2026 Major Donors Dinner: When Artificial Intelligence Comes to the Historic Library
A Special Evening at the Heart of ENS Heritage
On May 28, the ENS Foundation welcomed its major donors, philanthropic partners, and supporters for its annual dinner in the exceptional setting of the historic Humanities Library at ENS.
Following a reception in the Salle des Actes, guests gathered in one of the most iconic spaces on rue d’Ulm for an evening dedicated to reflection, dialogue, and a shared commitment to academic and scientific excellence. Just months before the 180th anniversary of the library’s inauguration by Victor Hugo, the venue provided a particularly meaningful backdrop for the event. The Foundation is also supporting an ambitious restoration project for this remarkable heritage site, scheduled to begin in 2027.
Exploring Artificial Intelligence Through Multiple Perspectives
A highlight of the evening was a conversation on digital transformation and artificial intelligence featuring three distinguished leaders from the worlds of research, business, and public policy: Anne Bouverot, Chair of the Board of ENS-PSL and Co-Chair of the French Council on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs; Jean-Dominique Senard, Chairman of the Board of Renault Group; and Stéphane Mallat, researcher at the ENS-PSL Center for Data Science, Professor at the Collège de France, and recipient of the 2025 CNRS Gold Medal. The discussion was moderated by Laurent Daudet, Executive Director of normalesup.ai.
The conversation highlighted the importance of bringing together scientific, economic, and public-sector perspectives to address the challenges and opportunities created by artificial intelligence. It also illustrated the distinctive role of ENS as a place where disciplines, expertise, and leading voices come together to better understand the major transformations shaping contemporary society.
Philanthropy in Support of Ambitious Initiatives
The evening also provided an opportunity to celebrate several initiatives made possible through the commitment of the Foundation’s donors.
Prior to the dinner, BNP Paribas renewed its support for the MathAData program through the signing of a new philanthropic partnership agreement in the presence of Jean-Laurent Bonnafé, Chief Executive Officer of BNP Paribas. Led by Stéphane Mallat, MathAData is an innovative educational initiative designed to transform mathematics education in high schools through challenges inspired by artificial intelligence.
The Foundation also highlighted the work of the Street Art(s) Chair, the first academic chair developed in partnership with the ENS Department of Arts. Established in 2025 with the support of the Renault Fund for Art and Culture, the Chair is developing an original scientific and cultural program dedicated to the practices, history, and contemporary issues surrounding street art.
Several long-standing partners of ENS were also in attendance, reflecting both the loyalty and diversity of the supporters who contribute to the School’s development and the Foundation’s mission over the long term.
When Literature Responds to Artificial Intelligence
Following discussions focused on technological innovation, the evening turned to literature in a moment that was particularly appreciated by guests.
The Foundation was delighted to welcome two ENS alumnae and acclaimed novelists, Eliette Abécassis and Catherine Cusset, who shared readings from their recent works. Eliette Abécassis read an excerpt from 45 rue d’Ulm, published by Flammarion in 2025, while Catherine Cusset presented a passage from La Haine de la famille, published by Gallimard.
Introduced by Caroline Guény-Mentré, Executive Director of the ENS Foundation, these readings offered a thoughtful and personal counterpoint to the evening’s discussions on artificial intelligence. Through their reflections on their arrival at ENS and the role the School played in shaping their lives and careers, both authors brought a deeply human perspective to the conversation.
A Community Committed to ENS
Beyond the discussions and initiatives presented throughout the evening, this annual gathering once again demonstrated the strength of the relationship between the Foundation, ENS, and those who choose to support its mission.
Thanks to the generosity of its donors and philanthropic partners, the ENS Foundation supports research projects, educational programs, initiatives promoting equal opportunity, and heritage preservation efforts that contribute to the School’s influence and impact in France and internationally.
The Foundation extends its sincere thanks to all participants for their presence, trust, and continued commitment to ENS.