Alain Fuchs: “French research continues to produce world-class results” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The President of CNRS reflects on the highlights of 2012 and analyzes the changing landscape of French research. Numerous scientific breakthroughs Also in 2012, the Nobel prize in Physics was awarded to Serge marked the year 2012, culminating Haroche, who had already received the CNRS gold medal. in the almost certain discovery of the More recently, Jean Jouzel won the Vetlesen prize. Doesn’t Higgs boson. What do you find most this testify to the vitality of French research? inspiring? Clearly, these prizes reward the talent of two exceptional researchers, Two facts come to mind. Firstly, basic whom I wholeheartedly congratulate. But they are also the result science continues to progress, tirelessly of French higher education and research, backed by medium- and exploring unknown or little-known aspects long-term funding. This funding, which is not risk-free, is based on of nature. This research, which serves as our confidence in researchers and their projects. The primary role of a basis for all others, is back at the forefront, making the headlines. CNRS is to take up these challenges and provide support – a far less Secondly, researchers demonstrate extraordinary creativity in comfortable approach than simply waiting for researchers to succeed making, understanding, and interpreting discoveries. High-level before recognizing them. Indeed, I say it loud and clear: day after day, research inevitably requires new techniques, theories, and equipment. French research continues to produce world-class results. The present It leads to a wide range of applications covering areas well context is very challenging, though: society is changing faster beyond the initial field of research. 2012 was particularly fruitful and than ever, globalization is accelerating, the economy is in crisis, the quite spectacular from this point of view. transition to renewable energy sources is inevitable, ecological and climate upheavals are intensifying, and the expectations of industry in fields such as GMOs and non-conventional fuels are becoming urgent. French research must be prepared to address these new challenges while retaining its integrity. The almost-certain detection of the famous Higgs boson – the last missing piece in the Standard Model of particle physics – made the headlines on July 4, 2012. 4 A year at CNRS 2012
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