Kalyan Biswas, new postdoctoral researcher in the ESISNA group with with Carlos Sánchez Sánchez y José Ángel Martín Gago

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Kalyan Biswas is one of the new postdoctoral researchers that have joined the ICMM last 1st September. He brings a great expertise in molecular magnetism and surface science and will be working in the ESISNA group with Carlos Sánchez Sánchez, José Ángel Martín Gago and their group.

Where do you come from?
I am originally from India. In 2016, I moved to Europe to pursue an Erasmus master’s in France and Germany. After completing that, I came to Spain to do my PhD at IMDEA Nanociencia (Madrid). Over the years, Spain has really become like my second home, I feel very connected to both the culture and the research community here.

What have you worked on so far?
My research interests are on-surface synthesis of low-dimensional organic nanostructures under ultra-high vacuum conditions. So far, my work has focused on functional nanomaterials studied with scanning probe microscopy and surface science techniques. During my PhD and first postdoctoral position at IMDEA Nanociencia, I investigated the emergence of π-magnetism in carbon-based nanostructures fabricated by on-surface synthesis.

After that, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher in Donostia at CIC nanoGUNE, exploring molecular magnetism on ferromagnetic and superconducting surfaces. Having now completed that postdoctoral position, I am excited to move on to the next stage of my career at ICMM.

What will you work on? With whom?
During my stay at ICMM, I will be working with Dr. Carlos Sánchez Sánchez, Prof. José Ángel Martín-Gago and their group. We will explore the on-surface synthesis and characterization of different organic entities exhibiting π-magnetism and chirality, ranging from zero-dimensional nanographenes to one-dimensional polymers and two-dimensional networks. This work connects strongly with my expertise in molecular magnetism and surface science, while also providing exciting new directions to expand my research skills and scientific knowledge. I have recently been awarded a Juan de la Cierva fellowship, which I expect will start in January 2026.

Why ICMM?

I first met Dr. Carlos Sánchez Sánchez a few years ago during a conference and also at the time of my PhD defense, and since then I have been very interested in working with him. His expertise in on-surface synthesis and my curiosity to explore π-magnetism make this collaboration a perfect match. In addition, ICMM offers an excellent environment with a strong focus on materials science experiments. The ESISNA group, in particular, is highly interdisciplinary and serves as a scientific hub bringing together different surface science techniques. For me, this diversity and collaborative spirit make ICMM the ideal place to continue my research, and I am very excited to become part of such a vibrant community.

And a personal touch: any hobbies? What would you like to contribute to the institute?
Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking, going to the gym, and bicycling, as well as traveling to discover new places. 
What I would like to contribute to ICMM is not only my scientific expertise, but also my international perspective and collaborative mindset. Having studied and worked across different countries, I truly value teamwork and cultural exchange, and I hope to strengthen those aspects within the institute.