Alain Aspect, Nobel Prize in Physics, elected to the Académie française

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, Alain Aspect, world-renowned physicist and former student of the École normale supérieure Paris-Saclay, was elected to the Académie française. This appointment marks an exceptional milestone in the career of this researcher, already laureate of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2022 for his pioneering work on quantum entanglement.

An exemplary path, from ENS Paris-Saclay to the Académie française

Born in Agen in 1947, Alain Aspect entered ENSET (now ENS Paris-Saclay) in 1965 and graduated in 1969. He continued his studies at the Faculty of Science in Orsay, where he conducted part of his fundamental research in quantum optics. After defending his doctoral thesis (thèse d’État) in 1983, he became a leading figure in experimental physics, notably through his work on quantum entanglement carried out at the Institut d’Optique in Orsay. This research revolutionized our understanding of the quantum world and paved the way for cutting-edge technologies such as quantum cryptography and quantum computing.

An affiliated professor at ENS Paris-Saclay since 2014, Alain Aspect has also taught at Université Paris-Saclay and at École Polytechnique. He is an emeritus research director at CNRS and has been a member of the Académie des sciences since 2001.

National and international recognition

Alain Aspect has received numerous awards, including the CNRS Gold Medal and the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics, which he shared with John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger. His election to the Académie française, where he succeeds playwright René de Obaldia, makes him one of the rare Nobel-winning scientists to sit under the Coupole.

A call to the alumni community

The election of Alain Aspect to the Académie française is a proud moment for ENS Paris-Saclay and its entire community. It illustrates the diversity and excellence of the paths taken by graduates of the School, who shine in every field—from research to culture, industry to education.

We invite all alumni to share this event with pride and to stay connected, whether through our social media, LinkedIn, or events organized by the School and the ENS Alumni association. Together, let’s continue to uphold the values of excellence, curiosity, and sharing that unite us.