Research

Ulrich Lüttge began his work with biophysics and biochemistry of membranes of plant cells, particularly with respect to the physiology of glands of plants and ion uptake by roots. Membrane transport mechanisms are also essential in the ecophysiologically important mode of photosynthesis called crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). Via their investigation he has arrived at widening his research interests, on the one hand towards physiological ecology of plants in the tropics, especially ecophysiology of photosynthesis, on the other hand towards studying the free running endogenous rhythm of CAM (biological clock). In the context of the latter he has developed an intensive trans-disciplinary cooperation with theoretical physicists, where in an intimate integration of experiment, theory and modelling certain aspects of theoretical biology have been promoted.

Career

• since 2004 Professor Emeritus, Technical University Darmstadt, Germany
• 1970 Professor, Institute of Technology / Technical University Darmstadt, Germany
• 1965 Lecturer, Institute of Technology Darmstadt, Germany
• 1960 Assistant, Institute of Technology Darmstadt, Germany
• 1964 Habilitation, Institute of Technology Darmstadt, Germany
• 1960 Ph. D., Institute of Technology Darmstadt, Germany   
• 1959-1960 Studies at Institute of Technology Darmstadt, Germany   
• 1954-1959 Studies at Ludwigs-Maximilian University Munich, Germany

Projects

• 1993-2000 Chairman Sonderforschungsbereich 199 of German Research Foundation (DFG): “Molecular Ecophysiology of Plants“

Functions

• 1998-1999 Review Committee Biological Research, Vereniging van Universiteiten in the Netherlands (VSNU)
• 1994-2001 Selection Committee “Germans to Overseas” German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• 1979-2000 Trustee Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes
• 1976-1984 Elected Reviewer German Research Foundation (DFG)

Honours and Memberships

• 2004 Membre étranger Académie d’Agriculture de France, Paris
• 2002 Honorary Member Deutsche Botanische Gesellschaft
• 1999 Regents Lecturer University of California at Davis
• 1996 National Academy of Science Leopoldina
• 1996 Price for the European Science, Körber-Foundation, Hamburg, Germany
• 1992 Member Academia Europaea
• 1982 Regents Lecturer University of California at Riverside