Ludwik Leibler stands as a preeminent figure in the field of polymer science and soft matter physics. He currently serves as Directeur de recherche de classe exceptionnelle at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and holds the position of Professeur associé at ESPCI ParisTech. Leibler received his doctorate in theoretical physics from the University of Warsaw in 1976 and subsequently completed postdoctoral research at the Collège de France and CEA under the guidance of Nobel laureate Pierre-Gilles de Gennes. His distinguished career has spanned over four decades, beginning with research positions at the Centre de recherches sur les macromolécules in Strasbourg in 1979 and later at ESPCI Paris where he has been instrumental in establishing France as a global leader in polymer research.
Leibler is renowned for his pioneering contributions to the physico-chemistry of polymers, with numerous groundbreaking discoveries that have reshaped the field. His research has led to the development of innovative materials systems including the discovery of longitudinal ferroelectric liquid crystals and phase separation of liquids induced by non-homogeneous electric fields. Most notably, he invented vitrimers, a revolutionary new class of organic materials that combine the processability of thermoplastics with the mechanical properties of thermosets. This seminal work has resulted in over 56 patents and more than 170 scientific publications, demonstrating his exceptional ability to bridge fundamental science with practical applications. His discoveries have had profound implications for materials science, enabling new approaches to sustainable polymer design and recycling.
Beyond his research achievements, Leibler has profoundly influenced the scientific community through his leadership in establishing collaborative research frameworks between academic and industrial partners. Since 2004, he has directed the Matière molle et chimie laboratory, fostering an environment of interdisciplinary innovation that has attracted researchers from around the world. His recognition with the CNRS Innovation Medal in 2013 and the European Inventor Award in 2015 underscores the international impact of his work. As a member of both the French Academy of Sciences and the US National Academy of Engineering, Leibler continues to shape the future direction of materials science, with his current research focusing on sustainable polymers and advanced soft matter systems that address pressing environmental challenges while maintaining exceptional material properties.
