Tobias Kippenberg appointed member of the Leopoldina

The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, founded in 1652, stands as the oldest continuously operating academy of natural sciences and medicine globally. Since its inception, it has played a pivotal role in advancing scientific discourse, transcending political, cultural, and thematic boundaries to promote a scientifically enlightened society.

The Leopoldina’s mission emphasizes the responsible application of scientific insights for humanity's benefit and the natural world, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and championing human rights. As Germany's National Academy of Sciences since 2008, the Leopoldina is dedicated to providing science-based advice to policymakers and the public, addressing key societal issues with independence and scientific rigor.

Membership in the Leopoldina is a testament to one's significant contributions to science, with over 1,600 members from more than 30 countries, including some of the most esteemed scientists in history such as Marie Curie and Albert Einstein. Members are selected for their outstanding scientific achievements, contributing to the academy's mission through interdisciplinary collaboration and international cooperation.

In recent announcement, the Leopoldina has appointed Professor Tobias Kippenberg at EPFL to membership of its Physics section. According to a citation from the Leopoldina, “[t]his election was based on strict criteria of scientific excellence.”

Kippenberg, currently a Full Professor of Physics at EPFL, has had a distinguished academic journey, beginning with his BA at RWTH Aachen and culminating in a PhD from Caltech. His early career included leading an independent research group at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics before joining EPFL, where he directs the Laboratory of Photonics and Quantum Measurement, pushing the boundaries of photonics and quantum measurement.