Dr. Pascal Raybaud

PascalRaybaud

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Pascal Raybaud, researcher at IFPEN Energies Nouvelles, is the recipient of the 2025 EFCATS François Gault Lectureship. This Award recognizes individual groundbreaking contributions to catalysis.

Dr. Pascal Raybaud receives the François Gault Lectureship Award in recognition of his pioneering contributions to operando computational catalysis and his profound impact on bridging theoretical modeling with experimental catalysis under realistic conditions. As a senior scientist at IFP Energies Nouvelles, he has played a central role in advancing the molecular-level understanding of catalytic active sites, support effects, and catalyst preparation processes, with direct relevance to industrial systems. His innovative work has shaped the way researchers approach the design and optimization of complex catalysts—particularly for hydrotreating, biomass conversion, and metal-support interactions—through a unique integration of state-of-the-art DFT methods and advanced spectroscopic techniques. Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Raybaud is also a gifted communicator and educator, whose lectures inspire and engage diverse audiences. His dual expertise across academia and industry, theory and application, exemplifies the spirit of the François Gault Lectureship Award.

The award consists of a plaque and a prize of 5,000€. The Awardee is expected to lecture at National Meetings across Europe between the two biennial EUROPACAT meetings. The plaque was presented during EuropaCat meeting in Trondheim from August 31st to September 5th 2025.

Congratulations again, Dr. Raybaud, for this award!

Prof. David Kubička, president of the European Federation of Catalysis Societies