When I met Michel Che for the first time in the early 1990s, I was a solid-state chemist willing to discover the world of catalysis, to develop a better knowledge of the potential of Rare Earths in the area. His name was given to me as one of the most brilliant and original researchers in the field, and so I asked for a meeting in Jussieu. I was first surprised to get an appointment very quickly after my contact, and the best was yet to come with the meeting of such an extraordinary person. Not only he was of a wonderful kindness and attention, but his way of looking at catalysis and reactivity was really out of the box, bringing a real scientific view in our rather empirical way of looking at the phenomena. I immediately wanted to get him more involved with us, and there started a friendship of thirty years with Michel, resulting in extraordinary scientific exchanges, access of well-trained people to join our teams, but also having a lot of fun. Michel has not been the man of one technique or one process, but he has had a global scientific contribution to catalysis, linking surface science and characterization to catalytic activity, and from this designing and synthesizing new heterogeneous catalysts. Michel has been a pioneer in looking at a catalyst, with a very original way of looking at surface reactivity, and a molecular approach of metal complexes,

This special Issue of the Journal of Catalysis pays tribute to Professor Michel Che. In addition to the Editorial Preface, colleagues share their recollections of the vigorous endeavour he displayed throughout his scientific life to promote efficient international collaborations, as well as to bridge fundamental science and its applications. His human qualities are unanimously valued, which has left a trail marked with friendship.