Archives
New Beckman Institute director named
Jim
Kloeppel , Science Editor
(217) 333-5491; kloeppel@illinois.edu
8/24 /2001
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Pierre
Wiltzius, the director of semiconductor physics research at Lucent Technologies
Bell Labs, has been named director of the Beckman Institute for Advanced
Science and Technology, pending approval of the University of Illinois
Board of Trustees at its meeting Sept. 12-13 in Chicago.
Wiltzius was selected following a national search for a director to
succeed Jiri Jonas, a chemist, who is retiring. Jonas was named institute
director in 1993.
Wiltzius is known for his research in colloidal self-assembly and photonic
crystals. He is expected to assume his new post Sept. 21.
"Pierre is a proven
scientist and a skilled leader whose passion for excellence is a good
match for the Beckman Institute," Provost Richard Herman said.
The Beckman Institute is one of the largest interdisciplinary research
institutes among U.S. universities. It is home to more than 600 researchers
Ð in engineering and in the physical, behavioral and life sciences Ð
engaged in more than 15 different programs. Its primary mission is to
encourage research in an environment that overcomes many of the limitations
inherent in traditional departmental structures.
Born in Luxembourg, Wiltzius earned his doctorate in physics from the
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, in 1981. He was a research
fellow at the University of California at Santa Barbara before joining
Lucent Technologies in 1984.
Wiltzius' current research focuses on three-dimensional photonic band
gap materials, polymers for optical applications, and the self-assembly
of colloids into large single crystals. He has also explored molecular
and nanoscale electronics, quantum cascade lasers, and helped develop
a prototype of electronic paper.
He is a member of the
American Chemical Society and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers, among other professional affiliations. He is also a fellow
of the American Physical Society and the American Association for the
Advancement of Science.
The Beckman Institute was established in 1985 with a $40 million gift
of Arnold O. Beckman, a scientist, inventor and industrialist, and his
wife, Mabel. The state of Illinois provided additional funds for the
institute. Support for the research programs is provided mainly by funds
from the federal government and from corporations and foundations.
