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Udo Nackenhorst, professeur invité au LMPS de l'ENS Paris-Saclay

sylvie.kemenovic — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:07:00 +0000

Udo Nackenhorst, Guest-Professor at LMPS at ENS Paris-Saclay sylvie.kemenovic Thu, 06/18/2026 - 15:28

Ses activités à l’ENS Paris-Saclay

During his stay he will give seminar lectures in the field of his expertise and a lecture series on Stochastic Finite Element Methods, one of his major research interests during the last decade. These lectures will be given in hybrid format, in presence for the ENS students and online for the German participants.

In addition, together with David Neron, he will discuss on novel research methods for more efficient numerical treatment of high-cycle fatigue, a topic which has been subject of a couple of common publications in the past. In particular, they will evaluate the future of the collaboration.

A long-lasting collaboration between the Hannover researchers and LMPS

There is a long-lasting collaboration between the Hannover researchers and LMPS lasting for more than 15 year now. In particular, this collaboration is underpinned by the International Research Training Group (IRTG) on “Computational Mechanics Techniques in High Dimensions” (CoMeTeNd) where Udo Nackenhorst and David Neron are the spokespersons.

The IRTG, a framework for structured doctoral education

The IRTG is a framework for structured doctoral education, the German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding 10 doctoral positions at the German side, who are complemented with the same number from the French side.
Thus, in total about 20 young scientists are research on novel numerical solution methods for the challenging topic with different field of engineering application.

In the framework of the IRTG each doctoral researcher is supervised at least by one German and one French PI.

« The IRTG is a wonderful framework for interdisciplinary research in intercultural teams. I love it to work with these young people on in cutting edge leading research, where the expertise from the French and German groups are joined. » précise Udo Nackenhorst

En 2026, quatre doctorants de Hanovre qui effectuent leur semestre obligatoire à l'étranger à l'ENS-Paris Saclay.

^{From left to right : Élise Foulatier, Leon Kolditz, Ramakrishnan Chandran, Jamal Bhatti et Christian Sellmann.}

Elise Foulatier, a French doctoral researcher who spend a couple of months in different German teams. Her research topic is on modular coupling strategies for high-performance computing of multi-physics problems.
« Undertaking a research visit at the University of Hanover has enabled me to collaborate with researchers whose areas of expertise differ from those covered at the LMPS. On a personal level, it has also introduced me to a different working method and research environment. »

Leon Kolditz, who is working in Hannover on space-time adaptive model order reduction with digital image correlation.
« The LMPS was incredibly welcoming; Amelie Fau showed me around and introduced me to everyone in the lab and all of them were curious about what I am working on. This collegial spirit carries over into the research as well, as PhD students work together in large shared offices and the professors are always ready to discuss whenever their doors are open. The overall atmosphere truly encourages open scientific exchange. »

Ramakrishnan Chandran, who is researching on reduced order modeling for adaptive space-time solutions for fluid-structure interaction.
« Having my French supervisor introduce me and my research to fellow students, professors, and collaborators—and learning about their work in return—creates a strong foundation for meaningful academic exchange and potential future collaborations.
The open office layout further enhances this experience by facilitating an engaging work environment. It encourages spontaneous discussions, quick feedback, and informal knowledge sharing, all of which contribute to sustained motivation. »

Jamal Bhatti, his research topic is on novel solution schemes for bio-films in porous media.
« My research stay in France has been an incredibly rewarding experience, largely thanks to the warm and welcoming community here. The collaborative and social environment among the researchers is truly special. I have loved the daily traditions we share, whether it is gathering after the coffee break to play games or heading out for lunch together as a group. The working conditions are also fantastic, and I particularly appreciate the spacious offices provided for the PhD students. Plus, I must admit, the Paris weather has been a wonderful upgrade from the weather in Hannover! Overall, everyone has been exceptionally friendly, making this a memorable and enjoyable visit. »

Christian Sellmann, who is researching on topology optimization via space-time virtual element methods.
« Guter Wissenschaftlicher Austausch in der ganzen "Fakultät" durch LMPS Seminar + Anschließendem Kaffee 2. Sehr familiäres und freundliches Forschungsumfeld. »

nackenhorst [at] ibnm.uni-hannover.de (Udo Nackenhorst)

david.neron [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (David Néron)

Publications

Research

Udo Nackenhorst is Professor for Mechanics and Computational Mechanics at the Leibniz University Hannover in Germany. His research topics cover non-linear solid mechanics and sophisticated numerical solution techniques with applications for example in contact mechanics, damage and fatigue mechanics, bio-mechanics etc. He is invited by Prof. David Neron at LMPS for the period from April 1st to June 30 2026.
Depuis plus de 15 ans, les chercheuses et chercheurs de l'université Leibniz de Hanovre et du LMPS travaillent ensemble, notamment grâce au Groupe international de formation à la recherche (IRTG) consacré aux « Techniques de mécanique numérique en dimensions élevées » (CoMeTeNd).

First IRTG 2657 international symposium on modeling and efficient computation …

Page du chercheur Udo Nackenhorst

Auditeurs libres pour les épreuves orales des concours 2026

lydie.varacavoudin — Mon, 04 May 2026 08:14:35 +0000

Auditors for the oral exams of the 2026 competitive examinations sylvie.kemenovic Mon, 05/04/2026 - 11:57

TERMS OF ACCESS

Auditors must:

report to the competition reception desk before entering the premises;
adhere to the schedule and instructions provided by the organizing teams;
behave in a manner that ensures the calm and quiet necessary for the exams to proceed smoothly.

Access may be denied or restricted in the event of overcrowding, organizational constraints, or failure to follow instructions.

Rules to Follow

To ensure fairness and confidentiality during the exams:

Communication with candidates is prohibited in the immediate vicinity of the exam rooms;
Photography, video recording, and audio recording are strictly prohibited;
Cell phones must be turned off or set to silent mode.

Practical Information

We encourage visitors to check this page regularly, as well as the information posted on campus throughout the oral exam period.

Access procedures may vary depending on the program and building in question.

Registration

B.U.T oraux, May 19–21, 2026: concours [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (please email your request to the exam department.)rel=" noopener" target="_blank"
Design oraux, May 26–29, 2026: concours [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (please email your request to the exam department.)rel=" noopener" target="_blank"
EG 1 oraux, June 1–5, 2026: download your ticket (billetweb)
PSI oraux, June 8–17, 2026: concours [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (please email your request to the exam department.)rel=" noopener" target="_blank"
MP & MPI, June 8–27, 2026: download your ticket from the Banques-Écoles website
PC oraux, June 15 to July 11, 2026: concours [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (please email your request to the exam department.)rel=" noopener" target="_blank"
BCPST, June 15–July 4, 2026: link coming soon
BLSES, June 15–July 3, 2026: link coming soon
Le Anglais, June 17–19: concours [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (please email your request to the exam department.)rel=" noopener" target="_blank"

_{Photo credit: Michel Denacé (RPWB)}

concours [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (Pôle concours)

Dans le cadre des épreuves orales des concours 2026, l'ENS Paris-Saclay accueille des auditeurs libres souhaitant assister à certaines interrogations orales. L'accès aux salles est autorisé dans la limite des places disponibles et sous réserve du bon déroulement des épreuves.

Inscription au Congrès junior pluridisciplinaire 2026

sylvie.kemenovic — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:32:00 +0000

Registration for the 2026 Multidisciplinary Junior Conference sylvie.kemenovic Fri, 03/20/2026 - 13:27

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Date of the Junior Conference: Thursday, May 28, from 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: ENS Paris-Saclay - 4 avenue des Sciences - 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette
Venir à l'ENS Paris-Saclay

Submission:

Call for submissions: until March 30, 2026
Feedback from the selection committee: April 27, 2026
Conference registration deadline: May 4, 2026

Are you a student in your third year of a bachelor’s degree (L3), first year of a master’s degree (M1), or second year of a master’s degree (M2) in any program at any of the constituent institutions, departments, or partner universities of Paris-Saclay University?
Come present the scientific objectives and methodology of your research project or research internship completed in 2025 or currently underway in 2026. Presentations may be individual or group presentations.

How can I participate?

Visit the conference website;
Download the Word and LaTeX abstract templates;
Fill out the participation request form provided and submit your abstracts (in English and French) as a single PDF file.
The abstract, approximately 20 lines long, should describe the project on which your presentation will be based. It must be submitted in French and English, and must include the title and keywords in both languages.

Please review the call for participation document.

If you are a researcher, professor, or faculty member, encourage your students to participate and feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the event.

cjp.mres [at] universite-paris-saclay.fr (L'équipe du congrès junior)

Diffusion des savoirs

Dissemination of knowledge

Student

Academic

Organized by the Graduate School of Research and Higher Education (MRES), this multidisciplinary junior conference aims to showcase research projects by students from all units of Paris-Saclay University.
Don’t forget to register to present your project by March 30, 2026!
See you at the junior conference on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at ENS Paris-Saclay.

Congrès junior 2026 de la Graduate school Métiers de la recherche et de l’ensei…

Une allocation de scolarité pour les normaliens et normaliennes étudiantes pour la rentrée 2026/2027

sylvie.kemenovic — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:29:12 +0000

A tuition allowance for students enrolled in teacher training colleges for the 2026/2027 academic year sylvie.kemenovic Wed, 01/07/2026 - 15:59

EvidENS is a concrete response to the challenges of diversity and attractiveness in academic careers. We want every student, regardless of their background or origin, to be able to devote themselves fully to their education and projects, without financial constraints. This is another step toward a more equitable and open school.

— Nathalie Carrasco, President of ENS Paris-Saclay

Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity at ENS Paris-Saclay (EvidENS)

Why EvidENS?

The ENS Paris-Saclay's mission is to train France's future scientific and academic elites in a spirit of openness and diversity. However, until now, only students recruited through competitive examinations (mainly after preparatory classes) have been paid as trainee civil servants. Other students selected through the “student route” do not receive systematic financial support, which can be a barrier to their commitment to the demanding course of study required to obtain the school's diploma.

A decisive step and a strong commitment to a more inclusive and attractive school

With EvidENS, the School is taking a decisive step forward:

A grant for all: from 2026, first-year students at the École Normale Supérieure will receive a grant of €600 per month, which can be combined with means-tested scholarships.
A commitment to diversity: by providing financial security for students, EvidENS makes it possible to attract talented individuals from less privileged backgrounds and a variety of academic backgrounds.

This is a strong commitment to the future that makes it possible to:

Secure studies by guaranteeing financial support throughout the school year for everyone;
Strengthen excellence by offering all students optimal conditions to devote themselves fully and serenely to their training and academic career;
Open the doors of the School to all talented individuals, regardless of their academic, socioeconomic, or geographic background, to dare to attend ENS Paris-Saclay;
Strengthen the attractiveness of ENS Paris-Saclay.

How does it work?

Target audience: École Normale Supérieure students
Amount: €600 per month, paid throughout the course of study.
Funding: the project is made possible by a redeployment of existing resources (previously dedicated to the competitive examination track in the second year), without increasing the school's overall budget.
Implementation:
- The scheme will be implemented gradually, starting with students entering their first year (1A) at the start of the 2026 academic year.
- From 2027, all students entering the school in their first or second year (1A and 2A) will be eligible for the allowance.
- Thus, at the start of the 2029 academic year, all École Normale students will benefit from the École Normale tuition allowance, representing approximately 600 beneficiaries.

A project rooted in the school's values

EvidENS is part of the republican tradition of ENS Paris-Saclay, which combines academic excellence, public service, and social openness. By guaranteeing financial support to all its students, the EvidENS allowance radically transforms study conditions and allows everyone to pursue their academic career with peace of mind. This financial security also promotes mental health and well-being, which are essential factors for success and personal fulfillment. With this project, the School reaffirms its role as a breeding ground for all talents, serving education, research, and society at large.

Next steps

Start of the 2026 academic year: launch of the scheme for École Normale students entering their first year (1A).
From the start of the 2027 academic year: all École Normale students entering their first year (1A) and second year (2A) will be eligible for the grant.

More information

secretariat.presidence [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (Présidence de l'ENS Paris-Saclay)

Starting in the 2026 academic year, ENS Paris-Saclay will introduce the Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity at ENS Paris-Saclay (EvidENS), a tuition allowance for all ENS students.
This unprecedented initiative aims to provide financial security for all ENS students and to enhance the attractiveness and diversity of the school. It represents a decisive step forward for equal opportunities and excellence at ENS Paris-Saclay.

Très bonne année 2026 !

sylvie.kemenovic — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:36:56 +0000

Happy New Year 2026! sylvie.kemenovic Mon, 01/05/2026 - 08:57

secretariat.presidence [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (Présidence de l'ENS Paris-Saclay)

Resumption of studies

Media

All the teams and students at the École normale supérieure Paris-Saclay wish you a very happy 2026.

Lancement de l’Observatoire de l’égalité des chances en 2025

sylvie.kemenovic — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:25:58 +0000

Launch of the Equal Opportunities Observatory sylvie.kemenovic Wed, 12/17/2025 - 12:01

The Equal Opportunities Observatory aims to objectively assess recruitment measures for selective programs at the four Écoles Normales Supérieures and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.

The context

In 2021, a report by the Institute for Public Policy (IPP) showed that, despite the social inclusion measures implemented by certain grandes écoles since the mid-2000s, recruitment for these programs had not changed significantly between 2006 and 2016.

Since the period covered by this study, several reforms have profoundly changed the landscape of higher education in France: the introduction of the Parcoursup platform in 2018, the reform of upper secondary education in 2019, the creation of “Talents du service public” preparatory classes, and the introduction by certain grandes écoles of bonus points in competitive entrance exams for candidates receiving social criteria-based scholarships.

The transformations of the last twenty years have profoundly changed the landscape of selective education programs; it is essential to be able to measure their effects objectively. This requirement is now shared throughout the ecosystem, and it is collectively that we can make progress. Institutions have been engaged in this work for a long time, but the creation of the Observatory marks a new stage: that of scientific, transparent, and cumulative evaluation, which will provide lasting insight into democratization policies.

— Thierry Coulhon, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris

Create a joint observatory for French grandes écoles

The observatory is the result of a collaboration between the Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris) and its six member schools (École polytechnique, ENSTA, ENPC, ENSAE, Telecom Paris, Telecom SudParis) and the network of “ENS” schools, the Écoles normales supérieures ENS – PSL, ENS Paris-Saclay, ENS Rennes, ENS Lyon).

It draws on the expertise of the Institut des Politiques Publiques (IPP) and the research teams of the founding institutions—in particular the Centre de recherche en économie et statistique (CREST - unité mixte de recherche, CNRS, École polytechnique, ENSAE) – which specialize in the analysis of selective education pathways and are equipped with data visualization tools to ensure that the results are disseminated in an accessible manner.

The scientific management of the project is coordinated by Julien GRENET, research director at the CNRS and deputy director of the Institute for Public Policy.

Understanding recruitment mechanisms to provide reliable, up-to-date indicators and levers for action

The Observatory will produce rigorous, transparent analyses based on several generations of students, providing the entire higher education and research ecosystem, and more broadly public decision-makers, with reliable, up-to-date indicators and levers for action.
It will shed light on the mechanisms that structure access to elite institutions in France and will support policies aimed at democratizing higher education.

The Observatory will take into account several aspects of recruitment:

Social background, geographical origin, educational profile, and gender;
diversity of fields of study: science, economics, literature, public/private, regional, degrees of selectivity.

It will analyze differences in access rates according to social, regional, and educational characteristics.
Long-term monitoring of students will identify the stages at which their trajectories diverge. Particular attention will be paid to post-baccalaureate choices based on APB and Parcoursup data.

Working with public actors

The Observatory will work in coordination with the national ecosystem, in particular with the Direction de l’Évaluation, de la Prospective et de la Performance (DEPP) and the Service de l’Information statistique et des études (SIES), whose data and expertise are essential to ensuring the robustness of analyses and understanding of educational dynamics.

A roadmap for sustainable results

Each year, the observatory plans to publish progress reports accompanied by updates and analyses, as well as the following outputs:

an interim report in the second year;
a final report in the third year;
thematic focus reports in the fourth year, including, for example, the representation of women in selective scientific fields.

The outputs will include reports, summary notes, academic publications, an interactive data visualization tool, and replication programs to ensure the transparency of the results.

Finally, the data collected will enable targeted experiments to be conducted

the identification of students with high potential for success in CPGE but who do not apply;
the identification of schools with the most significant gender gaps in career choices;
the implementation of awareness-raising actions aimed at encouraging high-achieving students from modest backgrounds to apply to the most selective programs.

A strategic resource for the governance of prestigious universities

The work of the Observatory for Equal Opportunities is also intended to become a strategic resource for the governance of IP Paris and ENS schools in their active policies to reduce inequalities.
Its work, designed to inform public debate and have a ripple effect, will result in scientific publications and help decision-makers and institutions better understand the dynamics of access.

Creating the conditions for genuine equal access to selective programs does not pose a risk to their excellence, but rather guarantees that they will not miss out on the great researchers and engineers of tomorrow. It is also a prerequisite for their full integration into the Republic. In line with the scientific approach, this new Observatory will enable us to build the observation and evaluation framework necessary to strengthen and accelerate the accessibility policies we are already implementing.

— Frédéric WORMS, Director of the École Normale Supérieure ENS-PSL

secretariat.presidence [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (Présidence de l'ENS Paris-Saclay)

École

School

The four Écoles normales supérieures (ENS Paris-Saclay, ENS Ulm, ENS Lyon, ENS Rennes) and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris are launching the Observatory of Equal Opportunities to analyze, document, and monitor access to the most selective programs in French higher education over time.

Concours 2026 : calendrier et résultats

sylvie.kemenovic — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:57:03 +0000

Schedule and results for the 2026 first-year preparatory class entrance exams sylvie.kemenovic Tue, 12/09/2025 - 09:08

First-year competition

Recruitment for first-year competitive examinations is based on two years of post-secondary education. Most candidates come from preparatory classes for the grandes écoles (CPGE).

Click on the links below to find out all the dates for your exam: exam registration, exam dates, results, etc.

Contact

Competition Department

sos-concours [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (Send an email to the Contest Department.)

Tel.: +33 (0)1 81 87 49 25

Find the registration dates, written exam dates, and specific details for each 2026 ENS Paris-Saclay competitive exam. The schedule for each exam is regularly updated by the School's Competitive Exam Department.

3 étoiles au label "Bienvenue en France" 2025

sylvie.kemenovic — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:31:28 +0000

3 stars with the “Bienvenue en France” label 2025 sylvie.kemenovic Thu, 11/13/2025 - 16:37

In 2025/2026, more than 200 international students chose to study at ENS Paris-Saclay.

The label

The quality of the welcome given to international students is a fundamental issue for the internationalization and attractiveness of French higher education. The “Bienvenue en France” label is awarded to institutions wishing to highlight their welcome facilities. It is awarded for five years by Campus France and validated by an independent commission.

The 23rd certification commission, which met in October 2025, renewed the “Bienvenue en France” label for eight institutions, including ENS Paris-Saclay via the application of Paris-Saclay University.

The commission is composed of members of institutional conferences, the CTI, the HCERES, and Campus France, and highlights higher education institutions that offer services to facilitate the studies and stays of international students.

The criteria are based on:

the quality of support offered to students during their stay;
the provision of clear and accessible information and accommodation solutions;
the organization of events and activities throughout the year.

ri [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (Servie Relations internationales)

The “Bienvenue en France” label is awarded to universities for their international student welcome programs.
In 2025, ENS Paris-Saclay was awarded three stars, a distinction awarded for five years to institutions committed to improving and promoting the welcome given to international students.

“Welcome to France” label on the Campus France website

Nouvelle percée en imagerie spectrale : l’analyse en 3D de matériaux photosensibles via un "jumeau numérique"

sylvie.kemenovic — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:41:37 +0000

New breakthrough in spectral imaging: 3D analysis of photosensitive materials using a digital twin sylvie.kemenovic Tue, 10/14/2025 - 17:15

Spectral imaging

In photonic analysis, a spectrum is obtained by sending a beam onto a sample, varying a parameter, often the incident (or re-emitted) energy, and collecting the response on a detector. By collecting the signal pixel by pixel, a spectral image is generated. This image is referred to as hyperspectral when the energy range is continuous, and multispectral when it is discrete.
Spectral imaging using photon excitation in the X-ray, UV or visible range is widely used to identify chemical compounds and classify pixels according to their composition, but also to spatially classify material for various fields of application: satellite remote sensing, forest management, plant biology, food and heritage chemistry.
However, many imaging modalities involve high doses of radiation, which can lead to irreversible damage to samples.

Preserving sample integrity and analysing photosensitive materials

Advanced spectral imaging techniques face an inherent trade-off between signal intensity and sample integrity.
In chemical imaging, the large amount of information collected with hyperspectral and multispectral imaging involves a high dose of electromagnetic radiation, which is necessary to collect a sufficient signal but can irreversibly damage inorganic samples and, even more so, organic samples. Various approaches are used to obtain sufficient count statistics while mitigating damage, such as cryogenic freezing. However, cold temperatures can themselves be very detrimental to sample integrity.
Furthermore, strategies based on increasing beam size, reducing beam flux and/or acquisition time have a significant impact on the data collected. Reducing the dose can pose the challenge of disentangling the collected signal. A critical choice must therefore be made to find a compromise between sample preservation and the amount of knowledge collected.
Traditionally, the optimisation of acquisition parameters, such as source wavelength, intensity and exposure time, has been based on empirical adjustments aimed at improving image contrast.

X-ray Raman spectral imaging

Researchers have identified a particularly promising method: X-ray Raman scattering. This technique, which requires a large instrument (synchrotron), has the unique ability to probe light elements in 3D (carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, etc.). However, it requires extremely high doses of radiation, making it impossible to analyse photosensitive materials.

The creation of a ‘digital twin’ paves the way for 3D analysis of photosensitive materials

To overcome this obstacle, they developed a ‘digital twin’ of an imaging experiment — i.e. a virtual model of the experiment, combining experimental and ‘synthetic’ data, which can be used to simulate the result obtained by digitally varying the parameters of the experiment.
They demonstrated that the development of a suitable ‘digital twin’ enables the imaging of radiosensitive organic samples. They tested a large number of experimental configurations and identified those that led to better classification of chemical species.

Its use made it possible to reduce the acquisition time tenfold while maintaining operation below the damage threshold, paving the way for high-definition spectral imaging with minimal degradation of sensitive organic samples.
By fixing the dose received by the sample, they determined the experimental conditions that would allow data to be collected on a particularly photosensitive paint sample.

The hybridisation of the real world of the experiment and the synthetic world of the digital twin has enabled 3D speciation of photosensitive materials and paves the way for faster and more efficient imaging modalities, preserving samples from biology to chemistry and materials science.

Interdisciplinary and multi-institutional work

The international team consists of:

Laure CAZALS, Lauren DALECKY and Loïc BERTRAND: laboratoire de chimie, "Photophysique et Photochimie Supramoléculaires et Macromoléculaires" (PPSM - ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay),
Agnès DESOLNEUX: laboratoire de mathématiques, le Centre Borelli (ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay)
Simo HUOTARI: Department of Physics of University d'Helsinki
Christoph SAHLE and Alessandro MIRONE: synchrotron européen ESRF
Serge Cohen: laboratoire IPANEMA (CNRS, UVSQ, MNHN, Department of Culture)

This work was initiated by an unprecedented collaboration between the chemistry and mathematics departments of ENS Paris-Saclay, and benefited from a Long Term Project at the European synchrotron ESRF (HG-171). It was funded by the European Commission as part of the GoGreen project (GA no. 101060768).

Contacts scientifiques

Loïc Bertrand (ENS Paris-Saclay)
+33 6 81 33 28 23
loic.bertrand [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (Envoyez un mail)

Agnès Desolneux
(CNRS / ENS Paris-Saclay)
agnes.desolneux [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (Envoyez un mail)

An international team of researchers from ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, ESRF and the University of Helsinki has produced a digital twin that enables 3D analysis of photosensitive materials, such as the paint used by the great masters.
They studied the conditions for minimising the dose of X-rays applied to a sample during analysis. By creating a digital twin of the experiment, they were able to explore a wide range of experimental parameters. Their study, published in the journal Science Advances, shows that it is possible to reduce the dose used by a factor of ten while retaining the ability to determine the stratigraphy of a paint sample, based on the optimal values identified by the algorithm.
This approach now allows the analysis of highly photosensitive samples using methods previously considered too aggressive for these materials.

Publication dans la revue Science Advances

Prix Nobel d’économie 2025, Philippe Aghion, un alumni de l’ENS Paris-Saclay

sylvie.kemenovic — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:03:08 +0000

2025 Nobel Prize in Economics winner Philippe Aghion, an alumnus of ENS Paris-Saclay sylvie.kemenovic Tue, 10/14/2025 - 17:05

His main research work

Philippe Aghion profoundly renewed our understanding of growth by developing, with Peter Howitt, the Schumpeterian theory based on creative destruction. In this theory, innovation continually replaces obsolete technologies and fuels long-term growth. (Ref.: Aghion et Howitt, 1992, Econometrica)

Other of his works show that competition can stimulate innovation and that institutions play a decisive role in transforming individual creativity into collective progress. (Ref.: Aghion et al., QJE, 2005)

He also analysed how innovation can both widen inequalities and promote social mobility, depending on the educational, fiscal and industrial policies that accompany technological change. (Ref.: Philippe Aghion, Alexandra Roulet, Repenser l’État, 2011, le Seuil)

His research on the role of the state highlights the need for a public framework capable of encouraging research and competition while limiting exclusionary effects. (Ref.: Aghion, Antonin et Bunel, Le pouvoir de la destruction créatrice, 2021, Éditions Odile Jacob)

Finally, his recent work on artificial intelligence examines how this technological revolution can increase productivity and support employment, provided that institutions adapt training and labour reallocation to new technologies. (Ref: Aghion et Bunel, 2024. “AI and Growth: Where Do We Stand,” Fed. Reserve Bank of San Franciso Working Paper)

This exceptional career path also recognises the scientific rigour, disciplinary openness and intellectual ambition of ENS Paris-Saclay and the Paris-Saclay University ecosystem.

Growth and innovation

Philippe Aghion explains the current strength of the US economy by its capacity for innovation, particularly in high-tech sectors such as digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology.

"The key factor is technological leadership. This allows them to control value chains, assert their commercial strength, and ensure the supremacy of the dollar by attracting foreign savings to finance their debt."
According to Philippe Aghion, France has failed to take advantage of the revolutions in information and communication technologies (ICT) and biotechnology through innovation.

Expanding the market for innovative new products

His work profoundly renewed growth theory by demonstrating the central role of the process of creative destruction, whereby technical progress replaces old technologies, generating both economic progress and challenges.
"To become a true economic power, Europe must expand the market for new innovative products and develop a financial ecosystem that attracts savings towards innovation." These savings must be better directed towards risk and promote disruptive innovation or the large-scale development of high-tech activities.

Investing in education: a priority

Philippe Aghion emphasises the importance of education. He points out that innovation cannot be conceived without an ambitious education policy. This vision is in line with the values upheld by ENS Paris-Saclay: to train rigorous, committed and multidisciplinary minds.
"By investing in education, we will produce more innovators and our society will become more inclusive. France must first invest in its education system. There are many lost Albert Einsteins and Marie Curies, i.e. gifted children who have not been exposed to the knowledge they need to become innovators. A good education system is the cornerstone of any serious innovation policy. This requires well-trained and well-paid teachers, homework done at school, and individual monitoring of pupils."

The quotes from Mr Aghion are taken from the article
in the special edition of Le Monde – "France, héritages d’une puissance", Sept.-Nov. 2025.

His career

Philippe Aghion is a former student of the Mathematics Department (class of 1976-1980) at ENS Cachan (formerly ENS Paris-Saclay). He then continued his studies at Paris 1, then at Harvard, where he obtained a PhD in economics. Upon obtaining his PhD, he was recruited as an assistant professor at MIT (1987-1989).

He has had a brilliant academic career: professor at MIT, Harvard, University College London, and now holder of the chair in ‘Economics of Institutions, Innovation and Growth’ at the Collège de France, as well as Centennial Professor at the London School of Economics.

Awards and honours

2025: Nobel Prize in Economics 2025 with Joel Mokyr and Peter Howitt.
2020: Frontiers of Knowledge Award with Peter Howitt for their “Schumpeterian theory of growth”.

Philippe Aghion, an alumnus of the mathematics department at ENS Cachan (formerly ENS Paris-Saclay), has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics, alongside Joel Mokyr (Northwestern University) and Peter Howitt (Brown University).
A specialist in growth and innovation, Philippe Aghion, together with Peter Howitt, formalized the concept of creative destruction theorized by Joseph Schumpeter, thus providing a rigorous framework for understanding the role of innovation in long-term economic dynamics.
Congratulations!

Site Internet des prix Nobel

Collège de France