Alejandro A. Franco

Alejandro A. Franco is a Full Professor at the Laboratoire de Réactivité et Chimie des Solides (LRCS, UMR CNRS 7314) under the University of Picardie Jules Verne. He is a junior member of the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF) and leads the Alistore Theory Group, focusing on electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies.

• Education: PhD in Multiscale Modeling of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (CEA, 2005); Master of Science in Theoretical Physics (Universidad Nacional del Sur, Argentina, 2001)

His research spans multiscale modeling of batteries and fuel cells, integrating data science, AI, and virtual reality. He has developed predictive models for lithium-air, lithium-sulfur, redox flow, and lithium-ion systems, linking material properties to device performance. Recent work emphasizes combining physics-based and AI-driven approaches for battery manufacturing optimization.

The group leverages 60+ publications, 10 book chapters, and 19 patents to advance energy storage solutions. His ERC-funded ARTISTIC project (2018–2023) focused on in silico optimization of electrode fabrication processes using virtual reality.

• Scientific Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2017), PEDR, Laureate of Hauts-de-France High Level Researcher, IUF Junior Membership

He supervises PhD/MSc students in projects like SAFT (lithium-ion modeling), CELIA (lithium-air batteries), and WONDERFUL (redox flow batteries). Collaborations with Renault, SAFT, and Purdue University highlight his industry and academic partnerships.