Jean-Christophe MONBALIU
My courses reflect my research: they are based on a rigorous multidisciplinary approach that allows me to tackle any problem from different angles.
Jean-Christophe MONBALIU, Associate Professor in the field of Applied Organic Synthesis. Photo : ©Michel Houet.
A
fter a doctorate dedicated to the most fundamental aspects of organic synthesis in a medicinal chemistry context, Jean-Christophe Monbaliu joined Ghent University as a postdoctoral researcher at the Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds. He discusses the more applied aspects of organic chemistry - in particular for the valorization of biosourced platform molecules and the development of industrial processes. "In 2010, I successively obtained a research mandate at the FWO-Vlaanderen and a postdoctoral fellowship from the Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) which allowed me to work in the USA, first at the Center for Heterocyclic Compounds at the University of Florida (Gainesville) then at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge). I specialize in new micro and mesofluidic technologies for organic synthesis in the context of the development of a mobile drug production unit for the Department of Defense." At the end of 2013, he joined the University of Liège as First Assistant, where he created a unique hybrid research structure dedicated to organic synthesis applied to the interface with industry (www.citos.uliege.be). The research areas developed in this laboratory provide potential solutions to today's major societal challenges:
- innovative processes for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients,
- biosourced strategies as alternatives to petroleum-based
- reduction of chemical risk and the overall environmental footprint of processes.
He then successively became supervisor in 2018 and then Associate Professor in 2019.
Preparing for the challenges of the 21st century
"The cutting-edge research at the confluence of fundamental aspects of organic synthesis and applied technological aspects that we develop in the laboratory is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the organization of the courses I teach at the ULiège Chemistry Department. With teaching spread over the 5 years of the chemistry curriculum, the courses provided provide both scientific and civic training and prepare the chemists of tomorrow for the scientific, technological, economic and societal challenges of the 21st century. The strong industrial fabric on which the laboratory's research is based allows me to maintain a strong connection with current demands and needs. My courses reflect my research - they are based on a rigorous multidisciplinary approach that addresses any problem from different angles. The courses are based on concrete, current and contextualized examples in order to connect the student with his or her future professional perspectives. "
