Jean-Marie Tarascon

Prof. Jean-Marie Tarascon is a Professor at the Collège de France, holding the Solid-Energy Chemistry Chair since 2014. He directs the CNRS/Collège de France/Sorbonne University-affiliated Solid State Chemistry and Energy Laboratory (UMR 8260) and leads the French Network on Electrochemical Energy Storage (RS2E). A recipient of the prestigious CNRS Gold Medal 2022, he is internationally recognized for pioneering advancements in lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery technologies.

Education: Graduated from the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Bordeaux (1977), earned a PhD in Materials Chemistry from the University of Bordeaux (1980), followed by postdoctoral research at Cornell University and Bell Labs (USA).

Research focuses on electrochemical energy storage for sustainable development, emphasizing eco-design, safety, and recyclable materials. Key contributions include developing ultra-flat lithium batteries and sodium-ion batteries (via RS2E), commercialized through the startup Tiamat. Current projects explore self-repairing 'smart' batteries integrated with material defect sensors.

Awards: CNRS Innovation Medal (2017), Balzan Prize (2020), and membership in the French Academy of Sciences (since 2004).

Academic leadership includes founding the European Alistore-ERI network (2003) and RS2E (2011), bridging academia and industry in energy research. Engaged in science education at all levels, including outreach to elementary schools to inspire youth.