Michel Cosnard © INRIA / C.LebedinskyInterview with Michel Cosnard, INRIA Chairman and CEO (published in INédit)
What are the principal changes set out in INRIA’s 4th strategic plan?
Michel Cosnard: Today, computer science and applied mathematics are entering their period of maturity. New perspectives are emerging and can be reached by applying a more global approach to the subjects tackled. This requires distinguishing distinct disciplinary fields and integrating different model types. This new orientation encompasses each priority area that INRIA is targeting. It takes account of the major challenges of our time (the Internet of the future, climate change, system security and medicine) and INRIA’s expertise in modelling, simulating and optimizing complex dynamic systems, in designing and producing reliable and secure programmes, in information, communication and ubiquitous computing systems and, finally, in interactions with virtual and real worlds.
In digital medicine, one of INRIA’s leading priority fields, this global approach is used to move towards increasingly personalized medicine by coupling biological models with medical data and practices. Similarly in digital science, another of INRIA’s priority areas, it makes it possible to model nano-materials, meteorology, planetary movement and the environment. In digital engineering, a third priority field, it contributes to the design and control of large-scale embedded systems with massive constraints in terms of dynamics, safety and security, in the field of avionics, to name but one. These new approaches pave the way to in silico experiments and virtual prototyping.
INRIA will develop its multiple-disciplinary research by creating new teams and by supporting major research or technological development projects in partnership with the main players in the fields concerned.
Which other innovations are found in the strategic plan?
Michel Cosnard: Firstly, we are undertaking a new type of partnership with the socio-economic world. Today’s perspective is dominated by a profoundly competitive context and large industrial players have to rely on more upstream research. This situation calls for enhanced communication with these companies and a more comprehensive understanding of their key problems. It is in this spirit that we have set up joint laboratories with Microsoft Research and Alcatel Lucent and have signed framework agreements that incorporate this dimension with the DGA (French armament procurement agency) and EDF R&D for example.
Another point concerns the development of the institute at a European level. Further to the creation of three research centres in Lille, Saclay and Bordeaux which provide INRIA with excellent national coverage, we now hope to acquire a European dimension through the creation of joint teams with our neighbours. We have already undertaken actions to this end, particularly with the CWI in Amsterdam.
How is INRIA positioned in the new landscape of French research?
Michel Cosnard: One of the new features that is of particular interest to us is the creation of research and teaching clusters (PRES) and national networks for advanced research (RTRA). Bringing together different players within these groups is designed to promote the emergence of centres of excellence on a global level by encouraging a better dynamic between universities, grandes écoles and research organisations. INRIA intends to play a decisive role in structuring this new organisation and to share its experience in project work. The institute is already taking steps to enhance this dynamic: it is a founding member of the Digiteo RTRA in Saclay and the Infectiologie RTRA in Lyon, and an associate member of the RTRA Sciences mathématiques in Paris and Agrosciences in Montpellier. INRIA is also working towards positioning itself in the research component of the PRESs.
Contact:
Michel Cosnard
INRIA Chairman and CEO
Tel.: + 33 1 39 63 51 22