Prof. Dr. Jeremie Zaffran | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at CNRS, France

Dr. Jeremie Zaffran is a distinguished computational chemist specializing in heterogeneous catalysis and machine learning. He is a Tenured Research Fellow at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), based at the E2P2L (Eco Efficient Products and Processes Lab) in Shanghai, China. With a strong background in computational techniques, Zaffran’s work focuses on using ab initio calculations and microkinetics simulations to address challenges in renewable energy, including CO2 storage, biomass transformation, and solar water splitting. His interdisciplinary approach combines advanced computational methods with close collaboration with experimentalists. Zaffran’s career includes high-profile roles at institutions like ShanghaiTech University, the Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, and Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon. Known for his leadership and project management skills, he has supervised multiple PhD students and worked on several large-scale research projects. He is also deeply involved in mentoring, contributing to the development of future scientific leaders.

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. Jeremie Zaffran completed his PhD in Chemistry at Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, France, in 2014, where he graduated with the highest distinction. His dissertation focused on computational methods for biomass transformation, specifically in designing solid catalysts using Density Functional Theory (DFT). He also holds a Master’s degree in Materials Science from Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7, where he graduated summa cum laude in 2010, ranking first in his class. Zaffran’s academic foundation was further enriched with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the same institution, where he was ranked fifth in his cohort. During his doctoral research, he worked under the guidance of Prof. Philippe Sautet and collaborated with experimental teams from IRCELYON and NOVANCE, bridging theory and application in catalysis. His academic journey laid the groundwork for his successful career in computational chemistry and materials science, with a focus on catalysis and energy-related research.

Professional Experience

Dr. Zaffran’s professional experience spans over a decade of groundbreaking work in computational catalysis. From 2011 to 2017, he worked at leading institutions such as the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and ShanghaiTech University, where he held roles as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Assistant Professor. At ShanghaiTech, Zaffran led efforts to design efficient electrocatalysts using DFT and machine learning. Since 2020, he has served as a Research Fellow at CNRS, where he leads research in the E2P2L lab in Shanghai, China. His work focuses on developing sustainable technologies in catalysis for renewable energy applications, including CO2 valorization and biomass conversion. He has also contributed significantly to large interdisciplinary projects, leading computational teams for projects like “Smart Digital Catalysis.” Throughout his career, Zaffran has demonstrated expertise in collaborating across disciplines and industries, coordinating research efforts that bridge computational chemistry and experimental science.

Research Interests

Dr. Zaffran’s primary research interests lie in computational heterogeneous catalysis, with a particular focus on applying machine learning and advanced computational techniques such as ab initio calculations, microkinetics simulations, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) to solve real-world problems. His research aims to design and optimize catalysts for renewable energy applications, including biomass transformation, CO2 storage and valorization, and solar water splitting. Zaffran is also actively involved in integrating machine learning models into catalysis design, enhancing the efficiency and speed of identifying viable catalysts. His work on microkinetic simulations, especially using tools like CatMAP, has provided valuable insights into catalytic reaction mechanisms. Zaffran’s interdisciplinary approach combines computational chemistry with experimental collaborations, making his research highly relevant to sustainable energy and environmental challenges. He is particularly interested in advancing green chemistry solutions by developing catalysts that can facilitate cleaner industrial processes and renewable energy production.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zaffran has received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the Lady Davis Fellowship from the Technion–Israel Institute of Technology in 2016 and the Grand Technion Energy Program (GTEP) Fellowship for Outstanding Post-Doctoral Fellows the same year. His research excellence was also recognized by the Israel Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption Fellowship in 2015. During his academic journey, Zaffran earned the highest distinction for his PhD, summa cum laude for his Master’s degree, and cum laude for his Bachelor’s degree. His research contributions have been supported by significant grants, including those from CNRS and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), allowing him to lead high-impact projects in the field of computational catalysis. Zaffran’s continued success in securing funding for innovative research reflects his standing as a leader in his field and his ability to attract international recognition.

Conclusion

Jeremie Zaffran is highly qualified for the Best Researcher Award. His technical expertise in computational chemistry, successful collaborations in sustainable energy research, and strong track record in leadership and mentorship make him a deserving candidate. While there are areas like expanding research diversity and increasing visibility through publications, his accomplishments to date place him among the leaders in his field.

Publications Top Noted

• Stoichiometric Selective Carbonylation of Methane to Acetic Acid by Chemical Looping
  Authors: Y. Wang, C. Dong, M.V. Shamzhy, A.Y. Khodakov, V.V. Ordomsky
  Journal: ACS Catalysis
  Year: 2025
  Citations: 0

• Unveiling the Phenol Direct Carboxylation Reaction Mechanism at ZrO2 Surface
  Authors: K. Zhang, C. Ma, S. Paul, J. Zaffran
  Journal: Molecular Catalysis
  Year: 2024
  Citations: 2