News

Soutenance de Thèse – Thanh Thao Huynh – Jeudi 11 Décembre 2025 : Matériaux biosourcés pour la production de cellules solaires organiques

🎓 Soutenance de Thèse – Thanh Thao Huynh soutiendra sa thèse intitulée : matériaux biosourcés pour la production de cellules solaires organiques
📅 Jeudi 11 Décembre 2025 à 9h30 à la Faculté des Sciences de l’Université d’Angers – Amphithéâtre L003

Cette thèse est dirigée par Dr. Frédéric Gohier – Université d’Angers
Jury :
➖ Prof. Françoise Serein-Spirau – Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier – Rapporteur
➖ Prof. Christophe Hoarau – INSA Rouen Normandie – Rapporteur
➖ Prof. Gwladys Pourceau – Université de Picardie Jules Verne – Examinatrice
➖ Dr. Dora Demeter – Agence de la Transition Ecologique ADEME – Membre invité
➖ Dr. Stéphane Guillarme – Le Mans Université – Co-directeur de thèse
➖ Dr. Arnaud Nourry – Le Mans Université – Co-encadrant de thèse

Cette thèse est soutenue par la Région Pays de la Loire et l’Agence de la Transition Ecologique ADEME

📄 Résumé : L’utilisation de composés issus de la biomasse représente une voie prometteuse et respectueuse de l’environnement pour le développement de matériaux durables pour les cellules solaires organiques. Les molécules biosourcées, tels que le glucose, le furfural ou le gaïacol, offrent une grande diversité structurale et fonctionnelle, permettant la conception de nouveaux matériaux conjugués aux propriétés optoélectroniques ajustables. Cette thèse vise à développer de nouveaux matériaux semiconducteurs en maximisant l’utilisation de ressources biosourcées. Une étude méthodologique sur la formation de liaisons Csp2-Csp2 par couplage décarboxylant a été menée. Il a ainsi été mis au point une séquence oxydation-couplage décarboxylant pour une synthèse efficace de systèmes π-conjugués. Enfin, des composés donneurs d’électrons à base de glucose ont été synthétisés. Les premières cellules solaires intégrant des glucoses monofonctionnalisés ont été évaluées. La préparation des glucoses comportant deux systèmes conjugués distincts, ainsi que l’étude de leurs propriétés opto-électroniques, ont également été rapportées. Cette étude met en évidence les avantages liés à l’utilisation de composés biosourcés et la faisabilité de l’incorporation du glucose dans les matériaux actifs.


🎓 Thesis Defense – Thanh Thao Huynh will defend her PhD thesis: biosourced Materials for Organic Electronics
📅 Thursday December 11th 2025 at 9:30 at University of Angers – Faculty of Science – Amphitheatre L003

This thesis is supervised by Dr. Frédéric Gohier – Université d’Angers
Examining Committee :
➖ Prof. Françoise Serein-Spirau – Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier – Reviewer
➖ Prof. Christophe Hoarau – INSA Rouen Normandie – Reviewer
➖ Prof. Gwladys Pourceau – Université de Picardie Jules Verne – Examiner
➖ Dr. Dora Demeter – Agence de la Transition Ecologique ADEME – Invited member
➖ Dr. Stéphane Guillarme – Le Mans Université – Thesis co-supervisor
➖ Dr. Arnaud Nourry – Le Mans Université – Thesis Co-advisor

This thesis is supported by Région Pays de la Loire and the French Agency for Ecological Transision ADEME

📄 Abstract : The use of biomass-derived compounds offers a promising and environmentally friendly pathway for the development of sustainable materials for organic solar cells. Biosourced molecules such as glucose, furfural, and guaiacol provide significant structural and functional diversity, enabling the design of new materials with tunable optoelectronic properties. This thesis aims to develop new semiconductor materials by maximizing the incorporation of biosourced resources. A methodological study on Csp2–Csp2 bond formation via decarboxylative cross-coupling was conducted. An oxidation–decarboxylative coupling sequence was thus developed to enable the efficient synthesis of π-conjugated systems. Finally, electron-donor compounds grafted onto glucose were also synthesized. First solar cells using monofunctionalized N-glucosides were evaluated. The preparation of glucose based molecules bearing two distinct conjugated systems, along with the study of their optoelectronic properties, were reported. This study highlights the advantages of using bio-based compounds and demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating glucose into active materials.

Soutenance de Thèse – Thanh Thao Huynh – Jeudi 11 Décembre 2025 : Matériaux biosourcés pour la production de cellules solaires organiques Read More »

Thesis Defense – Teodora Lupoi – Wednesday December 10th 2025: Development of nanostructured platforms for electrochemical sensors for the detection of environmental pharmaceutical pollutants

🎓 Thesis Defense – Teodora Lupoi will defend her PhD thesis: development of nanostructured platforms for electrochemical sensors for the detection of environmental pharmaceutical pollutants
📅 Wednesday December 10th 2025 at 9:00 at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” in Cluj-Napoca – Romania



This thesis is supervised by Dr. Florence Geneste – CNRS / Rennes University / ISCR and Dr. Cecilia Cristea – UMF “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca
Examining Committee :
➖ Dr. Elisabeth Lojou – CNRS / Aix Marseille University – Reviewer
➖ Prof. Charles Henry – Colorado State University – Reviewer
➖ Prof. Daniela-Luiza Baconi – UMF “Iuliu Hatieganu” Bucharest – Examiner
➖ Prof. Radu Nicolae Oprean – UMF “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca – Examiner
➖ Dr. Yann Leroux – CNRS / Rennes University – Invited Member
➖ Prof. Bela Kiss – UMF “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca – Invited Member

This thesis is supported by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”

📄 Abstract: This thesis focuses on the development of new electrochemical sensors for the detection of two analytes: erythromycin (ERY) and diclofenac (DCF). In the first approach, detection relied on the integration of recognition elements based on single-stranded DNA molecules, known as aptamers. An aptamer specific to ERY was immobilized via self-assembled monolayer (SAM) formation on a gold substrate. The surface functionalization protocol was thoroughly optimized to ensure stable baseline signals and avoid false positives. In a more unconventional approach, a DCF-specific aptamer was immobilized on a carbon electrode through click chemistry. The electrode surface was pre-functionalized by electrochemical reduction of the protected diazonium salts. The same strategy was then adapted to a graphene field-effect transistor (GFET), yielding an electronic sensor with improved analytical performance. Finally, a photolithographed ultramicroelectrode array was developed and coupled with the sampled-current voltammetry (SCV) technique. The array was characterized by both optical and electrochemical methods. Coupling with SCV led to lower limits of detection and higher sensitivity compared to its macroelectrode counterpart. Moreover, this approach enabled efficient direct detection of DCF, mitigating the electrode passivation typically associated with its electrochemical oxidation.


🎓 Soutenance de Thèse – Teodora Lupoi soutiendra sa thèse intitulée : conception et développement de plateformes nanostructurées pour capteurs électrochimiques destinés à la détection des contaminants pharmaceutiques dans l’environnement
📅 Mercredi 10 Décembre 2025 à 9h à l’Université de Médecine et de Pharmacie “Iuliu Hatieganu” à Cluj-Napoca – Roumanie

Cette thèse est dirigée par Dr. Florence Geneste – CNRS / Rennes University / ISCR et par Dr. Cecilia Cristea – UMF “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca
Jury :
➖ Dr. Elisabeth Lojou – CNRS / Aix Marseille University – Raporteur
➖ Prof. Charles Henry – Colorado State University – Raporteur
➖ Prof. Daniela-Luiza Baconi – UMF “Iuliu Hatieganu” Bucharest – Examinatrice
➖ Prof. Radu Nicolae Oprean – UMF “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca – Examinateur
➖ Dr. Yann Leroux – CNRS / Rennes University – Membre invité
➖ Prof. Bela Kiss – UMF “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca – Membre invité

Cette thèse est soutenue par l’Université de Médecine et de Pharmacie “Iuliu Hatieganu”

Thesis Defense – Teodora Lupoi – Wednesday December 10th 2025: Development of nanostructured platforms for electrochemical sensors for the detection of environmental pharmaceutical pollutants Read More »

Seminar on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) by Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi – Thursday December 4th, 2025 at the University of Angers

As part of Yuliia Oleksii’s PhD defense scheduled for Friday December 5th 2025, Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Saudi Arabia) will deliver a seminar on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs).

📅 Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025 – 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Amphitheater L003, Faculty of Science, University of Angers



📄[ABSTRACT] Demand for functional materials targeted for specific applications is ever increasing as societal needs and demands mount with advancing technology. Evidently, improvement of existing materials and quest for new approaches to the design of novel materials are both valuable paths worth pursuing in order to address the myriad technological challenges that face us, pertaining to energy and environmental sustainability.

    Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a unique class of solid-state materials amenable to design and manipulation for desired function and application, thanks to advancement in reticular chemistry and the various design strategies developed for its effective practice.1 Several design strategies have been conceived and developed to target viable MOF platforms, from the single-metal-ion molecular building block (MBB) approach to the hierarchical supermolecular building block and supermolecular building layer approaches (SBB and SBL, respectively) to the merged nets approach,2 and centering structure-directing agents (c-SDA) strategy.3 This inherent built-in information allows access to highly stabile and made-to-order porous materials, with controlled pore-aperture size and/or inner pore system functionality, toward applications pertaining to energy and environmental sustainability. Specifically, MOF materials addressing the energy-intensive separations and carbon capture will be highlighted, as well as insights into MOF based membranes, namely pure MOF membranes and mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), construction and their respective gas separation properties.4

  1. (a)- Guillerm, V., Jiang, H., Alezi, D., Alsadun, N., Eddaoudi, M. « From Elementary to Advanced Design of Functional Metal–Organic Frameworks: A User Guide to Deciphering the Reticular Chemistry Toolbox » Adv. Mater. 2414153 (2024). (b)- Jiang, H.; Alezi, D.; Eddaoudi, M., A reticular chemistry guide for the design of periodic solids. Nature Reviews Materials, 6 (6), 466-487 (2021).
  2. Jiang, H., Benzaria, S., Alsadun, N., Jia, J., Czaban-Józwiak, J., Guillerm, V., Shkurenko, A., Thiam, Z., Bonneau, M., Maka, V.K., Chen, Z., Ameur, Z.O., O’Keeffe, M., Eddaoudi, M. « Merged-nets enumeration for the systematic design of multicomponent reticular structures » Science 386 (6722), 659–666 (2024).
  3. Barsukova, M.; Sapianik, A.; Guillerm, V.; Shkurenko, A.; Shaikh, A.C.; Parvatkar, P.; Bhatt, P.; Bonneau, M.; Alhaji, A.; Shekhah, O.; Balestra, S.R.G.; Semino, R.; Maurin, G.; Eddaoudi, M. « Face-directed assembly of tailored isoreticular MOFs using centring structure-directing agents. » Nat. Synth. 3, 33-46 (2024).
  4. (a)- Zhou, S.; Shekhah, O.; Ramírez, A.; Lyu, P.; Abou-Hamad, E.; Jia, J.; Li, J.; Bhatt, P.; Huang, Z.; Jiang, H.; Jin, T.; Maurin, G.; Gascon, J.; Eddaoudi, M.Asymmetric pore windows in MOF membranes for natural gas valorization. Nature 606706–712 (2022). (b)-Datta, S.; Mayoral, A.; Bettahalli, S.; Bhatt, P.; Karunakaran, M.; Carja, D.; Fan, D.; Mileo, P.; Semino, R.; Maurin, G.; Terasaki, O.; Eddaoudi, M., Rational design of mixed-matrix metal-organic framework membranes for molecular separations. Science, 376 (6597) 1080-1087 (2022).  

📄[BIOGRAPHY] Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi is an Ibn Alhaythamen Distinguished Professor of Chemical Sciences and Chair of the Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials (AMPM) Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia.

Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi is a pioneer in the chemistry of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), designing and introducing new strategies for reticular chemistry, rational design, and construction of functional solid-state materials. His work focuses on the design and synthesis of functional porous solids for energy and environmental sustainability: hydrogen storage, methane storage, CO₂ capture, and direct air capture (DAC). He also designs and synthesizes functional adsorbents and membranes, enabling energy-efficient and cost-effective gas separations.

  • Master’s and Ph.D. in Chemistry, Denis Diderot University (Paris VII), France
  • Associate Editor: Chemical Science, IUCrJ
  • Editorial Board Member: JACS, JMCA
  • Fellow of the Royal Chemical Society (FRSC)
  • Member: ACS, MRS, SASTA
  • Kuwait Prize in Chemistry (2024)
  • Almarai Award for Distinguished Scientists (2020)
  • Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers (2019)
  • University Research Excellence Awards (2004, 2007)
  • Chemistry Teaching Excellence Awards (2005, 2008)
  • Highly Cited Researcher (2014–2025)
  • Listed among the world’s most influential scientific minds (2014)
  • Lifetime Member, The World Academy of Sciences (effective January 2026)
  • 150+ invited lectures
  • 350+ publications
  • 105,000+ citations

Seminar on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) by Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi – Thursday December 4th, 2025 at the University of Angers Read More »

Thesis Defense – Axel Riquet – Tuesday December 9th 2025: Möbius hexaphyrins: towards metallo-allosteric receptors with photoswitchable chirality

🎓 Thesis defense – Axel Riquet will defend her PhD thesis: möbius hexaphyrins: towards metallo-allosteric receptors with photoswitchable chirality
📅 Tuesday December 9th 2025 at 13:30 at the Rennes Institute of Chemical Sciences – Beaulieu Campus – Salle 160


This thesis is supervised by Dr. Stéphane Le Gac – ISRC / Université de Rennes
Examining Committee :
➖ Dr. Céline Olivier – Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Bordeaux – Reviewer
➖ Prof. Alexandre Martinez – Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille – Reviewer
➖ Dr. Laure Guy – École Normale Supérieure de Lyon – Examiner

This thesis is supported by University of Rennes

📄 [Abstract] Hexaphyrins are dynamic pyrrolic macrocycles which are able to adopt a Möbius ring conformation. This peculiar scaffold possesses an inherent topological helical chirality. This thesis focuses on the chirality induction and its modulation. To achieve this, several innovative strategies have been employed. Firstly, with the use of hexaphyrine bearing a chiral amine or carboxylic acid arm. The formation of zinc(II) complexes with exogeneous azo ligands allowed the obtention of impressive chirality inductions with d.e. up to >95%. The chiroptical activity of these systems has been modulated thanks to the trans->cis photoisomerization of the azo ligand giving rise to the formation of the very first Möbius ring with photoswitchable chiroptical activity. Also, new hexaphyrins with a second chiral recognition site composed of a squaramid unit, overhanging the ring, have been developped. Chirality inductions by remote control have been obtained thanks to different processes such as recognition or protonation. The modulation of the arrangement of the two recognition sites by conformational changes induced by complexation has also been observed. The promising results of these two strategies lay the foundation for the formation of allosteric receptors with photoswitchable chirality.


🎓 Soutenance de Thèse – Axel Riquel soutiendra sa thèse intitulée : hexaphyrines de Möbius : vers des récepteurs métallo-allostériques à chiralité photo-commutable
📅 Mardi 9 Décembre 2025 à 13h30 à l’Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes – Campus de Beaulieu – Salle 160

Cette thèse est dirigée par Dr. Stéphane Le Gac – ISRC / Université de Rennes
Jury :
➖ Dr. Céline Olivier – Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Bordeaux – Rapporteur
➖ Prof. Alexandre Martinez – Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille – Rapporteur
➖ Dr. Laure Guy – École Normale Supérieure de Lyon – Examinatrice

Cette thèse est soutenue par l’Université de Rennes

Thesis Defense – Axel Riquet – Tuesday December 9th 2025: Möbius hexaphyrins: towards metallo-allosteric receptors with photoswitchable chirality Read More »

Thesis Defense – Yuliia Oleksii – Friday December 5th 2025: Functional mononuclear metal complexes and metallohelicates for (non)linear optics

🎓 Thesis Defense – Yuliia Oleksii will defend her PhD thesis: functional mononuclear metal complexes and metallohelicates for (non)linear optics
📅 Friday December 5th 2025 at 9:30 at University of Angers – Faculty of Science – Amphitheatre L003



This thesis is supervised by Dr. Abdelkrim El-Ghayoury – University of Angers

Examining Committee :
➖ Prof. Huriye Akdağ Kılıç – Yildiz Technical University – Reviewer
➖ Dr. Jamal Moussa – Sorbonne University – Reviewer
➖ Prof. Bouchta Sahraoui – University of Angers – Examiner
➖ Dr. Narcis Avarvari – CNRS/University of Angers – Examiner
➖ Prof. Jarosław Myśliwiec – Wrocław University – Examiner
➖ Prof. Stefan Haacke – IPCMS – Invited member

This thesis is supported by Angers Loire Métropole.

📄 Abstract : This thesis presents the linear and nonlinear optical properties of coordination complexes combining π-conjugated push-pull ligands with Zn(II) and Fe(II) centres. The first part focuses on ligands based on a 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine scaffold and their mononuclear complexes. The second part examines binuclear supramolecular metallohelicates self-assembled from an azobenzene-functionalised iminopyridine ligand.


🎓 Soutenance de Thèse – Yuliia Oleksii soutiendra sa thèse intitulée : complexes métalliques mononucléaires fonctionnels et métallo-hélicates pour l’optique (non) linéaire
📅 Vendredi 5 Décembre 2025 à 9h30 à la Faculté des Sciences de l’Université d’Angers – Amphithéâtre L0003

Cette thèse est dirigée par Dr. Abdelkrim El-Ghayoury – Université d’Angers
Jury :
➖ Prof. Huriye Akdağ Kılıç – Université Technique de Yildiz – Rapporteur
➖ Dr. Jamal Moussa – Sorbonne Université – Rapporteur
➖ Prof. Bouchta Sahraoui – Université d’Angers – Examinateur
➖ Dr. Narcis Avarvari – CNRS/Université d’Angers – Examinateur
➖ Prof. Jarosław Myśliwiec – Université de Wrocław – Examinateur
➖ Prof. Stefan Haacke – IPCMS – Membre invité

Cette thèse est soutenue par Angers Loire Métropole.

Thesis Defense – Yuliia Oleksii – Friday December 5th 2025: Functional mononuclear metal complexes and metallohelicates for (non)linear optics Read More »

Looking Back at the Summer School 2025 “Light Matters” at the University of Angers

From 23rd to 27th June 2025, the Graduate School EUR Lumomat organised the second edition of its Summer School at the University of Angers on the theme « Light matters: exploring photochemistry and photophysics from basics to breakthroughs » .

A week of in-depth exploration of photochemistry and photophysics with leading researchers in their fields

The Light Matters Summer School offered an in-depth journey through photochemistry and photophysics from basics to breakthroughs, specially designed for PhD students in chemistry, physics, materials science and related fields, keen to broaden their knowledge and engage with cutting-edge applications.

The multidisciplinary program bridged the gap between fundamental concepts and innovative research, enabling participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of light-induced processes and their transformative potential in science and technology.

This week was as enriching on a human level as it was scientifically. Twelve researchers and university professors from all over the world gave lectures and practicals sessions.

The scientific coordination of the program was ensured by three EUR Lumomat coordinators, each representing one of the project’s partner sites: Piétrick Hudhomme (Université d’Angers, Laboratoire Moltech Anjou), Stéphane Diring (Nantes Université, Laboratoire CEISAM), and Olivier Galangau (Université de Rennes, Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes ).

It was a great success with 27 enrolled PhD students between 23 and 29 years old from 10 different countries : France, Azerbaijan, Morocco, China, Taiwan, Colombia, Italy, India, Norway and Ukraine. They explored the fascinating interactions between light and matter, from fundamental science to innovative applications.

The Summer School “ Light Matters” Planning

During this week, participants attended nine lectures by international experts and took part in various practicals sessions, as well as social events aimed at fostering connections among young PhD students. They also participated in flash presentations and poster sessions to present their research projects.

The EUR Lumomat was delighted to welcome eight internationally renowned researchers to work with doctoral students on the « Light Matters » theme (see below).

This second edition was a real success, and a third Summer school is already planned for 2027.

Discover the eight invited speakers and their lectures from the Summer School

Prof. Ewen BODIO - Nantes University

Ewen Bodio

Professor of Molecular Chemistry and Bioinorganic Chemistry

CEISAM Laboratory, Nantes University, France

Dr Bodio’s Summer School lecture:Optical imaging: from fluorescent molecules to guided surgery. »

Pr. Ewen Bodio is a Professor of Molecular and Bioinorganic Chemistry at the CEISAM Laboratory at Nantes University and junior member of IUF. His research focuses on the design of metal complexes and fluorescent molecules, with applications in medical imaging and therapy. These applications range from diagnostics of various diseases to monitoring chemotherapy and developing photo-activatable treatments, themes he began exploring during his tenure at ICMUB in Dijon. Pr. Bodio is advancing research on the development of near-infrared-emitting molecular probes. These probes are designed to make tumors fluorescent, thereby significantly aiding surgeons by making it easier to visualize malignant tissues. This innovation is expected to considerably reduce cancer-related side effects and recurrences.

Paola CERONI

Full Professor in Chemical Sciences

— Departement of Chemistry Ciamician, University of Bologna, Italy

Prof. Ceroni’s Summer School lectures:Photochemistry and photocatalysis: Insights into the photochemical mechanism » and « Light-harvesting antennae based on luminescent quantum dots »

In 1998, Prof. Paola Ceroni obtained her PhD in Chemical Sciences at the University of Bologna, following a research period in the United States (Prof. Allen J. Bard’s laboratory). Her research focuses on photoactive molecules, supramolecular systems, and nanocrystals for photocatalysis, artificial photosynthesis, and luminescent materials. Her work on luminescent silicon nanocrystals has been supported by ERC StG PhotoSi and ERC PoC SiNBiosys grants. She is also Associate Editor of Dalton Transactions (RSC).

Murielle CHAVAROT-KERLIDOU

CNRS Director of Research and deputy of the French Solar Fuels Network

— Laboratoire de Chimie et de Biologie des Métaux, Grenoble Alpes University/CNRS/CEA, France

Dr. Chavarot-Kerlidou’s Summer School lecture:Current challenges in molecular artificial photosynthesis. »

Dr Murielle Chavarot-Kerlidou is CNRS Director of Research and deputy Director of the French Solar Fuels Network. She received her PhD in Molecular Chemistry from the Université Grenoble Alpes (1998). She became CNRS researcher in 2002 and joined the Laboratoire de Chimie et Biologie des Métaux (Grenoble, France) in 2009 to develop new projects in the field of artificial photosynthesis. Her current research activities include the study of bio-inspired cobalt catalysts for hydrogen production, the design of molecular systems for photo-induced charge accumulation and the development of dye-sensitized photocathodes for the production of solar fuels.

Sami LAKHDAR

CNRS Director of Research

— University of Toulouse III/CNRS, France

Dr. Lakhdar’s Summer School lecture:Advancing photocatalytic reactions for sustainable chemistry. »

Dr. Sami Lakhdar is a Research Director at the CNRS in the Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Heterochemistry at the University Paul Sabatier in Toulouse. He obtained his PhD in 2006 from the Universities of Versailles and Monastir, focusing on the reactivity of nitrobenzofuroxanes. Afterward, he worked as a postdoctoral fellow in Professor H. Mayr’s group at Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich and became a research associate at the CNRS at the Laboratoire de Chimie Moléculaire et Thio-organique in Caen in 2013. His research focuses on organic chemistry, particularly organocatalysis, photocatalysis, and organic physical chemistry, with a specific interest in organic reactivity and the development of visible-light-mediated carbon-heteroatom bond formation reactions.

Adèle D. LAURENT

CNRS Director of Research

— CEISAM Laboratory/CNRS (Nantes University, France)

Dr. Laurent’s Summer School lecture:Investigating excited states in embedded media: A computational approach. »

In 2007, Dr Adèle D. LAURENT earned a Master’s degree in Chemistry in Namur. Then she moved to Nancy to complete a PhD in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, focusing on multi-scaling approaches. Afterward, she spent two years at the University of Southern California for a postdoctoral position. Since 2012 she has been a CNRS researcher at CEISAM Laboratory (Nantes University), and in 2023, she was appointed Director of Research at CNRS. As a computational chemist, her expertise spans from quantum chemistry to molecular modeling. She is particularly interested in studying light-molecule or macromolecule interactions using multi-scaling approaches to simulate optical properties of embedded dyes or photochromes. Coordinator of several regional and national projects, she authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, one book chapter and 2 patents.

Stefan MESKERS

Associate professor

— Molecular Materials and Nanosystems group (Endhoven University of Technology, Netherlands)

Prof. Meskers’s Summer School lecture:Fundamentals of Circular Dichroism (CD) and Circular Polarization of Luminescence (CDL). »

Workshop: Good practices for CD and CPL on solution, film

Stefan Meskers is associate professor in the Molecular Materials and Nanosystems group at Endhoven University of Technology. He studied Chemistry at Leiden University where he obtained his MSc degree in 1992. In 1997, he obtained his PhD at the same university under supervision of Harry Dekkers with his thesis on spectroscopy with circularly polarized light to probe binding of small chiral molecules to proteins. He was a postdoctoral researcher at the Université Libre de Bruxelles with Prof. Jean-Marie Ruysschaert for the remainder of the year, after which he moved to Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) for a postdoc project with professors Bert Meijer and Joachim Wolter. In 1999 and 2001 he was a postdoc at the Philipps Universität Marburg (Germany) with Heinz Bäßler, where he became deeply interested in the optical properties of molecular semiconductors and organic electronics. In 2001 he returned to TU/e to work at the Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry of Prof. René Janssen, on a postdoctoral fellowship from the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2003 he was appointed Assistant Professor at the same group.

François RIOBÉ

Researcher

— Institute of Chemistry of Condensed Matter of Bordeaux (Université de Bordeaux, France)

Dr. Riobé’s Summer School lecture:Luminescence measurements: Principles and guidelines. »

Workshop: How to measure quantum yields?

François Riobé is a chemist who earned a Ph.D. from the University of Angers (France) in 2009. After postdoctoral positions in ICMAB (Barcelona, Spain) and ISCR (Rennes, France), he joined the CNRS in 2013 as a researcher in the Chemistry Laboratory of the ENS Lyon. There, he focused on the various potential applications of luminescent lanthanide complexes. In late 2022, he moved to the Institute of Chemistry of Condensed Matter of Bordeaux (France), where he pursues his research in the field of materials science.

René WILLIAMS

Associate Professor

— Molecular Photonics group at the Van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), (University of Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Dr. Williams’s Summer School lecture:Photochemistry of photodynamic (anti-cancer) therapy: Singlet oxygen and triplet excited states

Dr. René M. Williams is an Associate Professor in the Molecular Photonics group at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) at the University of Amsterdam, where he obtained his PhD in 1996, focusing on fullerenes and electron transfer. He pursued postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute in Mülheim and Columbia University, studying opto-acoustics and triplet sensitization. His research explores light-matter interactions in photoactivated (nano)hybrid materials for energy and healthcare applications, focusing on photoinduced electron and energy transfer in molecular, supramolecular, and nanosystems. He works on thin-film solar cells, perovskite doping, and near-infrared-activated photodynamic therapy materials for cancer treatment.

Looking Back at the Summer School 2025 “Light Matters” at the University of Angers Read More »

Clémence Queffélec et Jeanne Crassous lauréates des Prix 2025 de l’Académie des Sciences

Le 28 octobre 2025, deux chercheuses du réseau Lumomat , Clémence Queffélec et Jeanne Crassous, ont été récompensées pour leurs travaux lors de la cérémonie des Prix 2025 de l’Académie des Sciences.

Retrouvez la cérémonie de remise de prix sur Youtube :


Le prix ARKEMA des sciences de l’innovation en chimie des matériaux durables pour Clémence Queffélec

Clémence Queffélec, Maître de conférences à Nantes University, laboratoire Chimie et interdisciplinarité : synthèse, analyse, modélisation (Ceisam) et responsable du Master 1 Lumomat à Nantes, a obtenu le prix ARKEMA de l’Académie des Sciences.

Le prix (25 000€) créé en 2021 récompense des avancées scientifiques déterminantes dans l’élaboration, la caractérisation, la compréhension ou la mise en œuvre de matériaux durables, c’est- à-dire des matériaux dont le cycle de vie et l’utilisation conduit à un bénéfice environnemental par rapport à l’existant. Ces bénéfices pourraient concerner, par exemple et de façon non exclusive, les bioressources, le recyclage, l’utilisation de matériaux efficaces et légers dans le domaine des énergies renouvelables, de la construction ou de la mobilité durable. En encourageant la recherche sur ces thématiques, le prix souligne la contribution essentielle de la chimie à une économie décarbonée.

Clémence Queffélec s’intéresse à des procédés de valorisation de transformation de la biomasse, de déchets agroalimentaires et industriels en matériaux alternatifs, notamment pour des applications dans les enrobés routiers. En parallèle, elle explore l’usage de la lumière comme source d’énergie pour activer des réactions chimiques ambitieuses.

➖ Retrouvez le portrait de Clémence Queffélec sur le site du CNRS


Le prix Clavel-Lespieau pour Jeanne Crassous

Jeanne Crassous, directrice de recherche CNRS à l’Institute of Chemical Sciences of Rennes, intervenante auprès des Masters Lumomat à l’Université de Rennes et d’Angers, a obtenu le prix Clavel-Lespieau de l’Académie des Sciences.

Elle explore les molécules chirales (molécules à images miroir non superposables), depuis leur préparation (hélicènes, complexes organométalliques chiraux), à leurs propriétés photophysiques et chiroptiques (absorption et émission de lumière polarisée), pour la compréhension de processus fondamentaux (violation de parité, effets de spin) et appliqués (diodes à électroluminescence polarisée).

➖ Retrouvez le portrait de Jeanne Crassous sur le site du CNRS

Clémence Queffélec et Jeanne Crassous lauréates des Prix 2025 de l’Académie des Sciences Read More »

Soutenance de Thèse – Julien Simonneau – Vendredi 14 Novembre 2025: Catalyse moléculaire assistée par résonance plasmonique de surfaces localisées : rôle et potentiel des porphyrines

🎓 Soutenance de Thèse – Julien Simonneau soutiendra sa thèse intitulée : catalyse moléculaire assistée par résonance plasmonique de surfaces localisées : rôle et potentiel des porphyrines
📅 Vendredi 14 Novembre 2025 à 9h30 au Laboratoire CEISAM à Nantes Salle Marie Curie



Cette thèse est dirigée par Dr. Clémence Queffélec – CEISAM / Nantes Université
Jury :
➖ Dr. Alexandra Fateeva – LMI / Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 – Rapporteur
➖ Dr. Hynd Remita – ICP / Université Paris-Saclay – Rapporteur
➖ Prof. Nordin Felidj – ITODYS / Université Paris Cité – Examinateur
➖ Dr. Yann Pellegrin – CEISAM / Nantes Université – Co-directeur de thèse
➖ Prof. Marc Lamy de la Chappelle – IMMM / Le Mans Université – Co-encadrant de thèse

Cette thèse est soutenue par la Région Pays de La Loire et Nantes Université.

📄 Résumé : Les matériaux plasmoniques, tels que les nanoparticules (NPs) d’or plasmoniques, constituent des matériaux très pertinents en catalyse car ils présentent des propriétés plasmoniques intéressantes sous irradiation lumineuse. La résonance plasmonique de surface localisée (LSPR) correspond à une oscillation collective des électrons libres confinés dans les NPs métalliques, induite par l’interaction avec la lumière. Ce phénomène peut avoir plusieurs effets sur l’environnement local, tels qu’une augmentation locale du champ électromagnétique, une élévation de la température ou encore la génération d’électrons chauds.


🎓 Thesis Defense – Julien Simonneau will defend her PhD thesis: molecular catalysis assited by localised surface plasmon resonance: role and potential of porphyrins
📅 Friday November 14th 2025 at 9:30 at the CEISAM Laboratory in Nantes

This thesis is supervised by Dr. Clémence Queffélec – CEISAM / Nantes Université
Examining Committee :
➖ Dr. Alexandra Fateeva – LMI / Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 – Reviewer
➖ Dr. Hynd Remita – ICP / Université Paris-Saclay – Reviewer
➖ Prof. Nordin Felidj – ITODYS / Université Paris Cité – Examiner
➖ Dr. Yann Pellegrin – CEISAM / Nantes Université – Thesis co-supervisor
➖ Prof. Marc Lamy de la Chappelle – IMMM / Le Mans Université – Thesis co-supervisor

This thesis is supported by Région Pays de La Loire et Nantes Université.

📄 Abstract: Plasmonic material such as gold plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) are highly relevant materials for catalysis since they present interesting plasmonic properties under light exposure. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is a collective oscillation of the free electrons confined inside metallic NPs induced by the interaction with light which generates highly excited electrons. It can have several effects on the local environment such as inducing a local increase of the electromagnetic field and the temperature or generating hot electrons.

Soutenance de Thèse – Julien Simonneau – Vendredi 14 Novembre 2025: Catalyse moléculaire assistée par résonance plasmonique de surfaces localisées : rôle et potentiel des porphyrines Read More »

Thesis Defense – Lina Fransén – Thursday November 13th 2025: Dynamics simulations of photochemistry and attochemistry

🎓 Thesis Defense – Lina Fransén will defend her PhD thesis: dynamics simulations of photochemistry and attochemistry
📅 Thursday November 13th 2025 at 9:00 at the CEISAM Laboratory in Nantes



This thesis is supervised by Dr. Morgane Vacher – CNRS / Nantes Université
Examining Committee :
➖ Prof. Tom Penfold – Newcastle University – Reviewer
➖ Dr. Alicia Palacios – Universidad Autonoma de Madrid – Reviewer
➖ Dr. Martial Boggio-Pasqua – CNRS / Université Toulouse III / LCPQ – Examiner
➖ Dr. Lea-Maria Ibele – CNRS / Aix Marseille Université / ICR – Examiner
➖ Prof. Denis Jacquemin – Nantes Université / CEISAM – Examiner

This thesis is supported by Région Pays de La Loire et Nantes Université.

📄 Abstract: This thesis presents theoretical studies of photoinduced coupled electron-nuclear dynamics in organic molecules. It addresses (i) “traditional” photochemistry and photophysics, defined here as the dynamics triggered by the excitation of a single electronic state using a femtosecond laser pulse, and (ii) attochemistry, defined as the dynamics triggered by the excitation of a coherent superposition of multiple electronic states using a shorter-in-time, broader-in-energy attosecond pulse.


🎓 Soutenance de Thèse – Lina Fransén soutiendra sa thèse intitulée : simulations dynamiques de photochimie et attochimie
📅 Jeudi 13 Novembre 2025 à 9h au Laboratoire CEISAM à Nantes

Cette thèse est dirigée par Dr. Morgane Vacher – CNRS / Nantes Université
Jury :
➖ Prof. Tom Penfold – Newcastle University – Rapporteur
➖ Dr. Alicia Palacios – Universidad Autonoma de Madrid – Rapporteur
➖ Dr. Martial Boggio-Pasqua – CNRS / Université Toulouse III / LCPQ – Examinateur
➖ Dr. Lea-Maria Ibele – CNRS / Aix Marseille Université / ICR – Examinateur
➖ Prof. Denis Jacquemin – Nantes Université / CEISAM – Examinateur

Cette thèse est soutenue par la Région Pays de La Loire et Nantes Université.

📄 Résumé : Cette thèse présente des études théoriques sur la dynamique couplée électron-noyau induite par photo-excitation dans des molécules organiques. Elle aborde (i) la photochimie et la photophysique “traditionnelles”, définies ici comme la dynamique déclenchée par l’excitation d’un seul état électronique par une impulsion laser femtoseconde, et (ii) l’attochimie, définie comme la dynamique déclenchée par l’excitation d’une superposition cohérente de plusieurs états électronique par une impulsion attoseconde plus courte temporellement et plus large en énergie.

Thesis Defense – Lina Fransén – Thursday November 13th 2025: Dynamics simulations of photochemistry and attochemistry Read More »

Lumomat 2025 Doctoral Excellence and Distinction Scholarships for Doctoral Students

Le projet LUMOMAT lance la quatrième édition de son financement « Bourses d’attractivité et bourses de distinction doctorale » à destination des doctorants dans les laboratoires partenaires du projet EUR LUMOMAT.

Dépôt de dossier pour les bourses Lumomat jusqu’au 6 Novembre 2025

Tous les doctorants travaillant sur une thématique LUMOMAT et démarrant leur première ou leur troisième année de thèse peuvent déposer un dossier jusqu’au 6 novembre 2025 à 12h.

Conditions d’attribution des bourses Lumomat

La bourse d’attractivité – 1ère année de thèse

La bourse d’attractivité est une bourse d’excellence attribuée aux doctorants démarrant leur première année de thèse. Elle est cumulable avec tous les autres financements de l’EUR Lumomat.

Scholarship amount : 2500€

Conditions d’attribution :

  • Very good academic results (grades M1 and M2)
  • Résumé
  • Cover letter
  • Certified LUMOMAT label
La bourse de distinction doctorale – 3ème année de thèse

La bourse de distinction doctorale est une bourse d’excellence attribuée aux doctorants démarrant leur troisième année de thèse. Elle est cumulable avec tous les autres financements de l’EUR Lumomat.

Scholarship amount : 3500€

Conditions d’attribution :

  • Very good academic results (grades M1 and M2)
  • Dossier scientifique qui comprend le projet de thèse, les publications, les communications orales, les participations à des conférences, les premiers résultats scientifiques, l’implication dans la vulgarisation scientifique, etc.
  • Résumé
  • Cover letter
  • Certified LUMOMAT label

Toutes les informations sont disponibles sur la page: https://lumomat.fr/financements/ dans la catégorie Doctorants.

Lumomat 2025 Doctoral Excellence and Distinction Scholarships for Doctoral Students Read More »

See our LUMOMAT academic brochure

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