Publication of Yves Malier’s Book: From Worker to Director of ENS Cachan

Alumnus (Class of 1966, Mechanical Engineering), Yves Malier, was notably Director of ENS Cachan, Project Manager at the World Bank, and an international expert in major construction projects.

Far from resting on his titles and accolades, Yves Malier, a former apprentice and laborer, emphasizes that his journey—now almost impossible—is the result of an education system that was once more inclusive.

Yves Malier’s book, A Bridge to Other Worlds - The Unconventional Paths of a Curious Normalien, is much more than a simple autobiographical account. It provides a profound reflection on the author’s unique journey, marked by remarkable social mobility and diverse experiences in science, engineering, and education. The book invites readers to uncover little-known aspects of his career, his inventions, and his international missions, while highlighting the severe consequences of successive reforms that have weakened social mobility in France.

This book echoes a previous work by the author, Reconnecting Education to Employment, which received the 2017 Special Prize from the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences for its significant contribution to discussions on vocational training in France.