Dr. Marie-Paule Pileni stands as a distinguished figure in the field of physical chemistry with a career spanning over five decades of groundbreaking research and academic leadership. Born in Tananarive, Madagascar, she pursued her academic journey at the prestigious Maison d'éducation de la Légion d'honneur from 1961 to 1966, followed by studies at Université Pierre et Marie Curie and Université Paris-Sud 11. She earned her honors degree in physical chemistry in 1968, completed her PhD in 1969, and later obtained her D.Sc. (Doctorat d'État) in 1977, establishing a formidable academic foundation. Her career progression at French academic institutions saw her advance from demonstrator (1969-1974) to assistant lecturer (1974-1983), associate professor (1983-1990), full professor (1990-1997), and finally distinguished professor (since 1997), demonstrating a remarkable trajectory of scholarly excellence. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Emeritus Professor at Sorbonne Université while maintaining significant influence through her role as Senior Member of the Institut Universitaire de France, a position she has held since 1999.
Dr. Pileni's pioneering research has significantly advanced our understanding of the structure and reactivity of interfaces, particularly through her leadership of the Structure and Reactivity of Interfaces Laboratory at Université Pierre et Marie Curie - CNRS from 1996 to 2000. Her work in physical chemistry has been instrumental in elucidating fundamental principles governing molecular interactions at interfaces, contributing to both theoretical frameworks and practical applications across multiple scientific domains. Her extensive publication record reflects a deep commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry, with particular emphasis on the physico-chemical properties of complex systems and their behavior under various conditions. The transformative nature of her contributions has earned her international recognition, including the prestigious Gay-Lussac Humboldt Prize in 2003, which acknowledged her exceptional scientific achievements and collaborative spirit across national boundaries. Her research has established foundational knowledge that continues to inform contemporary studies in nanotechnology, materials science, and surface chemistry.
Beyond her direct research contributions, Dr. Pileni has played a pivotal role in shaping the scientific landscape through her administrative leadership and commitment to scholarly excellence, serving as an administrator of the Institut Universitaire de France from 2004 to 2011. Her influence extends internationally through her membership in the European Academy of Sciences since 2003 and her receipt of the Descartes-Huygens Prize from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2004, which celebrated her contributions to Franco-Dutch scientific collaboration. The French government recognized her exceptional service to science when she was awarded the Legion of Honor on July 14, 1999, and her academic stature was further elevated with an honorary doctorate from Chalmers University of Technology in 2002. As an Emeritus Professor at Sorbonne Université, she continues to mentor young researchers and contribute to the scientific community through her vast expertise in physical chemistry, ensuring that her legacy of excellence and innovation endures for future generations of scientists.
