Catherine Bréchignac facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Catherine Bréchignac
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Catherine Bréchignac in 2006
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| Born | 12 June 1946 |
| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | École Normale Supérieure de Lyon Faculté des sciences d'Orsay |
| Awards | Grand Officier of the Légion d'honneur Many others, see article |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physics |
| Institutions | CNRS |
Catherine Bréchignac (born 12 June 1946) is a famous French physicist. She has received many important awards, including being a "Commander" of the Légion d'honneur. This is one of France's highest awards. She was also a permanent secretary for the Académie des sciences. This is a group of top scientists.
Catherine Bréchignac used to be the president of the CNRS. The CNRS is a very big research organization in France. It has about 25,000 employees, including 12,000 researchers. When she was in charge, she managed a large budget of 2.42 billion Euros. People say she is very determined and good at understanding difficult problems.
Her Life and Career
Catherine Bréchignac was born in Paris, France. Her father, Jean Teillac, was also a physicist. She started her studies at the École Normale Supérieure de Fontenay-aux-Roses in 1967. In 1971, she earned her master's-level degree. She then completed her doctorate in 1977. By 1985, she became a Research Director. This means she led important science projects.
In 1989, she became the director of the Aimé Cotton laboratory. From 1997 to 2000, she was the Director General of the CNRS. During this time, she worked on making changes to the organization. In 2003, she became the President of the "Institute of Optical Theory and Practice." The next year, in 2004, she led the "Palace of Discovery." This is a science museum.
In 2005, Catherine Bréchignac was chosen to be the future president of the International Council for Science (ICSU). This is a global group that connects scientists from different countries. In 2006, she was officially appointed President of the CNRS. She held this important role until 2010. From 2011 to 2018, she served as a permanent secretary for the French Academy of Sciences.
Her Scientific Work
Catherine Bréchignac helped create a new area of science called cluster physics. This field connects different parts of physics, like the study of atoms, molecules, and solid materials.
Clusters are tiny groups of atoms or molecules. They are like the very first steps towards creating "nano-objects." Nano-objects are extremely small things, often used in new technologies. Her work helps us understand how these tiny particles behave.
Awards and Other Roles
Catherine Bréchignac has held many important positions and received several honors:
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See also
In Spanish: Catherine Bréchignac para niños
