CISTAR NSF Engineering Research Center’s Post

On November 20, I had the pleasure of visiting the Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier ICGM Montpellier, a multidisciplinary laboratory with nearly 500 staff focused on the chemistry of materials in health, environment, and energy. True to their motto, “Fundamental research to serve society,” ICGM is organized into five departments: Chemistry and Molecular Materials; Chemistry and Macromolecular Materials; Porous and Hybrid Materials; Chemistry of Materials for Energy and Nanostructures; and Theoretical Physical Chemistry and Modelling. The visit began with an insightful overview of the institute by Director Eric Clot, followed by detailed discussions with catalysis leaders Nathalie Tanchoux, Nathalie Marcotte, and Rémi André. We explored the design of catalytic materials and advanced operando methods for studying catalysts. A highlight was the tour of ICGM’s state-of-the-art facilities, which underscore their dedication to excellence in research and education. ICGM’s strong focus on health sciences is connected to the legacy of their university, home to one of the oldest medical schools in the world. This unique interdisciplinary approach enriches their work, bridging diverse fields to address pressing societal challenges. As always, the seminar inspired lively discussions with students and faculty on the energy transition and how heterogeneous catalysis can be a key enabler of transformative solutions. These exchanges were both thought-provoking and energizing, underscoring the importance of collaboration in tackling global challenges. Thank you to my colleagues at ICGM for their warm hospitality and the many stimulating conversations about science and education. It was a truly enriching visit, and I look forward to seeing how their innovative work continues to make an impact.