Ian Sims

Ian Sims is a Professor at the University of Rennes and a researcher at the Institut de Physique de Rennes. He leads the Molecular Physics Department and specializes in astrochemistry, focusing on low-temperature reaction kinetics and interstellar medium studies. His work combines experimental techniques like Chirped Pulse Uniform Flow (CPUF) and CRESU (Cellule à Réaction Et Supersonique Uniforme) to study transient species in extreme conditions.

Research interests include collisional processes, reaction dynamics, and the formation of complex organic molecules in star-forming regions. He has pioneered methods for detecting transient species at very low temperatures, contributing to understanding astrochemical reaction networks. Key achievements include the ERC Advanced Grant (CRESUCHIRP, 2016) and an IUF Senior Chair (2023).

Notable collaborations involve institutions like MIT and UC Berkeley. His team has developed cutting-edge instrumentation, such as the E-band chirped-pulse spectrometer, enabling precise measurements of reaction rates and branching ratios in astrochemical contexts.

Awards: ERC Advanced Grant (2016), IUF Chair (2023), France-Berkeley Fund Collaboration (2012-2013), ANR HYDRIDES Grant (2013-2016).