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 in engineering and in the physical, behavioral and life sciences 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.
