Interview with Alain Fuchs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 CNRS expanded its international reach this year. The SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) rated CNRS the world’s most important research institute. CNRS is clearly the world’s leading scientific institution in terms of research papers published and listed in international databases. Considering that social sciences and the humanities are not properly accounted for, the fact that our organization leads the way in generating scientific knowledge is all the more striking. I should stress that in the vast majority of cases, the CNRS signature on a publication concerns a joint research unit in partnership with a university or higher education institution. The SIR ranking recognizes the cooperation between CNRS and universities, and it confirms the importance of French research on the international scene. Nevertheless, I realize we have to do more to improve the visibility and attractiveness of our research worldwide. Further evidence of the vitality of CNRS is its presence among the world’s 100 leading public and private institutions in terms of innovation. Doesn’t the role played by the organization in this area still lack recognition? CNRS and our university partners are often reputed for focusing on fundamental research. The fact that France has several high-flying organizations dedicated to applied research might suggest that some type of “sharing” exists between both types of institutions. Yet this view is simplistic: the distinction between “fundamental” and “applied” research no longer makes sense. CNRS applies for numerous patents – more than 400 in 20121 – which places us in fifth position at national level. We are involved in partnerships with many businesses through more than 70 joint research units and laboratories. We invest in Technology Transfer Companies (SATTs), and our teams work with the Carnot Institutes, competitiveness clusters, Technological Research Institutes (IRTs), and others. Our commitment to innovation goes largely unseen, and we must pull out all the stops to promote and explain it. Our main goal is to enhance the transfer of knowledge and expertise to the economic sphere. How is CNRS affected by the current crisis and the government’s efforts to balance the budget, notably regarding employment and funding? Higher education and research were protected from the cost-cutting measures provided for in France’s 2012 Financial Law. Research organizations in several of our neighbor countries were not so fortunate. When I meet my Italian or Spanish counterparts, for example, many are envious that I can continue to hire almost 300 young research scientists, not to mention the engineers and technicians we recruit each year and who also make decisive contributions to advancing knowledge. Despite the tense economic climate, our 2012 budget increased by just over 3%, which – combined with our efforts to reform and modernize our management – enabled us to retain our operational capabilities. The National Conferences of Higher Education and Research, inaugurated on November 26, 2012 at the Collège de France by French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, were the culmination of an unprecedented consultation. CNRS personnel made a significant contribution. ••• 2012 A year at CNRS
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