Jens Kreisel

Jens Kreisel, a German national, has been the Rector of the University of Luxembourg
since January 2023 and is a Full Professor in Physics and Materials Science. From 2018
to 2022, he served as the University’s Vice-Rector for Research.
A strong advocate of interdisciplinary approaches to address today’s complex challenges
- from digital transformation and climate change to health and democratic resilience -
Jens Kreisel brings a truly international perspective. His academic and professional
journey spans Karlsruhe (Germany), Lyon and Grenoble (France), Oxford and Warwick
(United Kingdom), and Luxembourg, providing him with expertise in international
research and education systems, as well as a lifelong passion for global collaboration.
With more than 20 years of experience in research and higher education, Professor
Kreisel’s scientific work focuses on phase transitions and the interplay of physical
properties in (multi)functional materials, along with their technological applications. He
has co-authored over 200 scientific publications, is frequently invited to speak at
international conferences, and has received numerous awards and substantial research
funding. Beyond his scientific achievements, he has extensive experience in institutional
fundraising and in establishing and managing public–private partnerships. A dedicated
teacher and public speaker, Jens Kreisel places also great importance on mentorship.
In addition to his scientific career, Jens Kreisel has built substantial expertise in the
executive management of universities and research institutions. Before joining the
University of Luxembourg in 2018, he served for six years as Director of Department at the
Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). Earlier, he spent twelve years at
the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) as Director of Research, and
four years as Deputy Vice-President for International Relations within the senior
management team of the Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble (Grenoble INP).