Pier Luigi Luisi obtained his degree in chemistry cum laude at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy, where he also conducted significant work, partly at the Institute of High Molecular Compounds in Saint Petersburg (then known as Leningrad). This early exposure to high-level scientific research shaped his later career trajectory. After completing his degree, he moved to Eugene, Oregon, in the United States, where he spent two years working in molecular biology, focusing primarily on enzymology, particularly the study of alcohol dehydrogenase.

The major part of his scientific activity, spanning 35 years, was conducted in Zurich, Switzerland, at the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich, ETHZ). It was at ETHZ where he became a professor of macromolecular sciences within the Polymers Institute, an institution he co-founded with Professors Pino and J. Meissner. His work during this period was centered on biopolymers, exploring topics such as micellar enzymology, liposome biochemistry, and giant vesicles. He was also deeply engaged with the study of the origin of life, which culminated in his book The Emergence of Life. Furthermore, his research on autopoiesis, particularly in collaboration with Francisco Varela, played a significant role in advancing the systems theory in biological sciences.

Luisi later transitioned to the University of Rome 3, where he continued his academic career as a professor of biochemistry. During this period, he developed a keen interest in the systems view of life, which emphasizes the interconnectedness and complexity of biological systems. His work with Fritjof Capra, particularly the book The Systems View of Life, sought to promote a multidisciplinary understanding of reality, one that is especially pertinent to tackling contemporary ecological challenges.

In addition to his scientific work, Luisi has contributed to a broader cultural and philosophical dialogue. He became a member of the Mind and Life Institute, an organization founded by the Dalai Lama and Francisco Varela, aimed at bridging the gap between Western and Buddhist perspectives on the sciences of mind. His involvement in this initiative led to the publication of his book Mind and Life, where he explored the intersection of science and spirituality.

Luisi is also a prolific author of fiction, primarily in Italian, with notable works including All'ombra dei fichidindia, Le cinque porte della felicità, and I lampi tranquilli della mente. He has written several books for young adults as well, such as ClaudiTam, L’isola degli animali che non ci furono, and Ed è subito giovedì. The latter addresses the challenges young people face in making decisions about their future, particularly in relation to higher education and the sciences.

In 1985, while still at ETHZ, Luisi founded the Cortona Week, an interdisciplinary summer school that continues to this day. The Cortona Week is based on the systems view of life and aims to provide an alternative to the reductionist approaches that are often prevalent in contemporary science. This initiative has remained a vital part of his legacy, promoting a more holistic and integrative approach to scientific inquiry.