Christopher Barner-Kowollik is a macromolecular polymer chemist with a number of important scientific achievements based on his deep understanding of the fundamental mechanisms governing radical polymerisation processes, probed by laser experiments. His fundamental knowledge of complex polymer reactions has allowed the generation of new classes of advanced materials. His research outcomes include the development of advanced polymer analytical protocols based on mass spectrometry, the use of chemical sensitivity of light-induced reactions for soft matter material design, and the development of a new generation of photoresists for 3D laser lithography.