Benoit Chachuat

Professor Benoit Chachuat is a Professor of Process Systems Engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London, UK. He holds affiliations with the Centre for Process Systems Engineering, Industrial Biotechnology Hub, Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering, and Robotics Forum. His research focuses on developing computational methods for sustainable chemical and biological processes, integrating rigorous modeling, optimization, and data analysis to improve industrial processes. Key areas include process optimization, enviro-economic assessments, and advanced control strategies for bioreactors and energy systems.

Prof. Chachuat's career includes roles as Senior Lecturer (2010–2015), Reader (2015–2020), and current Professorship (since 2020) at Imperial College. Prior to this, he held positions at McMaster University (2008–2010), EPFL (2005–2008), MIT (2003–2005), and INRIA (2002–2003). His educational background includes a Research and Teaching Assistantship at Lorraine Institute of Technology (1998–2002).

His research interests span computational methods for process systems engineering, with emphasis on global optimization, robust control, and Bayesian estimation. Notable projects include enviro-economic assessments of bioenergy, waste-to-X technologies, and sustainable aviation fuels. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical industrial applications, supported by software tools for method dissemination.

Publications highlight contributions to modeling microalgae cultures, membrane contactors in natural gas processing, and vaccination campaign optimization. His enviro-economic analyses address carbon footprints and externalities in chemical processes, aiming for net-zero solutions. Current projects explore machine learning integration in industrial processes and resilience in biopharmaceutical supply chains.

Prof. Chachuat collaborates with experimentalists and industry partners, addressing challenges in energy sustainability, circular economy, and pandemic response. His methodologies prioritize safety, economic viability, and environmental stewardship across chemical and biological systems.