Fulbright France highlights WSU professor’s global energy impact for America’s 250th

Bin Yang, a scientist pioneering renewable fuels at Washington State University's Department of Biological Systems Engineering, was highlighted by the Franco-American Fulbright Commission this spring as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

An expert in sustainably produced fuels, Yang recently spent six months engaged in collaborative work in France. The WSU professor was among researchers featured in a new series by Fulbright France showcasing the impacts of Franco-American exchange. Fulbright France showcased his research as part of their theme on prosperity, enterprise, and energy security.

"Addressing climate and energy challenges on a global scale requires strong international partnerships that bridge scientific, cultural, and policy perspectives," Yang said. "The commission plays a vital role in fostering such partnerships, and I would welcome the opportunity to continue working with them to advance sustainable bioeconomy development in the near future."

As the recipient of the 2025 Fulbright-Tocqueville Distinguished Chair Award, Yang spent part of the spring and summer of 2025 at the Toulouse Biotechnology Institute in southern France. There, he helped build collaborations on global decarbonization, biofuels, and bioproducts production with French and international colleagues.

Yang has served at WSU for more than 17 years, during which his research, teaching, and service have focused on advancing sustainable biofuels and bioproducts through innovative biomass conversion technologies.

As an engineer and educator, Yang aims to generate fundamental knowledge, translate discoveries into practical solutions, and prepare the next generation of leaders in sustainable engineering. He is the only WSU faculty member to twice receive the Fulbright Distinguished Chair Award in bioeconomy development and engineering - a distinction that has greatly aided his international engagement.

Jean Marie François, professor of industrial biotechnology at the National Institute of Applied Sciences, University of Toulouse, and president of the French Federation of Biotechnology, served as Yang's host during his research activities in France.

"Dr. Yang's research on lignin valorization, sustainable aviation fuels, and bioeconomy design closely aligns with Europe's efforts to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, including aviation, chemicals, and heavy transportation," he said.

A leading European authority in industrial and white biotechnology - the use of living cells and enzymes to create sustainable products and processes - François noted that carbon neutrality and energy independence are strategic priorities for France and the European Union.

"To me, it is very clear that global bioeconomy development requires a partnership approach among countries in the world to create a sustainable future for all," Yang said. "Working in France allowed me to directly link bioenergy innovation with international energy security goals, leveraging complementary U.S. and European strengths while building durable scientific partnerships that translate discovery into globally relevant solutions."

Yang maintains active research collaborations with partners in Finland, China, India, Brazil, Sweden, and South Africa, strengthening WSU's global research profile. He has also promoted green biofuel biotechnology through academic industrial partnerships, outreach seminars hosted by U.S. embassies, and specialized undergraduate and graduate courses delivered internationally.

"Dr. Yang's seminal research in sustainable energy culminated in his selection for this highly sought-after distinguished chair role," said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of WSU's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. "His efforts to develop new technologies and global partnerships are a great example of the societal service at the heart of our public land-grant university mission."

Learn more about Yang's projects at his research website.