The excellence of ENS Paris-Saclay students: a major asset for France

How can one recognize a “grande école”? By its ability to shape free, rigorous and committed minds, capable of shedding light on the major contemporary challenges. ENS Paris-Saclay is a living illustration of this. From scientific research to senior civil service, from industry and innovation to education... its alumni build remarkable careers, driven by a shared standard: thinking further, broader, differently.

Through alumni testimonies, let’s explore the keys to their success: a training of excellence, interdisciplinarity as a driver of agility, strong human and managerial skills, a constant commitment to the public good, and an innovative mindset that transcends sectors.

Through their varied and inspiring journeys, former students also highlight the essential role of ENS Paris-Saclay in promoting republican meritocracy and passing on knowledge. Together, they form a unique pool of talent, ready to tackle the challenges of a world in profound transformation.

A training of excellence and a broadened vision

The education received at ENS Paris-Saclay is described by alumni as a solid foundation of knowledge, fostering intellectual rigor and high standards. This academic excellence gives students a valuable capacity for analysis and synthesis.

A key strength of ENS graduates is their ability to approach subjects with a broad perspective, thanks to the interdisciplinarity promoted by ENS Paris-Saclay. Florence Niedergang, research director at CNRS and director of the Cochin Institute, explains that her training at the School allowed her to juggle different levels of analysis and fields of biology, as well as chemistry and biophysics. Mathilde Grammont, référendaire at the Cour des Comptes after a diplomatic career, emphasizes that the interdisciplinarity acquired at ENS Paris-Saclay offers analytical depth and the critical distance needed to understand events. This approach allows them to “challenge preconceived ideas” and open up to a plural world.

Human skills to lead and transmit

Beyond technical knowledge, ENS students develop human and managerial qualities. Laurent Champaney, CEO of Arts et Métiers, insists that managerial ability—crucial in industry—is fundamentally rooted in general knowledge, cultivated at ENS Paris-Saclay. Jacques Rivoal, a manager in the automotive sector and ENS alumnus, confirms having acquired this “unique ability to understand complex organizations and challenging contexts.” The School also prepares students for public speaking and structured presentations.

Public service as a compass

Many ENS graduates commit themselves to serving the State and the public interest. Elisabeth Claverie de Saint Martin, CEO of CIRAD, embodies this public commitment, serving the State with a strong emphasis on humanist and republican values. Mathilde Grammont is “still strongly motivated to serve the public good” at the Cour des Comptes. Corine Waroquiers, digital advisor at the General Secretariat for Investment, sees herself as a “public sector investor,” mobilizing diverse ecosystems (AI, cybersecurity, etc.) for strategic or territorial digital projects.

Innovation across sectors

Innovation is also a defining trait of ENS alumni. Corine Waroquiers found “entrepreneurial capacity and resources for innovation” even within public administration. François Bitouzet, CEO of Viva Technology, applies the spirit of openness he experienced at ENS Paris-Saclay to turn this event into a crossroads of innovation. Éléonore Crespo, founder of the unicorn Pigment, encourages ENS alumni to enter the world of innovation, affirming that they “have all the talent it takes.”

Innovating, no matter the field

The careers of ENS alumni reflect the diversity of paths opened by ENS Paris-Saclay. Catherine Davy became the first woman to head an Arts et Métiers campus. Edouard Maurel is VP Strategy at Graitec, a construction software company involved in major projects. Jérémie Lécha is General Director of the French Rugby Federation, working to develop the educational and civic role of sport. Mathilde Grammont had a rich diplomatic career before joining the Cour des Comptes.

These former students highlight the confidence in their exploratory capabilities, nurtured by the School. François Bitouzet describes a path driven by his intellectual curiosity. Elisabeth Claverie de Saint Martin encourages students to “accumulate experiences in different fields” and to “take full advantage of the privilege of being paid to pursue your curiosity.”

A school serving meritocracy

Florence Robine, ambassador, emphasizes the role of grandes écoles like ENS Paris-Saclay in promoting republican meritocracy, combining excellence with the advancement of individuals. Elisabeth Claverie de Saint-Martin, the daughter of modest parents, testifies that the “schools of the Republic” opened many doors for her. ENS Paris-Saclay is thus seen as a key instrument for developing intelligence and ensuring the transmission of knowledge.

A pool of talent for today’s and tomorrow’s France

The alumni of ENS Paris-Saclay, equipped with top-level education, analytical capabilities, an innovative spirit, and a strong commitment, represent an outstanding pool of talent serving France across all sectors of activity.

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