Eric Westhof

Professor Eric Westhof at the University of Strasbourg is a leading expert in nucleic acid stereochemistry, RNA structural biophysics, and bioinformatics. He has developed critical computational tools for RNA modeling and crystallographic refinement, including pioneering all-atom tertiary models of catalytic RNAs validated by experimental studies.

• Positions: Director of CNRS Unit 'Architecture and Reactivity of RNA', Director of CNRS Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMC), Vice-President for Research at University of Strasbourg
• Editorial Roles: Executive Editor of RNA and Nucleic Acids Research

His research focuses on RNA sequence-structure evolution and functional dynamics. Key contributions include geometric classifications for RNA base pairs and molecular modeling of ribozymes.

Scientific honors include the Jacques MONOD Prize, Structural Biochemistry Chair from Institut Universitaire de France, Fellowships from AAAS and Institute of Physics, and memberships in EMBO, Academia Europaea, and multiple national academies.

• Grants: Human Frontier Science Program (1997-2000, 2005-2008), European Union projects
• Leadership: President of RNA Society (2005), President of Société française de Biochimie (2004-2009), EMBO Publications Committee Chair