Third W. H. and W. L. Bragg Prize awarded to Luca Catalano

For pioneering contributions to crystal engineering and lattice dynamics, advancing the understanding and control of structure–property–dynamics relationships in functional molecular crystals.

Luca Catalano is Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy, where he leads the Dynamic Molecular Materials (DynaMoMat) Laboratory. His research centres on crystal engineering and lattice dynamics, with particular emphasis on understanding and controlling structure–property–dynamics relationships in molecular crystalline materials. By integrating single-crystal X-ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy and thermal analysis, he has contributed to elucidating polymorphic phase transitions, mechanical responsiveness and phonon-driven phenomena in functional organic solids.

After completing his PhD in Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the Politecnico di Milano (awarded cum laude), Catalano held postdoctoral and research appointments at leading international institutions, including New York University Abu Dhabi, the University of Liverpool, the Université Libre de Bruxelles (as an MSCA Cofund Fellow) and the University of Rochester, where he currently serves as a Visiting Scientist. His work builds upon early contributions to halogen bonding and has developed towards pioneering studies on dynamic crystals, polymorphism and terahertz lattice dynamics.

Catalano has a publication record comprising of more than 45 peer-reviewed articles in leading international journals and plays an active leadership role within the crystallographic community. Dr Catalano contributes to the community through his role as Topic Editor of Crystal Growth & Design (ACS) and reviewing for IUCrJ. He has a significant record of outreach activities and organises and chairs international symposia dedicated to lattice dynamics and crystal engineering. In 2025, he was awarded the Mario Nardelli Prize of the Italian Crystallographic Association, recognising him as Italy’s leading crystallographer under the age of 40. Through his research and service, he has advanced the integration of crystallography with materials chemistry and solid-state physics, contributing to the development of responsive and sustainable molecular materials.

Dr Catalano will present a Keynote Lecture during the 27th IUCr Congress in Calgary, Canada, in August 2026.

For a list of papers by Luca Catalano appearing in IUCr journals click here.