Organization of CNRS Physics for the environmental transition
04 février 2026
CNRS Physics has made the environmental transition of physics research a priority by setting up a dedicated unit responsible for implementing and monitoring related measures. In order to facilitate exchanges with physics laboratories, a network of designated contact persons has been established within the units affiliated with CNRS Physics.
The CNRS Physics Sobriety Unit
As part of the implementation of CNRS’s “Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility” Master Plan, CNRS Physics has entrusted a “sobriety” unit with leading and coordinating the deployment of this approach within laboratories in the discipline. This unit supports the Scientific Delegate for “Environmental Transition” in working with physics laboratories to implement a policy commensurate with current climate and environmental challenges.
The CNRS Physics sobriety unit is composed of the Scientific Delegate for “Environmental Transition,” who leads it, together with seven members of the institute.
- Salima RAFAI, Scientific Delegate for Environmental Transition
- Florent CALVO, Scientific Delegate, ‘Monitoring of Research Groups and Research Federations’
- Bertrand GEORGEOT, Deputy Scientific Director, ‘Theoretical Physics’
- Annick LESNE, Deputy Scientific Director, ‘Interdisciplinarity and Site Policy’
- Séverine MARTRENCHARD, Scientific Delegate, ‘Scientific Education, Mediation and Culture’
- Denis MORINEAU, Scientific Delegate, ‘Monitoring of Major Instruments’
- Vincent PLANCHENAULT, Head of Communications
- Sylvain RAVY, Deputy Scientific Director, Research Infrastructure
Contact
Cellule Sobriété CNRS Physique
The network of Environmental Transition representatives in CNRS Physics laboratories
The CNRS Physics sobriety unit leads and coordinates the network of Environmental Transition representatives within its laboratories. To date, each laboratory (Joint research unit - UMR, Intramural research unit - UPR) affiliated with CNRS Physics has appointed and formally assigned at least one representative. The organization of regular (remote) meetings enables exchanges within the network on CNRS’s Environmental Transition actions and strategy, as well as the sharing of initiatives and reflections developed within physics laboratories.
In addition, four thematic working groups have been set up within this network to adapt national guidelines to the specificities of physics and to identify concrete levers for action. These groups focus on the following themes: “Purchasing & Maintenance,” “Large-scale Instrumentation,” “Research trip/travel” and “Digital Technologies.” Supported by members of the sobriety unit, these working groups are tasked with proposing strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and preserve resources.