HELLERTOWN, PA, July 30, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Michel Daage, PhD, with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Dr. Daage celebrates many years' experience in his professional network and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Daage has established himself as a leading authority in heterogeneous catalysis and catalytic materials, particularly within the oil and gas sector. Over the course of more than 45 years, he has demonstrated exceptional expertise in low-emissions fuels and lubricants derived from petroleum, natural gas and biomass. Since 2024, Dr. Daage has served as an independent consultant, leveraging his extensive background to advise on technologies of interest to oil and gas companies, with a focus on sustainable processing solutions. In this capacity, he is associated with Innovative Catalysis and Processing LLC, where he previously held the role of sole proprietor from 2016 to 2024. His work centers on evaluating new technologies, guiding companies through the complexities of proprietary information and helping them assess the value of emerging innovations.

From 2018 to 2019, Dr. Daage simultaneously contributed his expertise as a consultant with Essex Consulting Group in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, where he was involved in research and development, catalytic processes, and catalysts. Leveraging his extensive background, his most significant tenure with ExxonMobil Corporation, where he joined the corporate research team in New Jersey following his postdoctoral studies in 1984. Over a distinguished career that spanned over three decades at ExxonMobil, he advanced to the executive-level position of senior scientific advisor within research and engineering, a rare achievement for a scientist-focused professional. During this period, Dr. Daage distinguished himself by bridging the gap between invention and commercialization, a capability that set him apart in his discipline. He played a pivotal role in developing advanced hydrocracking technology that transformed the Rotterdam refinery into one of Europe's major producers of distillates and high-quality Group II lubricants. This project culminated in a $1.5 billion investment after his retirement and stands as a testament to his ability to lead innovations from concept through to large-scale implementation.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Daage served as a chargé de recherche at the Center National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in France between 1978 and 1984. There, he honed his skills in catalysis and laid the groundwork for his future contributions to industrial chemistry.

Dr. Daage's academic foundation includes a bachelor's and master's degree in chemistry, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry from Lille 1 University of Science and Technology in France in 1983 and postdoctoral studies completed in the U.S. in 1986. His early inspiration stemmed from an unexpected aptitude for science during his secondary education, which led him to pursue chemistry at the university level. A perfect score in catalysis attracted the attention of faculty members at the University of Strasbourg, who encouraged him to specialize further. This decision shaped Dr. Daage's lifelong commitment to catalysis research.

Dr. Daage's leadership extended beyond research and development. He chaired the technical program for the North American Catalysis Society in 2008 and was once affiliated with the American Chemical Society. Dr. Daage is especially proud of mentoring doctoral students and new employees at ExxonMobil, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience among emerging scientists.

The highlight of Dr. Daage's career remains his invention of patented hydrocracking technology for advanced hydrocarbons. This breakthrough earned him the Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award from the Research & Development Council of New Jersey in 2020. It was later commercialized on an unprecedented scale in Europe after his retirement. He notably holds more than 70 U.S. patents across areas such as lubricants, diesel fuels, gas conversion and coal liquefaction. Additionally, Dr. Daage has authored more than 40 publications and has delivered invited presentations at national and international conferences hosted by organizations such as the North American Catalysis Society.

In addition to the aforementioned patent award, Dr. Daage's achievements have been recognized through multiple awards from ExxonMobil. He credits his success to working across multiple specialties, collaborating closely with engineers to advance discoveries through commercialization while addressing patent considerations. Dr. Daage's persistence in pursuing new approaches and ability to communicate across disciplines have been instrumental throughout his career.

Among Dr. Daage's influences were opportunities to collaborate with renowned scientists such as John Sinfeld, the recipient of one of the highest honors awarded by the President of the United States for scientific achievement as well as Dr. Russel Chianelli and Dr. Jose Santiesteban. He also valued working alongside talented colleagues at ExxonMobil. Looking ahead, Dr. Daage is committed to sharing his knowledge with others, believing that mentorship brings hope during a period of significant transition within catalysis research toward sustainable processing solutions for biomass-derived products and low-emissions technologies.

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