This issue is dedicated to the Midi-Pyrenees region and its research capability. This survey of some
major advancements in science was entirely designed and achieved by our local correspondents, with
the fullest support of the regional CNRS Administrator ; all the contributions are from resident scientists.
As a preface to this issue, it is a pleasure and a privilege to publish an interview granted to us by the
President of CNRS Ms. Catherine BRÉCHIGNAC.
CNRS, France’s National Science Research Centre, is the most important research institution within the
French scientific establishment – and the largest scientific institution in Europe, employing 25,000 staff
and with a budget of 3.3 Billion €. It has lived through many changes since its creation in 1939, at the
outbreak of World War II. Its first activities were largely conducted for the state with a view to enhancing
military technologies. It was only after the war that it became strongly involved in the development of
basic science ; and even more so after the advent of the Fifth Republic in 1958, when the state provided
it with massive support. From 1966 onwards it entered into a close partnership with the universities ; in
the ‘80’s, with civil society and industry ; in the ‘90’s, it contributed to the spread of project orientated
research. The current reforms are just a new stage in its permanent adaptation to a changing society in
a global context, in which its constant aim is the advancement of world class science.
During our interview with her, the President of CNRS shared her vision of the future of CNRS. She sees
it at the heart of world science, since excellent science can only be international. Her opening and closing
remarks were to stress the network concept : « The CNRS is a network organisation. This is most
important since global research is conducted through networks ». « The CNRS is truly a network : one
has to stop thinking of it as a closed entity. It has completely changed over time and it is only through
networks that French research can radiate ».
During the interview she stressed the importance of interdisciplinary research, both within the CNRS’s
subject committees and through interdisciplinary research programmes concerning eg. water
resources, energy, climate change, sustainable development, or the setting up of large global data
banks. The CNRS should also address issues concerning society as a whole : environmental protection
and climate change, the solving of the present world crisis through innovation and entreprise creation,
the design and construction of a new world economic, social and financial order, etc.
The management of human resources deserve the highest attention : « knowledge of the competencies
of staff exists at the laboratory level ; evaluation of personnel is conducted within the subject committees
; overall personnel management is carried out at Head Office, but the three strands are not
fully integrated : this is what we must achieve to enhance our human resources and overall performance.
Moreover this must be achieved abroad as well. Every year we hire 25% foreign staff and 60%
of our publications are with foreign partners ».
The management of human resources extends, too, to partnerships with universities, through CNRS
research fellowships, and with industry, through staff secondments both ways.
Foreign research partnerships (joint labs, international research programmes and groups, mixed
CNRS/university research units) are increasingly important : both within Europe and between Europe
and North America and Japan on the one hand, and with emerging countries (China, Brazil, India) on
the other.
The President of CNRS has a clear vision of its future within the global scientific community and has the
inspiration and the determination to succeed. Her final call is to the CNRS Alumni association to assist in
this task, in particular by networking with alumni abroad.
Edmond Arthur LISLE
President, CNRS Alumni Association