Stéphane Foulon, 57, is a scientific glass blower based in Toulouse at the CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research) within the Institute of Chemistry. In his workshop, Foulon creates unique glass pieces tailored for research needs, serving the scientific community for 39 years.
To meet Foulon, one must navigate to the end of a long corridor at the ground floor of the Institute of Chemistry in Toulouse and enter his workshop. Here, he crafts glass pieces like vacuum tubes or custom-designed vessels necessary for research experiments. Working with industrial pyrex glass, Foulon ensures the transparency, low expansion coefficient, thermal resistance, and chemical durability required for scientific studies.
With a background in glass blowing since 1988, Foulon describes his meticulous process involving heating differently sized glass rods between 800 and 1200 degrees to create various glass apparatus. Despite the risks and challenges, Foulon values the precision and solidity of his creations, essential for the demanding needs of chemists.
Foulon’s dedication to his craft stems from his passion for advancing scientific research, contributing to studies on cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. He hopes to inspire younger generations to take up the art of glass blowing, emphasizing the diverse career opportunities it presents in both scientific and artistic fields.
For the Institute of Chemistry in Toulouse, Foulon is an invaluable collaborator, providing quick and cost-effective glass solutions essential for the scientific community. Régis Laurent, Deputy Director of the Institute of Chemistry, acknowledges Foulon’s importance in supporting research endeavors.
