Jean-Michel Savéant was a world-renowned French chemist who fundamentally transformed the field of electrochemistry through his pioneering work and visionary leadership. Born in Rennes on September 19, 1933, he graduated in 1958 and earned his PhD in 1966 from the prestigious École normale supérieure in Paris. In 1971, he joined Paris Diderot University where he established himself as a leading figure in chemical sciences through his innovative research approaches. He founded the Laboratoire d'Électrochimie Moléculaire (LEM) at Paris Diderot University, creating a world-class research center that would become synonymous with excellence in molecular electrochemistry. Throughout his distinguished career, he held positions at multiple prestigious institutions including École Normale Supérieure and served as a CNRS Research Director with exceptional impact.
Savéant pioneered the field of molecular electrochemistry, fundamentally transforming how electrochemical principles interface with broader chemical and biochemical disciplines. His innovative research transferred electrochemical knowledge to diverse fields including electron and proton transfer chemistry, free radical chemistry, and coordination chemistry, creating new interdisciplinary connections. He developed groundbreaking theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches that provided deep insights into chemical reactivity and catalytic processes, particularly those relevant to energy challenges. His work focused on the catalytic activation of small molecules crucial for sustainable energy solutions, addressing contemporary scientific challenges with elegant electrochemical approaches. With over 500 peer-reviewed publications, his scientific legacy includes numerous highly influential papers that continue to shape contemporary electrochemical research across multiple domains.
Savéant's profound contributions to science were recognized through his election to the French Academy of Sciences in 2000 and as a Foreign Associate of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 2001, affirming his international scientific stature. He received numerous prestigious awards including the Faraday Medal of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 1983, the Palladium Medal of the Electrochemical Society in 1993, and the Manuel Baizer Award in 2002, highlighting his sustained impact across decades. As an emeritus professor at Paris Diderot University and emeritus CNRS Research Director, he mentored generations of electrochemists who continue to advance his scientific vision globally. His seminal book Elements of Molecular and Biomolecular Electrochemistry co-authored with Cyrille Costentin remains a foundational text that continues to educate and inspire researchers worldwide. Jean-Michel Savéant passed away on August 16, 2020, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to influence electrochemical research and address pressing energy challenges through innovative scientific approaches.
