Dr. Luis Liz-Marzán stands as a preeminent figure in the field of nanoplasmonics and colloid chemistry, renowned for his transformative contributions to nanomaterials science. He currently serves as an Ikerbasque Research Professor at CIC biomaGUNE in San Sebastian, Spain, where he previously held the position of Scientific Director from 2012 to 2021. A PhD graduate from the University of Santiago de Compostela in 1992, his distinguished career includes an extensive academic tenure at the University of Vigo where he rose from Assistant Professor to Full Professor over seventeen years. His postdoctoral research conducted at the van't Hoff Laboratory of Utrecht University provided the foundation for his pioneering work in nanoparticle synthesis, establishing a trajectory that would position him as one of Spain's leading colloid chemists of his generation. This early research focus laid the groundwork for his subsequent international recognition in the field of nanoscale materials.
Liz-Marzán is widely recognized as one of the pioneers in the colloidal synthesis of metal nanoparticles, with groundbreaking contributions toward precise control over nanoparticle morphology and surface chemistry. His innovative research has fundamentally advanced the field of nanoplasmonics through the development of sophisticated techniques for nanoparticle self-assembly and bioconjugation with glycans and cross-linkable polymers. His work on surface enhanced Raman scattering has been particularly influential, with his group's contributions to both the theoretical understanding of SERS phenomena and the practical design of substrates for ultrasensitive detection of disease biomarkers. These achievements have enabled significant progress in early disease diagnosis and drug delivery systems, demonstrating the translational potential of his fundamental research in nanoscience. His expertise in the synthesis, characterization and application of plasmonic metal nanoparticles has earned him international acclaim and recognition through prestigious honors.
Beyond his laboratory achievements, Liz-Marzán has made substantial contributions to the scientific community through leadership roles including his appointment as Principal Investigator of the CIC biomaGUNE node of the Biomedical Research Networking Center since 2015. His influence extends internationally through numerous visiting professorships and collaborations with institutions worldwide, reflecting his commitment to advancing global scientific cooperation. Maintaining an active research program at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and biomedicine, he continues to explore the intricate relationship between nanomaterial structure and optical properties. His current work focuses on developing increasingly sophisticated nanoparticle-based sensing platforms and diagnostic tools that promise to revolutionize approaches to medical diagnostics and personalized medicine. As both a researcher and mentor, Liz-Marzán remains dedicated to training the next generation of scientists while pushing the boundaries of nanotechnology applications in healthcare.
