Jean-Louis Mergny

Jean-Louis Mergny is a Senior Researcher at Institut Polytechnique de Paris, affiliated with the Department of Biology. He previously held leadership roles at institutions including ARNA laboratory (INSERM–CNRS–University of Bordeaux), IECB, and INSERM U565. His research focuses on nucleic acid structures such as G-quadruplexes and their applications in nanotechnology and medicine.

• Current position: Senior Researcher at Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau (2020+)
• Former roles: Director of ARNA laboratory (2011–2018), Director of IECB (2015–2018), Deputy Director of SIRIC BRIO (2016–2017), and INSERM Researcher (1993–2006)

His research interests span drug-DNA interactions, structural biology of nucleic acids, biophysical methods, and the use of G-quadruplexes in nanotechnology. His work has led to the development of predictive tools for genome analysis and ligands with antiviral and antitumoral properties.

Recent publications highlight his expertise in DNA quadruplexes, their stability modulation, and applications in cancer therapy and nanotechnology. His research has been recognized with awards from INSERM, the French Academy of Sciences, and Faculty of 1000.

• 226+ articles in journals like Nature Chem. Biol., Nucleic Acids Res., and Science
• Over 13,400 citations (Web of Science), h-index 64

He has supervised 13 PhD students and numerous postdocs, several of whom secured academic or industry positions. His editorial and organizational roles include guest editorships and chairing international conferences on G-quadruplexes.