Dorothee Laurenti

Dorothee Laurenti is a Researcher and Director of Research at the IRCELYON laboratory, part of CNRS and the University of Lyon. Her primary role involves leading the Heterogeneous Catalysis for Energy Transition (CATREN) team since 2021 and directing the GDR Thermobio initiative created in 2018. She holds a PhD in Organic Synthesis from Aix-Marseille University (1999) and completed postdoctoral research at York University (UK) and Lyon’s LCOMS laboratory. Her expertise focuses on catalytic hydroconversion of bio-oils and fossil fuels, biomass valorization, and advanced catalytic testing methods under high-pressure conditions.

Her research interests span heterogeneous catalysis, biomass conversion, and sustainable energy solutions. Key projects include the LIGNAROCAT (lignin-to-aromatics), BIOPOLIOL (lignin oligomer depolymerization), and ALGOROUTE (microalgae-based biofuel) initiatives. She employs cutting-edge techniques like GC×GC, NMR, and microcalorimetry for feedstock characterization and catalyst evaluation.

Recent publications highlight advancements in catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae, plastic waste conversion, and lignin depolymerization. She collaborates extensively with international teams on topics like cobalt-based catalyst design and pyrolysis of wood-plastic mixtures. Current efforts emphasize scalable biofuel production, waste-to-energy pathways, and catalyst stability under extreme conditions.

Her lab, CATREN, integrates kinetic modeling, in-situ characterization, and process engineering to bridge fundamental catalysis research with industrial applications. She actively participates in major conferences like the International Congress on Catalysis, advocating for catalysis-driven solutions to global energy challenges.