Professor of Physics at Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany
Professor Boris Chichkov is an eminent physicist recognized globally for his pioneering contributions in laser physics, nanoengineering, and biophotonics. He currently serves as a W3 Professor of Physics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Leibniz University Hannover. As a trailblazer in femtosecond laser material processing and laser-based nano- and biomanufacturing, his work bridges fundamental research and innovative real-world applications, particularly in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine. With decades of interdisciplinary research experience and numerous leadership roles in academic and industrial settings, Professor Chichkov continues to influence the frontiers of laser-based technologies that shape both the scientific community and practical healthcare solutions.
profile
orcid
scopus
Education
Professor Chichkov’s academic journey commenced at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), one of the most prestigious institutions in the field of physics. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies there, culminating in a PhD in Physics in 1981. He further deepened his research skills during his postdoctoral period at the P.N. Lebedev Institute of Physics in Moscow. His later academic qualification, the Habilitation in Physics (Dr. rer. nat. habil.), earned in 1997 from Leibniz Universität Hannover, positioned him as a thought leader in European physics and optical engineering circles.
Experience
Spanning over four decades, Professor Chichkov’s professional career reflects an exceptional breadth of academic, research, and innovation-driven roles. He began as a scientific researcher at the P.N. Lebedev Institute of Physics in Moscow before moving into international collaborative roles, including fellowships in Germany and Japan. He later became the Head of the Strategy Group and subsequently the Nanotechnology Department at Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., where he directed numerous groundbreaking projects. Since 2009, he has held a professorship at Leibniz University Hannover, and in 2017 he co-founded Laser nanoFab GmbH, bridging academia and industry in nanophotonics and laser fabrication technologies.
Research Interests
Professor Chichkov’s research interests cover a diverse and advanced range of topics, including laser physics, quantum and nonlinear optics, nano- and biophotonics, and regenerative medicine. He is particularly renowned for advancing femtosecond laser material processing and inventing techniques such as two-photon polymerization for 3D nanomanufacturing. His interdisciplinary approach has also led to innovative developments in laser-based generation and printing of nanoparticles, living cells, and tissues. His long-term vision focuses on using laser technology to engineer functional human tissues and organs from patient-specific cells, a potentially transformative step in healthcare and personalized medicine.
Awards
Professor Chichkov’s scientific excellence has been recognized with prestigious international fellowships and awards. He was honored with the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship at the Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics in Germany and received a fellowship from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science at Osaka University. Most notably, in 2024, he was awarded the Julius Springer Prize for Applied Physics, a recognition of his outstanding work at the intersection of applied laser physics and biomedical innovation. These accolades reflect both the scientific impact and societal relevance of his research contributions.
Selected Publications
Chichkov, B.N., et al. (1996). “Femtosecond, picosecond and nanosecond laser ablation of solids.” Applied Physics A, cited by over 2,000 articles.
Malinauskas, M., et al. (2013). “Ultrafast laser processing of materials: from science to industry.” Light: Science & Applications, cited by over 1,300 articles.
Hopp, B., et al. (2010). “Laser printing of cells and tissue constructs.” Biofabrication, cited by over 800 articles.
Koch, L., et al. (2012). “Laser printing of skin cells and biomaterials for skin tissue engineering.” Acta Biomaterialia, cited by over 500 articles.
Doraiswamy, A., et al. (2006). “Two photon polymerization of nanostructures.” Journal of Applied Physics, cited by over 900 articles.
Gattass, R.R., Chichkov, B.N. (2008). “Femtosecond laser micromachining in transparent materials.” Nature Photonics, cited by over 1,000 articles.
Chichkov, B.N., et al. (2015). “Laser-generated nanoparticles for biomedical applications.” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, cited by over 400 articles.
Conclusion
Prof. Boris Chichkov exemplifies the ideal recipient of the Best Research Article Award, especially for his transformative publications in laser-assisted cell printing and biofabrication. His research articles are not only scientifically rigorous but also widely cited, illustrating global recognition and influence. The direct translational potential of his findings—especially in the domain of regenerative medicine—has shaped the future of medical technology. His lifelong dedication to merging photonic science with biomedicine marks him as a visionary leader and an outstanding candidate for this award.