Julien Bras of Grenoble INP-UGA Receives Arkema-Académie des sciences Prize for Sustainable Materials Innovation in Chemistry

Julien Bras of Grenoble INP-UGA Receives Arkema-Académie des sciences Prize for Sustainable Materials Innovation in Chemistry

(IN BRIEF) Julien Bras, a professor at Grenoble INP-UGA, has been awarded the Arkema-Académie des sciences prize for innovation in chemistry for sustainable materials. This prestigious award, financed by Arkema, recognizes exceptional research contributing to innovative chemistry for sustainable and responsible development. Julien Bras is renowned for his work on renewable materials, particularly cellulose, which has shown promise in replacing fossil-based polymers in applications like packaging and composites. His research has resulted in numerous publications and patents, and he has actively pursued the industrial application of his work through collaborations and initiatives such as the creation of Cellulose Valley.

(PRESS RELEASE) COLOMBES, 19-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — This prize, awarded by the French Académie des sciences and financed by Arkema to the tune of € 25,000, is intended to reward research work of the highest level that contributes to innovative chemistry, opening the way to solutions for sustainable and responsible development.

Julien Bras‘ work is a perfect illustration of the possibilities offered by the use of structures derived from the plant world, in particular cellulose at every level. By modifying the surface of cellulose to give it new properties, Julien Bras has shown that it can be used to replace fossil-based polymers in applications ranging from packaging to composites. This research has resulted in 195 publications and 22 patents.

While becoming a senior member of the Institut Universitaire de France, Julien Bras has always been committed to the industrial valorization of his research, whether through regular collaboration with industry, the creation of a Chair of Industrial Excellence in 2022 (Cellulose Valley), or participation in the creation of several start-ups.

At Arkema, innovation is largely open, based on regular interactions with the world of academia and the innovative ecosystem of start-ups. Sustainable development, a commitment to materials derived from recycling or bio-resources, and a desire to provide solutions through innovation are strong values of Arkema’s scientific community.

Over 90% of the patents filed each year by the Group’s 1,800 researchers serve at least one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The awarding of the Arkema-Académie des sciences Prize to Julien Bras is a perfect illustration of this commitment.

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SOURCE: Arkema