Philippe Di Francesco received his PhD in 1989 from Pierre and Marie Curie University, supervised by Jean-Claude Le Guillou and Jean-Bernard Zuber. Born in 1963, he specializes in the fields of physical combinatorics, integrable systems, and mathematical physics, maintaining a long-standing academic career that bridges research institutions in France and the university system.
Academic Progression
His foundational academic training occurred at the Pierre and Marie Curie University. Following the completion of his doctorate in 1989, he established himself as a researcher in theoretical physics. He currently serves as a senior researcher, or Directeur de Recherche, based at the Institute of Theoretical Physics in Saclay.
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His primary contributions to mathematics involve the study of integrable systems and physical combinatorics. He serves as the author of the text Conformal Field Theory, which consolidates his research focus in these areas. His work aligns with the broader field of applied mathematics, emphasizing structured proofs and systematic problem-solving methods.
Professional Recognition
In 2025, the French Academy of Sciences elected him as a member. Beyond his French appointments, he holds the position of Morris and Gertrude Fine Distinguished Professor of Mathematics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963
- Nationality: French-American
- Doctoral advisors: Jean-Claude Le Guillou and Jean-Bernard Zuber
- PhD year: 1989
- Current position: Morris and Gertrude Fine Distinguished Professor of Mathematics
- Elected to French Academy of Sciences: 2025
Questions readers ask
What is his current academic role in Illinois?
He is the Morris and Gertrude Fine Distinguished Professor of Mathematics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Which institution awarded his doctorate?
He received his PhD from the Pierre and Marie Curie University in 1989.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
