The Arkema – Académie des sciences prize for innovation in chemistry honoured Julien Bras and its research on renewable materials.
The specialty chemicals manufacturer and supplier Arkema has recently announced that the second Arkema-Académie des sciences award has been given to Julien Bras, a professor at Grenoble INP-UGA, in order to celebrate to his remarkable contributions on renewable materials. This prize was awarded by the French Académie des sciences and funded by Arkema to reward high-level research efforts which contribute to innovative chemistry – thus giving the opportunity to develop sustainable and responsible solutions.
The scientific research of Julien Bras highlights the possibilities offered when using structures derived from the plant world, particularly the cellulose. By modifying the surface of cellulose, the professor has shown that it can be used for replacing fossil-based polymers in several applications, which range from packaging to composites. In addition, this research resulted in 195 publications and 22 patents.
Julien Bras is a senior member of the Institut Universitaire de France and has always been committed to the industrial valorisation of his research by collaborating with the industry, creating a Chair of Industrial Excellence in 2022 (Cellulose Valley) and realising several start-ups.