INRAE-AgroParisTech International Centre of Molecular and Physical Gastronomy | France
Prof. Herve Jacques Marie This von Kientzheim is a French physical chemist, consultant professor at AgroParisTech and researcher at INRAE, internationally recognized as the co-founder with Nicholas Kurti of the scientific discipline of molecular and physical gastronomy. Passionate about chemistry since childhood, he studied at Janson de Sailly High School before training in physical chemistry at ESPCI ParisTech and modern literature at the University of Paris IV, then developed pioneering work first in a personal laboratory and later at the Collège de France, invited by Nobel laureate Jean-Marie Lehn. Over his prolific career he has created and directed several major initiatives: the INRAE-AgroParisTech International Centre of Molecular and Physical Gastronomy, the Science and Food Culture Foundation of the French Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Advanced Studies in Gastronomy (University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne / Cordon Bleu Institute), the International Journal of Molecular and Physical Gastronomy, and the Academic Notes of the French Academy of Agriculture. He has also been a scientific advisor to the journal Pour la Science and organizer of the International Workshops on Molecular Gastronomy and the French national seminars on the subject. His research, supported by collaborations with chefs such as Pierre Gagnaire, has explored the physical and chemical mechanisms underlying culinary transformations (coagulation, emulsions, foams, gels, aromas), the clarification of traditional culinary “precisions,” and the development of “note-by-note cuisine,” a novel approach that constructs dishes from pure compounds rather than traditional ingredients. Beyond laboratory work, he has influenced public education through initiatives such as the Experimental Taste Workshops, contributions to culinary training curricula, and numerous radio and television programs. Author of about twenty books and many scientific and professional articles, Herve This has lectured worldwide, promoting the integration of science and gastronomy. According to his academic impact includes around 1,900 citations, an h-index of 22, and more than 130 indexed documents, reflecting his enduring influence at the crossroads of chemistry, food science, and culinary innovation..
Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid
Featured Publications
“Eustress in Space: Opportunities for Plant Stressors Beyond the Earth Ecosystem”
“Improving the Understanding of Chemistry by Using the Right Words: Why Is Talking about Compounds so Messy?”
“Improving the Understanding of Chemistry by Using the Right Words: Employing Inorganic Formulas to Convey Chemical Structure”
“Improving the Understanding of Chemistry by Using the Right Words: Transforming Inorganic Formulas for Insight into Chemical Structure”
“Improving the Understanding of Chemistry by Using the Right Words: A Clear-Cut Strategy to Avoid Misconceptions When Talking about Elements, Atoms, and Molecules”