaborations sets the stage for future advancements in nanomaterials.
Looking forward, it is anticipated that Prof. Nessim will continue to contribute significantly to the field of nanotechnology, mentoring future scientists, and fostering collaborative initiatives in both academic and industrial spheres.
Notable Publications