Laurent DOUCE

Laurent DOUCE is a Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Strasbourg, and a key researcher in the Organic Materials Group (DMO) at the Institute of Physics and Chemistry of Materials of Strasbourg (IPCMS). He began his studies in Avignon, completed postgraduate work at the University Louis Pasteur (Strasbourg), and earned a DEA in Transition Metals Chemistry followed by a PhD in catalysis and phosphorus ligand synthesis under P. Braunstein and D. Matt. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Neuchâtel (Prof. R. Deschenaux's lab), he became Maître de Conférences at Strasbourg in 1992, later joining Dr. Ziessel's team to pioneer metallo-mesogens. He qualified to direct research in 2003 and became a full Professor in 2009.

His research synthesizes multifunctional ionic materials and liquid crystals for applications in radiation detection (neutrons/gamma rays) and biology. Key projects include developing scintillators tested at the Fessenheim nuclear plant (with P2R/Carmelec/EDF) and growing photonic crystals via the CNRS Noctiferium pre-maturation initiative. Work emphasizes luminescence, chirality, ferroelectricity, and piezoelectricity.

Industrial collaborations focus on commercializing neutron-detecting scintillators. Publications highlight metallo-mesogens and ionic materials, with foundational work on liquid-crystalline metallo-helicates.