Conference of the Directors of French Engineering Schools facts for kids
The Conférence des directeurs des écoles françaises d'ingénieurs (which means "Conference of Directors of French Engineering Schools"), often called CDEFI, is an important group in France. It represents all the engineering schools that are approved to give out the official French engineering degree, called the Diplôme d'Ingénieur.
CDEFI started in 1976. At first, it was a group that gave advice. Its rules were updated in 2006 to give it more things to do. Back then, it was led by the government minister in charge of universities and colleges.
What is CDEFI?
CDEFI is like a big club for all the engineering schools in France. These are schools where students learn to become engineers. CDEFI makes sure these schools are doing a good job. It also helps them work together.
How CDEFI Helps Engineering Schools
CDEFI has several important jobs. It helps to:
- Make sure engineering education in France is high quality.
- Represent the schools when talking to the government or other organizations.
- Share ideas and best practices among different engineering schools.
- Help schools get approved by a special group called the CTI (Commission des titres d'ingénieur). This approval means the schools can give out official engineering degrees.
Who Leads CDEFI?
CDEFI has a president and several vice-presidents. These leaders are usually directors of engineering schools themselves. As of August 2025, the president of CDEFI is Jacques Fayolle. He is also the Director of Télécom Saint-Étienne.
The CDEFI board also includes three vice-presidents:
- Emmanuel Duflos, Director of École centrale de Lille.
- Jean-Michel Nicolle, Director of EPF School of Engineering.
- Sophie Mougard, Director of École des ponts ParisTech.
More to Explore
- Conférence des grandes écoles (CGE)
- Education in France
