Ange Nzihou, professor at the RAPSODEE UMR CNRS 5302 center, decorated as an Officer in the National Order of Merit at IMT Mines Albi

Ange Nzihou, professor at the RAPSODEE UMR CNRS 5302 Center at IMT Mines Albi, was elevated to the rank of Officer of the National Order of Merit during an official ceremony on behalf of the President of France, Mr Emmanuel Macron. This distinction was given by Dr Jean-Louis Étienne, physician, explorer, and iconic figure in scientific and environmental activism.

Research and innovation

18/12/2025

A memorable ceremony in the service of science and commitment

Ange Nzihou, professor at the RAPSODEE UMR CNRS 5302 center at IMT Mines Albi, was honored with the insignia of Officer of the National Order of Merit, was given by Dr Jean-Louis Étienne, a doctor and explorer renowned for his commitment to science and environmental protection on behalf of the President of France, Mr Emmanuel Macron.

This national distinction recognizes an exceptional scientific career marked by a constant commitment to energy transition, waste recovery, and the development of sustainable solutions for industry.

The presentation of this distinction by Dr Jean-Louis Étienne also highlights a shared vision: that of science committed to addressing major environmental and societal challenges.

Ange Nzihou, international expert in Chemical Engineering and sustainable energy

Ange Nzihou, who holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Toulouse, joined IMT Mines Albi in 1998, where he has been conducting cutting-edge research at the RAPSODEE UMR CNRS 5302 center for over 25 years. His research focuses mainly on the energy recovery of biomass and waste, low-carbon hydrogen production, the development of innovative carbon materials, and high-temperature thermal energy storage.

Recipient of the prestigious European ERC Advanced Grant in 2023 for the STOREHEAT project, dedicated to high-temperature heat storage for the decarbonization of heavy industry, the international recognition of his research is well established. Former director of the RAPSODEE - CNRS laboratory (2011–2019), Fulbright fellow and non-resident fellow at the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment (Princeton University, USA), and holder of the Chair in Sustainable Materials for Energy at Mahatma Gandhi University (India), Ange Nzihou is recognized as one of the world's leading expert in his research field. As editor-in-chief of the journal Waste and Biomass Valorization (Springer Nature), he actively contributes to the development of sustainable and innovative research through his publications, international projects, and scientific responsibilities.

Ange Nzihou's elevation to the rank of Officer of the National Order of Merit recognizes an exceptional scientific career marked by academic excellence, innovation, and a constant commitment to ecological and energy transition. This prestigious distinction highlights the major impact of his research work and its decisive contribution to the major contemporary challenges of sustainable energy and the decarbonization of industry.

IMT Mines Albi is proud to count Ange Nzihou among its faculty and researchers and to be able to draw on his scientific expertise, international influence, and commitment to major ecological and energy transitions.