A former student of École Polytechnique and a doctorate holder from the University of Oxford, Anthony joined the LIMMS laboratory (CNRS/University of Tokyo) in 2011 as a postdoctoral researcher in the team of Yannick Rondelez and Professor Fujii. After a period at LAAS in 2013, he was recruited as a CNRS research scientist, returning to LIMMS, this time as scientific lead.

His research, focused on DNA chemistry, developed at a rapid pace, driven by a deeply innovative ambition. A key contributor to the PEPR MoleculArXiv program, he combined scientific rigor with technological imagination, opening new horizons in the manipulation and programming of matter at the molecular scale.

The year 2024 marked a turning point: at 42, Anthony received the CNRS Bronze Medal, was promoted to Research Director, and was appointed coordinator of one of the twelve flagship (RI)² projects of the CNRS. With this momentum, he confirmed a rare quality: that of an architect of national synergies, capable of connecting disciplines, teams, and ideas to bring bold visions to life.

In France as in Japan, many researchers who had the privilege of working with him now feel the loss of a guiding light. He embodied a form of active excellence, equally at ease leading a team that was like a second family to him, as he was in pursuing the grand ambitions of future science.

Anthony Genot exemplified with rare clarity the ideal of a CNRS researcher: a brilliant and free intellect, a mind in perpetual motion, driven by insatiable curiosity and a deep sense of humanity — qualities that are the strength and uniqueness of our institution.

Anthony was not only a brilliant researcher, but also a very kind colleague, always eager to explore new ideas. Our time at LIMMS remains lively in my mind — filled with discussions, laughter, and a shared curiosity for a broad range of subjects. I will never forget assembling our workstations, piece by piece, in the LIMMS meeting room — with his crucial help. His presence will be truly missed. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Mikako and his daughters.
— Marc Bescond

J’ai croisé brièvement Anthony au LAAS en 2013 lors de son postdoctorat mais cela a été suffisant pour sentir la proximité avec un esprit brillant, un des ceux que l’on croise rarement durant une carrière entière. Quelle peine, quel gâchis, quel drame!!!

I will remember Anthony as a passioned researcher, always in pursuit of challenging and original ideas, a kind colleague, and a man inspired by nature itself.
— Roman Anufriev

I had the chance to work with him on several topics and specifically on the MoleculArXiv project. He was a passionate, brilliant researcher and a very kind human.
— Gwenael Bonfante

Je suis la mère d’Anthony ; je vous remercie de vos témoignages émouvants qui me mettent un peu de baume au coeur

I spent a few months with Anthony in Fukuoka, right around the time he met his wife Mikako. It was a long time ago, but I still perfectly remember all the good time we had in the same friend circle. He was a great heart with a very sharp mind, clearly above the herd. This comes as a real shock. My deepest condolences to his family.
— Antoine Trouvé

I am heartbroken and deeply shocked by the news.
We studied Japanese together for nearly ten years. You were always full of questions, with a bright and childlike curiosity. While preparing for our lessons, I also learned a lot about science—a subject I’ve never been good at—thanks to you.
We had a great time reading The Complete Guide to Science Topics (『理系の話 大全』), which I picked up at a bookstore for you because your Japanese skills had far surpassed all the textbooks for Japanese learners. It was like a “Science Power Lesson for Adults,” filled with content that sparked curiosity in anyone who read it. You worked incredibly hard and eventually became so skilled at explaining difficult scientific concepts in Japanese.
It is heartbreaking to think of you leaving behind your beloved wife and children. Please accept my deepest condolences.
— Noriko Mizuta
Director, Progress Japanese Academy

I have known Anthony while working at the University of Tokyo. Anthony was a good person and talented researcher. I feel it’s a big and unfair loss. Anthony could have produced so much more great scientific works. My heartfelt condolences to Anthony’s family, members of Fujii/Kim Lab at IIS and LIMMS/CNRS.
— Stéphane Poulain

I was in Merton College with Anthony (we matriculated in the same year 2006) and he was in the group of my close Oxford friends for years afterwards. I remember a very funny moment (captured on video) where I say something to my parents and friends in Russian, while Anthony translated it to French according to his idea of what I was saying. We also spent some good evenings talking French and playing card games. I remember he already learned Japanese and had a Japanese girlfriend soon to become his wife. It is very sad to hear of his passing from his friend Julien.
— Yulia Savikovskaya