The ENS Foundation’s major patrons were invited to an exceptional evening on May 16, in the historic Salle des Lettres library at 45 rue d’Ulm.
Over cocktails and a sit-down dinner, the patrons were able to exchange views with ENS executives and the patrons in attendance. The evening was punctuated by a speech from Frédéric Worms, Director of École normale supérieure, followed by a long-awaited exchange between Esther Duflo, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics and President of the Paris School of Economics, and François Jackow, CEO of Air Liquide, both alumni of École Normale Supérieure.
Moderated by Xavier Lazarus, patron of the arts and Chairman of the ENS Foundation’s campaign committee, the discussion highlighted the challenges of climate change and the need to rethink industrial practices and public policies. In particular, Esther Duflo cited corporate philanthropy as an important lever in the search for solutions: “For the climate, the multiplier effect of investment in research is one of the most important there is.”
Stéphane Israël, President of the ENS Foundation, brought the evening to a close by highlighting the major projects that patronage had made possible this year at the school, focusing on the social openness of the institution and its research.
Our major sponsors are particularly committed to research on climate change: in 2024, two new chairs on this theme will be created with the support of Ardian and MACIF.
A huge thank you to all our patrons, who support the school and research through their donations.