Frédéric Thibault-Starzyk

Fred Thibault-Starzyk, the new Director of the Maison Française, is a Directeur de Recherche in the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). He is a chemist, working in spectroscopy in catalysis.

Catalysts, and especially zeolites, are amongst the main tools for the chemical industry. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy allows observing molecules during their reaction on the surface of the catalysts. Very fast spectroscopy shows the creation of chemical bonds and the unique intermediate species appearing during the reaction. Fred Thibault-Starzyk designed experimental methods for understanding the surface chemistry induced by light, microwave or plasma for a new energy efficient and sustainable chemistry.

In the Maison française, Fred Thibault-Starzyk wants to broaden the interdisciplinary approach and introduce natural sciences, combined with social sciences and humanities.