Mr. Gael Plantard | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Gael Plantard, National Center for Scientific Research, France

Gael Plantard is a University Professor in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) and a researcher at the PROMES laboratory (Processes, Materials, and Solar Energy Laboratory – UPR 8521). Since joining the Storage for Photochemical and Energetic Helioprocesses team in 2006, he has focused on advancing solar technologies through the development of photocatalytic materials and photochemical processes. His research spans the optimization of photoreactors, understanding radiative transfer, and validating solar installations, particularly for environmental applications like water treatment. Gaël earned his Habilitation to Supervise Research in 2014 and was appointed University Professor in 2018. With over 50 publications and significant contributions to 20 national and international projects, he has established a strong reputation in the scientific community. He has supervised 14 doctoral theses and numerous master’s and postdoctoral researchers, fostering collaborations with academic and industrial partners. Recognized for his excellence in research, he is a recipient of the Occitanie Region “Chercheur Avenir” award (2013), the PES Scientific Excellence Award (2018-2022), and has been nominated for prestigious paper awards. In addition to his research, he holds leadership roles in multiple scientific federations, including the FEDESOL and FREE research groups, and serves on the academic councils of UPVD. Gaël is also an invited speaker and session chair at international conferences, reflecting his expertise in solar energy and sustainable processes.

Professional Profile 🎓

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award 🌍

Gael Plantard stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to solar photocatalysis and sustainable energy research. With over 50 high-impact publications and leadership in 20 research projects at national and international levels, he has made significant advancements in developing innovative materials and photoreactors for solar energy applications. His work directly addresses critical global challenges, such as water treatment and renewable energy solutions.

Education 📚

Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR):
- Year: 2014
- Institution: University of Perpignan Via Domitia
- Focus: Photocatalytic materials and photochemical processes.
PhD:
- Institution: Likely University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) or a related institution.
- Field: Chemical and Process Engineering or related area.

Work Experience 💼

University Professor
- Institution: University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD), Chemical and Process Engineering Department.
- Duration: 2018–Present.
Researcher – PROMES Laboratory
- Laboratory: Processes, Materials, and Solar Energy Laboratory (UPR 8521).
- Team: Storage for Photochemical and Energetic Helioprocesses.
- Duration: Joined in 2006.
Head of Department – Chemical and Process Engineering
- Institution: University Institute of Technology (IUT), UPVD.
- Duration: 2009–2015.
Elected Member (2020–2024)
- Roles within UPVD:
  - Board of Directors (College A PR/Rank 1).
  - Restricted Council (Professor of the University).
  - University Training Commission.
  - Central Council.
Scientific Leadership Roles
- Team Leader: “Water-Energy Action” team under the PROMES Laboratory’s SCS axis.
- Coordinator: Expertise for the Master Project University of Science and Technology Hanoi (2020–2024).

Awards and Recognitions 🏅

Occitanie Region “Chercheur Avenir” Award (2013)
- Awarded for the project “Hybridation et optimisation d’un procédé d’héliocatalyse et d’un procédé de filtration membranaire : application au traitement des eaux de STEP”.
Scientific Excellence Award (PES)
- Recognized for the period 2018–2022.
Nomination for Frans Habraken Best Paper Award (2022)
- For the article: “Low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma of TiO2-baser nanocomposite coatings on open-cell polymer foams for photocatalytic water treatment” published in Applied Surface Science.
Chairman of the session “Nanotechnology for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, Storage and Novel Generation” (2023)
- Presented at The 11th Annual World Congress of Nano Science and Technologies in Barcelona.
Invited Speaker (2023)
- Delivered the talk “Shaping of photocatalytic materials for solar energy conversion” at The 11th Annual World Congress of Nano Science and Technologies, Barcelona.

Research Skills 🔬

Photocatalytic Materials Development
- Expertise in developing innovative photocatalytic materials to enhance photoreactor performance.
Photochemical Process Optimization
- Skilled in experimental and theoretical approaches to control and optimize photochemical processes, with a focus on solar applications.
Solar Energy Utilization
- Specialized in the integration of solar energy into chemical and biological processes, including validation at a semi-industrial scale.
Radiative Transfer Analysis
- Proficient in experimental and theoretical coupled approaches for radiative transfer analysis in photoreactors.
Material Synthesis and Characterization
- Developed activated carbon/TiO2 composites and TiO2-based nanocomposites for environmental and solar applications.

Publication Top Notes 📖

Trials and in silico simulations to predict daily photo-oxidative capacity under solar conditions: A case study on the inactivation of an oyster pathogenic bacteria, Vibrio harveyi

Dispersed plug flow photocatalytic reactor using TiO₂-coated foams, 2D modeling, and experimental operating mode

Removal efficiencies for 52 pesticides and pharmaceuticals from wastewater effluent by coupling solar heterogeneous photo-oxidation with TiO₂ and infiltration in saturated soil column

A way to macroporous and alveolar geopolymer foams elaboration: Influence of operating parameters on porosity characteristics

Removal of 39 contaminants of emerging concern found in wastewater effluent by coupling nanofiltration and infiltration into saturated soil column

Dr. Vera Sidorenko, Alfred Wegener Institute, Germany

Dr. Vera Sidorenko is a Senior Scientist at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, specializing in coastal ecology, climate dynamics, and ocean modeling. She has a Ph.D. in Coastal Ecology/Climate Dynamics from Jacobs University, where she focused on the simulation of Laptev Sea shelf dynamics, particularly the Lena Delta region. Her research interests include numerical methods in ocean modeling, coastal ocean dynamics, regional climate projections, and the interactions between abiotic and biotic factors in marine ecosystems. Dr. Sidorenko has a strong background in applied mathematics and informatics, with expertise in programming languages such as FORTRAN, C++, Python, and MATLAB. She has been involved in numerous research projects and field expeditions, including the Polarstern Cruise (PS132) and the RV “Dalne Zelentzy” expedition in the Laptev Sea. She has also received several prestigious fellowships, including the Helmholtz Advance postdoctoral fellowship. Dr. Sidorenko actively mentors Ph.D. students and contributes to various professional activities, including serving as an editor for the Polarforschung journal and reviewing articles for multiple scientific journals. Her current research focuses on improving numerical modules for the Lena Delta region and assessing the effectiveness of marine protected areas through interdisciplinary approaches.

Education 📚

Ph.D. in Coastal Ecology/Climate Dynamics, Jacobs University (2011-2014)
Title: ‘Simulation of the Laptev Sea shelf dynamics with focus on the Lena Delta region’
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Karen Helen Wiltshire, Prof. Dr. Sergey Danilov

M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and Informatics (with honors), Institute of Mathematics, Mechanics, and Computer Science in the name of I.I. Vorovich (2009-2011)

B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and Informatics (with honors), Institute of Mathematics, Mechanics, and Computer Science in the name of I.I. Vorovich (2005-2009)

High School Diploma (with honors), Economic-mathematical lyceum (2002-2005)

Postdoctoral Fellowship: Helmholtz Advance, Helmholtz-Mentoring-Program ‘A year for your career’ (2020-2021)

Work Experience 💼

Senior Scientist, Coastal Ecology/Climate Dynamics, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (2023–present)

Scientist, Coastal Ecology/Climate Dynamics, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (2015–2023)

PhD Researcher, Coastal Ecology/Climate Dynamics, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (2011–2014)

Awards and Recognition 🏅

AI Exploration Voucher: “Be a Sound”
Awarded in 2022 for contributions to innovative applications of sound in scientific research.

HIDA Host (Israel & UK Exchange Projects)
Recognized for hosting and participating in international research exchanges in 2023, focusing on sound-based scientific exploration.

Fellowship for Scientific Exchange (POLMAR)
Awarded in 2013 for a scientific exchange fellowship, promoting collaborative research in marine sciences.

Travelling Fellowships (FAMOS School)
Granted in 2013 and 2015 for participation in the FAMOS School, enhancing international collaboration in ocean modeling.

Travelling Fellowship to ART-APECS Science Workshop (APECS)
Awarded in 2012 to attend the APECS workshop for advancing polar research and fostering scientific community engagement.

Research Skills 🔬

Numerical Ocean Modeling:
Expertise in developing and applying numerical methods for simulating coastal and ocean dynamics, with a focus on the FESOM-C coastal ocean model and its integration into large-scale ocean circulation models.
Climate Projections and Regional Modeling:
Skilled in producing and analyzing regional climate projections, using advanced oceanographic models to assess climate impacts on coastal ecosystems.
Marine Ecosystem Dynamics:
Strong background in studying the interactions between abiotic and biotic factors within marine ecosystems, particularly in the context of climate change and anthropogenic pressures.
Use of Tracers in Oceanography:
Extensive experience working with passive and active tracers in ocean modeling to understand water mass transport, pollutant distribution, and ecosystem health.
High-Performance Computing (HPC):
Advanced proficiency in leveraging supercomputing platforms such as OLLIE/AWI, JUWELS/JSC, and LEVANTE/DKRZ for large-scale ocean model simulations.