The objective of my research is to provide a better understanding of fundamental principles and mechanisms involved in the chemistry and physics of surfaces. This interest stems from a need for understanding the fundamental properties of materials in sufficient detail to be able to improve device performances for a variety of technological applications. This can be addressed by the use of scanning probe microscopies (STM, AFM) yielding high-resolution and real-space information on surface phenomena, supported by theoretical calculations (DFT). Strategies are devised to properly interrogate relevant systems at the atomic scale. For instance, surface nano-engineering is investigated with the aim of delivering concepts that can be used for the development of new devices used in, e.g., heterogeneous catalysis, photo-catalysis, molecular electronics and architectures. Our application of ultra-microscopy aims at going beyond the traditional use (i.e. high-magnification topography) of such instrumentation by achieving the following: (1) local electronic and vibrational spectroscopy (STS and IETS) of single atoms/molecules; (2) atomic and molecular manipulation; (3) fast-acquisition (several tens of images per second) towards resolving dynamics at surfaces; and (4) high-pressure measurements towards meaningful studies at the gas/solid interface (UHV-based).  For more information please see our group website.