Dr. Hortense Le Ferrand is an Associate Professor in the schools of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at Nanyang Technological University. NTU is one of the 4 national universities in Singapore, ranked with in the top 20 of all universities in the world (QS ranking).
What triggered your interest in French Tech?
My passion for innovation and research took root at ESPCI Paris, a highly selective engineering school known for its transdisciplinary approach to chemistry and physics. There, I developed a deep appreciation for experimentation and problem-solving, always seeking real-world applications for scientific discoveries.
This curiosity led me to pursue a Master’s and PhD at ETH Zurich, where I explored bioinspired materials—leveraging nature’s design principles to transform ordinary building blocks into high-performance structures, much like assembling LEGO bricks into something far greater than the sum of its parts.
Eager to push this research further, I established my own group at NTU Singapore, focusing on sustainable processes and materials. My journey has been driven by the same core ambition: to bridge science and technology, turning groundbreaking ideas into tangible innovations with real impact.
The thing you’re most proud of?
Leading a diverse and talented research group is one of my greatest achievements. Together, we are pioneering sustainable processes and pushing the boundaries of innovation. In the past 5 years, our work has resulted in four patent applications and increasing industry interest in scaling our laboratory breakthroughs to real-world applications. This journey has been recognized with honors, such as the MIT Innovators Under 35 list (2023), the Nature Awards: Inspiring Women in Science, and the Nanyang Research Award. However, beyond accolades, what excites me most is the future is welcoming new students, exploring fresh ideas, and continuing to drive meaningful impact through science and technology.
What is your wildest career goal?
I would love to revolutionize our manufacturing methods. Most industries use established processes that are efficient but rely on controversial materials and depleting resources while using a lot of energy and releasing a lot of pollutants. In comparison, nature can build 100 m tall trees and a few tons of heavy elephants. It would be fantastic if we could build airplanes, houses, and communication devices taking inspiration from nature.
If you could go back in time, is there anything you would do differently?
My career has been very much following the academic standard route, with very little exposure to the ‘real’ world. On the one hand, I wish I had done more traveling or small internships when I was younger; maybe I would have had more time. That may have made it easier for me now when I reach out to industries. On the other hand, I had a lot of time to explore many different activities (music, cinema, reading, sports, etc.) and to acquire a lot of knowledge in various domains, and I have been catching up with the ‘real’ world now in my early thirties.
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In collaboration with Amel Rigneau & Romeo Aguilar Bernard
