Charles Desfrancois

Dr. Charles Desfrancois is a CNRS Research Director and Director of the Laser Physics Laboratory (LPL) at Université Paris 13. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Université Paris 6 and an 'Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches' from Université Paris 13. His research focuses on the interface of Physics, Chemistry, and Molecular Biology, particularly biomolecular interactions and structural studies using spectroscopic techniques like IRMPD and mass spectrometry. He has authored over 80 publications (h-index=28) and received the Aimée Cotton Prize (1997). Key roles include Vice President of the Scientific Council (UP13) and leadership in international conferences on biomolecular studies.

Education

• Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan (1980–1984), Agrégation in Physical Sciences (1983)
• M.S. in Physics, Université Paris 11 Orsay (1982)
• Ph.D. in Physics, Université Paris 6 & LPL (1986)
• Habilitation, Université Paris 13 (1995)

Research Interests: His work bridges molecular biology and physical chemistry, with emphasis on gas-phase biomolecular structures, ion interactions, and spectroscopic characterization. Techniques include infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD), mass spectrometry, and laser-based methods to probe biomolecules like peptides, DNA, and antibiotics.

Recent Articles Focus: Recent studies explore gold nanoclusters, ion radiation effects in space environments, and structural transitions of biomolecules between gas and aqueous phases. His work highlights advanced spectroscopic tools for understanding molecular dynamics at the atomic level.

• Awards: Aimée Cotton Prize (1997), organizer of international conferences on biomolecular ions (e.g., Les Houches 2000).
• Grants/Advising: Leads LPL and oversees doctoral studies at Université Paris 13; extensive review activity for journals and agencies (ANR, international bodies).
• Labs/Teams: Directs the LPL and previously led the AMIBES research team (1996–2008).