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An innovative program in the chemistry of complex systems supported by industry

Published on May 15, 2023

The University Research School (EUR) in Complex Systems Chemistry offers a multidisciplinary program supplemented by an introduction to research and development challenges in the business world. This emerging field originated within an exceptional research cluster, and its impact has not gone unnoticed by businesses.

The Chemistry of Complex Systems is an emerging discipline that originated in Strasbourg, stemming from the work of Professor Jean-Marie Lehn, a Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry and a pioneer in this field. At the intersection of chemistry, biology, materials science, and nanoscience, this discipline has numerous applications in the fields of sustainable development (sustainable, biodegradable, and self-healing materials, etc.), health (nanomedicine, diagnostic tools, anti-pathogenic materials, etc.), and data processing (artificial intelligence, information storage, etc.)

Training Through Research: Opportunities to Work in State-of-the-Art Laboratories

It was within an exceptional research hub in Strasbourg in this field—comprising world-renowned laboratories—that the University Research School (EUR) in Chemistry of Complex Systems was established in 2018. Now part of the SysChem Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute (ITI), this English-language program—from the master’s to the doctoral level—offers a multidisciplinary scientific curriculum in chemistry to high-caliber students recruited internationally. It stands out for its 14-month placement in cutting-edge laboratories, a research-based education complemented by an introduction to corporate research and development challenges, as well as training in management and leadership.

15 doctoral fellowships funded by sponsors

The prestige of this research school and its societal and regional impact have not gone unnoticed by Total, the regional Banque Populaire, and the Grand Est Region, whose funds—totaling 1.36 million euros—raised through the Jean-Marie Lehn Foundation are being used to finance 15 doctoral fellowships. This funding also provides an opportunity to advance research in a variety of fields.

Xinghan Li, an American student, has conducted research that transforms the structure of an antimalarial drug into an active anticancer agent. Andrei Golushko, a Russian doctoral student, is developing a nanoscale organic electronic component—a contribution toward reducing the environmental impact of electronic manufacturing, as it requires neither mineral extraction nor polluting purification processes.

The Jean-Marie Lehn Foundation is responsible for implementing and coordinating the long-term partnership with companies. Research is a strategic priority for industrial groups, and partnerships with the school are essential for attracting the talent of tomorrow. Today, the participation of patrons in funding the school is crucial for attracting younger generations and enabling them to develop ambitious research projects that are essential to solving major societal challenges.

By the Numbers

The Research School in Complex Systems Chemistry:

  • 37 students
  • 15 nationalities
  • 75% international students
  • 100% of classes are taught in English

The SysChem Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute (ITI):

  • 300 researchers
  • Prestigious awards: 3 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry, 17 ERC grant recipients (including 2 since 2021), and 10 CNRS medals
  • 21 research projects have been funded since 2021, totaling 2.4 million euros
Students from the University Research School in the laboratory.
Photo credit: Nis&For.

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