Justus Lentsch studied mathematics, physics and philosophy and received a PhD in philosophy (2002). Since 2009 he is head of department doctoral programme, scholarship division, Heinrich Böll Foundation. Before he has worked at the boundary between science and politics at the Institute for Science & Technology Studies (IWT), Bielefeld University, and in the research management of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW).

In spare-time work, from 2003 to 2006, he also contributed to the Peirce Edition Project, Bamberg, and in 2008 as a consultant to the program on Science, Technology, and Society, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. His main fields of interest are: science, technology and innovation studies, scientific expertise und policy advice, science policy studies and science and research management.