Change of director at AAE

The Academy session was an opportunity to thank former director Martine Ségur for her services to the Academy, and to present her with her medal and gifts from grateful members. Martine Ségur’s 41-year career at the AAE bears witness to her remarkable personal and professional qualities. Starting out as secretary alongside André Turcat when AAE was founded in the former Observatoire de Jolimont premises, her professionalism and dedication propelled her to the position of Director in 1997, where she became the heart and soul of the Academy’s operations. At the head of the team at Jolimont, Martine has provided highly effective support to the work of the members, orchestrating the Academy’s sessions and proceedings, organizing its international colloquia and ensuring that its budget is balanced. Her blend of kindness, humour and determination will leave an indelible mark. We thank her for her dedication to the Académie and wish her every happiness in this new phase of her life.

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The new Director, Philippe Prigent, took up his post on September 1, 2024. A Doctor of Science with a specialization in immunology and toxicology (Paris VI and VII, 1994), Philippe has built a rich and varied career, marked by a constant commitment to the intersection of health, innovation and technology industries. Starting out as a researcher at INSERM, he went on to manage an immunology and haematology laboratory, before overseeing oncology research programs for almost a decade. After graduating with an MBA from ESSEC Business School, he co-founded a company pioneering the fight against counterfeit drugs. He was then appointed Director of the Cancer-Bio-Health Cluster at Oncopole in Toulouse, where he piloted innovative e-health projects, before taking over the management of the Economic Development Agency in Nîmes. As director of the secretariat, Philippe Prigent’s mission will be to improve the efficiency of operations while maintaining the quality of the Academy’s work in the service of European air and space. We welcome him on board.