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Champions of Change: Empowering Bamboo for a better Future 

Dedicated volunteers steer the World Bamboo Organization. The Ambassadors work independently but are connected as a team, and we collaborate to expand the potential of our actions and our mission.

Jean-Luc Kouyoumji

France

Materials science and Housing

Jean-Luc Kouyoumji holds a PhD in Civil Engineering and Building Sciences from the University of Savoie and has been a research scientist at FCBA since 1997. He has managed over 35 private and public research projects funded by European bodies, ANR, ADEME, French Ministries, and Regional Councils. Jean-Luc has authored more than 38 articles on building acoustics and high-performance energy systems. His areas of expertise include: (1) Improving and modeling the acoustic performance of wood buildings and flanking transmissions; (2) Innovative bio-sourced materials for high-energy performance construction; (3) Technology and Innovation transfers in construction; (4) Facilitating exchanges between researchers, engineers, technical centers, development managers, and construction companies; (5) Co-directing PhD students with Chicoutimi University and Laval University in Quebec. He has chaired acoustic sessions at international conferences such as Inter-Noise, WoodRise, and ICA.

Jean-Luc served as Vice-Chairman of the EU-COST Action FP0702 and as an expert for the TAIEX European programs for Mediterranean countries. He co-authored the Cross Laminated Timber Handbook for Canada and was a reviewer for the Technical Guide for the Design of High-Rise Timber Buildings in Canada and the CLT Handbook USA. He is also the scientific coordinator of the WoodRise Alliance, a global initiative focused on high-rise wooden buildings, involving 30 international institutions and universities.

Since 1997, Jean-Luc has developed expertise in bamboo-based materials. He studied bamboo applications through research activities, particularly in European projects such as Bamboo for Europe and the Bamboo Thematic Network, as well as private development activities involving composite panels, processing machinery, flooring, and furniture. His network and expertise in bamboo have expanded through exchanges with universities in Asia, South America, and Europe, leading to the design of new products. In 2000, he was identified by INBAR (International Network for Bamboo and Rattan) as a French partner for economic development.

In 2007, Jean-Luc founded the non-profit organization Bambou Sciences et Innovations (BSI), which promotes the use and technical advancement of bamboo in construction, carpentry, panels, sustainability, energy, and furniture. He served as vice-chair of the World Bamboo Congress 2015 in Damyang, Korea, and since 2015, he has been a World Bamboo Ambassador of the World Bamboo Organization.

Jean-Luc is currently engaged in various bamboo projects, focusing on housing, chemical treatments, composite materials, bio-fuel, wastewater treatment, and bamboo plantations. He has participated in expertise missions on bamboo value chain development in the Caribbean, French Guiana, Vietnam, the Philippines, Central Asia, and Nigeria. Through BSInnovations, he provides expertise for international projects in areas such as engineer training, building system approvals, value chain assessments, environmental evaluations, and technology transfer through the BSI Bamboo Treatment® facility.