Jean-François Lutz

Jean-François Lutz is a Research Professor and Director of the Institute for Supramolecular Science and Engineering (ISIS) at the University of Strasbourg since January 2024. He also directs the Laboratory of Informational Macromolecule Chemistry (LCIM) and leads the Chemistry of Informational Macromolecules research team at ISIS.

His academic journey includes:

• PhD in Chemistry from the University of Montpellier
• Postdoctoral fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University under Professor Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
• Research position at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Potsdam, Germany (2003-2010)
• Research Director at CNRS since 2010
• Leader of the Precision Macromolecular Chemistry team at the Charles Sadron Institute (2010-2022)
• Editor-in-Chief of Progress in Polymer Science since January 2021

Lutz's research focuses on macromolecular chemistry, particularly sequence-controlled polymers. His recent work centers on developing synthetic polymers for digital information storage and exploring their applications in xenobiology. His innovative approaches have positioned him at the forefront of molecular information science, bridging traditional polymer chemistry with cutting-edge data storage technologies and synthetic biology.

His publication portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on molecular information storage systems, with trends showing increasing focus on practical applications and integration with biological systems. Recent works explore the intersection of synthetic polymers with digital technologies, demonstrating potential for revolutionary data storage solutions that could surpass current limitations of electronic and biological storage media.

Among his notable recognitions:

• 2024 Langevin Prize from the French Academy of Sciences
• 2024 GFP-Academic Innovation Prize
• CNRS Silver Medal (2018)
• Multiple ERC awards including an ERC Laureate (2010)
• Consistently ranked as a Highly Cited Researcher since 2015

Lutz has successfully mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of polymer scientists. His research has attracted significant grant funding from European and national agencies, supporting his ambitious work in molecular information science. His laboratory at ISIS serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to tackle fundamental challenges in macromolecular design and application.

The Chemistry of Informational Macromolecules team operates within state-of-the-art facilities at ISIS, with specialized equipment for polymer synthesis, characterization, and information encoding/decoding. The team collaborates extensively with researchers across Europe and maintains strong industry partnerships to explore commercial applications of their discoveries.