Prof. Miesch Laurence, University of Strasbourg, France
Professor Dr. Laurence Miesch is a renowned chemist specializing in organic synthesis and phytochemistry, currently serving as a Full Professor at the University of Strasbourg, France, within the UMR 7177 Institute of Chemistry. He is the leader of the SOPhy group (Synthèse Organique et Phytochimie), focusing on innovative methods in organic synthesis, including domino reactions, ynamide and fluorine chemistry, and photoactivation, as well as the synthesis of bioactive natural products such as jasmonates, iridoids, and strigolactones. Dr. Miesch earned his PhD in Organic Synthesis from the University of Strasbourg in 1991, following his studies at the ECPM – Ecole Européenne de Chimie, Polymères et Matériaux. His academic journey includes postdoctoral work in neurochemistry and central nervous system research at F. Hoffmann-La Roche in Basel, Switzerland, and the Neurochemistry Center in Strasbourg.
Professional Profile 🎓
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Suitability for the Best Researcher Award 🌍
Professor Dr. Laurence Miesch is a leading researcher in organic synthesis and phytochemistry. His work focuses on innovative domains such as domino reactions, ynamide chemistry, and fluorine chemistry, coupled with significant contributions to plant biosynthetic pathways and bioengineering. His research has yielded impactful publications, including in Science Advances and Chemical Science. Notable articles highlight cutting-edge methods, such as photocatalyst-free visible-light-induced synthesis and metal-free regioselective reactions, demonstrating his ability to advance theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry.
Education 📚
- 1986-1989: Engineer School at ECPM (École Européenne de Chimie, Polymères et Matériaux), Strasbourg.
- 1989-1991: PhD in Organic Synthesis, University of Strasbourg.
- 1992: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Central Nervous System department, F. Hoffmann-La Roche S.A., Basel, Switzerland.
- 1993: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Neurochemistry Center, University of Strasbourg.
- 1994: Master’s degree in Pharmacochemistry, University of Strasbourg.
- 2004: Habilitation à diriger des recherches (HDR), University of Strasbourg.
Work Experience 💼
- 1994: Assistant Professor, University of Strasbourg (Laboratoire de Chimie Organique Synthétique, LCOS group).
- 1996: Assistant Professor CNRS, University of Strasbourg.
- 2004: Promoted to roles with increasing responsibilities after earning HDR.
- 2018: Created and led the SOPhy Group (Synthèse Organique et Phytochimie), University of Strasbourg.
- 2019: Full Professor, Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), University of Strasbourg.
- 2024: Responsible for organic chemistry at the department, University of Strasbourg.
Awards and Recognition 🏆
- Grant Awards:
- PhD Grant from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (1989–1991).
- French National Research Agency Grant ANR Blanc “Jasmon’Ox” (2012–2016).
- Multiple Interdisciplinary Excellence Initiative (IdEX-Unistra) grants, including attractivity (2020–2021), exploratory research (INOPHYT, 2021–2023), and student scholarships (2018).
- CNRS 80: PRIME Grant (2024–2027).
- Jean-Marie Lehn Foundation Grant, FRC-Innovation-Strasbourg (2022–2025 and 2024–2028).
- Scientific Leadership and Contributions:
- Elected member of the Scientific Board of Doctoral School in Chemistry (EDSC 222) since 2017.
- Elected member of the French Chemical Society-Alsace (SCF) since 2019.
- Member of the University Council at the University of Strasbourg since 2019.
- Visiting Professorships at Tokyo University of Science and Kyoto University, with multiple lectures at prestigious Japanese institutions.
Research Skills 🔬
- Synthetic Organic Chemistry:
- Expert in domino reactions, ynamide chemistry, fluorine chemistry, and photoactivation.
- Synthesis of complex bioactive molecules such as jasmonates, iridoids, strigolactones, and phytosterols.
- Phytochemistry and Bioengineering:
- Advanced understanding of plant biosynthetic pathways.
- Development of methodologies for the exploration and manipulation of these pathways.
- Innovative Reaction Development:
- Skilled in devising novel synthetic routes, especially multi-step reactions combining complexity and efficiency.
- Interdisciplinary Research:
- Collaborative projects bridging organic chemistry, biochemistry, and material science.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities:
- Extensive experience in evaluating research projects and scientific proposals.
- Member of selection committees for academic and research positions in organic chemistry.
Publication top Notes 📖
Photocatalyst-free, visible-light-induced regio- and stereoselective synthesis of phosphorylated enamines from N-allenamides via [1,3]-sulfonyl shift at room temperature
OsCYP706C2 diverts rice strigolactone biosynthesis to a noncanonical pathway branch
Transition Metal-Free Domino Hydroamination/Isomerization/Transamidation Sequence: An Entry to Trifluorinated γ-Lactams
Metal free regio – and stereoselective semireduction of CF3-substituted N-allenamides
Evolutionary metabolomics of specialized metabolism diversification in the genus Nicotiana highlights Nacylnornicotine innovations