Unable to decide between the complexity of the living and the rigour of the ‘hard’ sciences, Albert Germain opted for chemical engineering studies at the University of Liège, in 1962. From the start it wasn’t the sciences themselves that interested him, but their applications and the aid they could offer humanity.

He picked up his engineering degree in 1967 and then became an assistant. He remained one for six years over the course of which he carried out a doctorate on hydrogenation, a booming domain in chemical engineering: it was in effect the era in which hydrogen was discovered to be a source of clean energy. Albert Germain has never left this field over the course of his academic career.

Having become a Professor in 1979 he today teaches industrial chemistry at the University of Liège. He also gives a series of more specialized courses on air pollution and its prevention, as well as on safety within the industry.

Selection of publications

Halleux, H., S. Lassaux, et al. (2008). Comparative life cycle assessment of two biofuels : ethanol from sugar beet and rapeseed methyl ester. International Journal of LCA 13(3): 184-190.

Lassaux, S. and A. Germain (2008). Life cycle engineering : methods, databases and results. International Journal Environmental Technology and Management 9(4): 318-333

Lassaux, S., R. Renzoni, et al. (2007). Life Cycle Assessment of Water : From the pumping station to the wastewater treatment plant. International Journal of LCA 12(2): 118-126.

Thomassin, J.-M., J. Kollar, et al. (2007). Beneficial effect of carbon nanotubes on the performances of Nafion membranes in fuel cell applications. Journal of Membrane Science 303(1-2): 252-257.

Thomassin, J.-M., C. Pagnoulle, et al. (2006). "Improvement of the barrier properties of Nafion® by fluoro-modified montmorillonite." Solid State Ionics 177(13-14): 1137-1144.