Marcel Mayor

Marcel Mayor is a Full Professor of Chemistry at the University of Basel and Research Unit Chair at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology's Institute of Nanotechnology. He leads the Synthetic Chemistry research unit, focusing on designing functional molecules for nanotechnology applications. His interdisciplinary work bridges synthetic chemistry, molecular electronics, and nanomaterials science.

Mayor studied at the University of Bern (Diploma 1991, PhD 1995) and conducted postdoctoral research with Jean-Marie Lehn at Université Louis Pasteur. He became Maître de Conférence at Collège de France (1997-1998) before joining Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (now KIT) in 1998.

His research explores:

• Molecular electronics and single-molecule devices
• Carbon-based nanostructures and functional molecules
• Supramolecular systems for nanotechnology applications
• Advanced materials for optoelectronics and sensing

Recent publications demonstrate innovations in molecular heat engines, single-molecule junctions, bio-conjugation chemistry, and stimuli-responsive materials. Research consistently integrates synthesis, nanofabrication, and physical characterization.

Awards:

• Erwin Schrödinger Award (2004) for Molecules for future Nanoelectronics

He directs laboratories at both the University of Basel and KIT, leading interdisciplinary teams in synthetic chemistry, molecular device fabrication, and nanoscale characterization. Current work focuses on quantum interference in molecular wires and chiral nanomaterials.