CNRS Canada | IRC Innovations for a Sustainable Planet
Andrea Dessen's Visit to Strengthen International Scientific Collaborations
From left to right: François Thibeault, Vincent Aimez, Andrea Dessen, Suzie Bronner, Denis Machon
Photo : Courtesy of the author
The University of Sherbrooke recently had the honor of hosting Andrea Dessen, director of the CNRS office in Canada, and Suzie Bronner, CNRS scientific cooperation officer, as part of an institutional visit that highlights the dynamism of Franco-Canadian scientific partnerships.
This visit, organized by Vincent Aimez, co-scientific director of the International Research Center (IRC) Innovations for a Sustainable Planet, highlighted the unique collaborative research ecosystem that the center represents.
The delegation toured several flagship facilities, notably the Quantum Institute at the University of Sherbrooke, where Alexandre Blais, scientific director, presented the work of the Quantum Frontiers Laboratory. The visit continued with a tour of Distriq, Sherbrooke’s quantum innovation hub, followed by visits to the facilities of the Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT) and the Nanotechnologies and Nanosystems Laboratory (LN2), in the presence of Paul Charette, director of 3IT, and Denis Machon, director of LN2.
Discussions with Anne Lessard, Vice-Rector for Research and Vice-Rector for International Relations at UdeS,provided an opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration. These discussions focused in particular on the IRC’s contributions to responsible innovation, sustainable development, and scientific advancements in its areas of expertise. The IRC boasts a unique feature through its innovation component, developed in partnership with CNRS Innovation and the Sherbrooke Technology Business Accelerator (ACET).
This approach facilitates collaboration with startups and promotes technology transfer; several French quantum startups based in Quebec are already benefiting from this ecosystem.
The meeting with Andrea Dessen illustrates the strategic importance of the IRC Innovations for a Sustainable Planet within the international research landscape and reaffirms the commitment of the CNRS and the University of Sherbrooke to developing innovative solutions to address contemporary global challenges.