Marie Perrin (class of 2016): a talented chemist at the service of innovation and the environment

Marie Perrin (Class of 2016, Chemistry) has once again been internationally recognized for her pioneering work on rare earth recycling. At only 28 years old, she is emerging as one of the rising figures of European scientific innovation, combining academic excellence, environmental commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit.

An international award for a breakthrough innovation

On June 18, 2025, Marie Perrin won the prestigious World Builders award at the Young Inventors Prize 2025, presented by the European Patent Office (EPO) in Reykjavik. This prize, which honors young innovators whose inventions contribute to building a more sustainable world, rewards her REEcover technology—a revolutionary process for recycling rare earths from electronic waste.

The REEcover innovation: a response to industrial and environmental challenges

Faced with Europe's dependence on rare earth imports and the environmental impact of their extraction, Marie developed a novel method to recover europium—an essential metal in the manufacture of LED screens and energy-saving lighting—from used fluorescent tubes. Her technology, inspired by natural processes and based on a direct chemical reaction combined with an electrochemical step, stands out for its absence of toxic solvents and low energy consumption. It also captures mercury present in the waste, thereby reducing the pollution generated by traditional methods.

An international journey in the service of science

Franco-American, Marie Perrin grew up between Houston and France, before continuing her studies in Toulouse, Paris, Boston, and Zurich. It was during her PhD at ETH Zurich that she developed a passion for rare earth-related issues. Armed with her expertise, she founded the startup REEcover, with the ambition of scaling up her patented technology and contributing to European industrial sovereignty.

A source of inspiration for the next generation

Marie Perrin embodies a new generation of committed scientists, capable of turning environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation. Her career, praised by numerous media outlets and institutions, is an inspiring example for all alumni and students—especially young women aspiring to engage in scientific research and entrepreneurship.

We warmly congratulate Marie on this international recognition and send her our best wishes for continued success in pursuing her ambitious projects for the planet and for society.