The pursuit of excellence: two IMT researchers honored by the French Academy of Sciences
The Academy of Sciences has once again highlighted the excellence of French research. Gathered around major scientific institutions, representatives from the academic world, and numerous public and private partners, participants celebrated those who advance knowledge and support innovation. On this occasion, several researchers were honored for the quality and impact of their work, including Damien Texier, CNRS research fellow at the Institut Clément Ader UMR CNRS 5312 site in Albi at IMT Mines Albi.
By focusing on the mechanical and chemical properties of materials at a very small scale, Damien Texier is working on the durability of critical metallic materials (in the nuclear, aeronautics, and transportation sectors). For his contribution to understanding the interactions between mechanics, the environment, and the durability of materials, Damien Texier was awarded the IMT Espoir Prize – Académie des sciences 2025 Award.
The Grand Prize was awarded to Stéphane Avril, professor at the Institut Mines-Télécom, professor of biomechanics at Mines Saint-Étienne, and director of the SAINBIOSE laboratory, for his groundbreaking work in biomechanics, which paves the way for personalized medicine.
Micromechanics and material durability: Damien Texier (ICA – CNRS) wins the IMT – Académie des sciences Hope Award
"I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Academy of Sciences and the Institut Mines-Télécom for awarding me this prestigious prize. It recognizes my research efforts in micromechanics and correlative mechanical microscopy for studying the durability of aeronautical components and the energy sector. " Damien Texier, winner of the IMT Academy of Sciences Hope Award.
Awarded the CNRS 2025 bronze medal this year, Damien Texier has been a CNRS research fellow at the Institut Clément Ader UMR CNRS 5312 since 2017. Damien Texier's work focuses on analyzing the mechanical-chemical coupling of metal alloys used in aeronautics, energy, and high-stress environments.
A distinction that boosts the visibility of IMT Mines Albi and represents a step forward for materials science and the industries of the future
The IMT – Académie des sciences Hope Prize is awarded each year to young researchers for their major contributions to scientific and societal issues of the future. The awarding of this prize to Damien Texier highlights the scientific excellence of IMT Mines Albi and underscores the importance of materials research in meeting industrial and technological challenges.
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©Grand Albigeois | ©Grand Albigeois | ©Melina Le Corre - CNRS |
Damien Texier was recognized for his research on mechanochemical coupling and the degradation mechanisms of materials used in demanding sectors such as aeronautics, energy, and transportation. Damien Texier's work contributes directly to the development of more robust and durable materials capable of meeting the growing demands of these sectors. This recognition illustrates the scientific and industrial impact of expertise developed at the crossroads of fundamental research and field applications.
The awarding of the Espoir Prize to Damien Texier highlights the scientific dynamism of the ICA site in Albi, as well as the contribution of IMT Mines Albi to advances in materials science, mechanics, and systems engineering. This recognition strengthens the school's visibility in the national academic and industrial research landscape. Damien Texier's work addresses the major challenges of technological and energy transition and contributes to the development of more sustainable and efficient materials. His award illustrates the quality of the research conducted at IMT Mines Albi and the desire to support the industries of the future.
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