Claudie HaigneréAstronaut, Former Minister, Advocate for Science and Innovation

Claudie Haigneré began her scientific career as a rheumatologist at Cochin Hospital in Paris. In 1985, she was selected by CNES (French National Centre for Space Studies) as a science astronaut.

She continued her research at the CNRS Laboratory of Neurosensory Physiology, where she earned a PhD in Neuroscience. Claudie Haigneré then became head of life sciences and space medicine programs at CNES. In 1992, she began astronaut training at the Star City space center near Moscow. She completed two space missions: the first in 1996 aboard the Mir station, and the second in 2001 on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the European Space Agency (ESA). She became the first French woman in space, and later the first European woman to join the ISS.

Following her career as an active astronaut, Claudie Haigneré was appointed Minister for Research (2002–2004), then Minister for European Affairs (2004–2005). From 2009 to 2015, she headed Universcience, which oversees two major French science centers, the Palais de la Découverte and the Cité des Sciences. As advisor to the ESA Director General, she then focused on European space policy and lunar exploration until 2020.

Deeply committed to promoting science and technology especially among young women, Claudie Haigneré supports several foundations, including the L’Oréal Foundation, the CGénial Foundation, the Airbus Foundation, and the Van Allen Foundation. She serves on the board of the French Air and Space Force Academy and holds the honorary rank of colonel in the Citizen Reserve of the French Air and Space Force.

She is a member of the French Academy of Technologies and actively contributes to numerous innovation-focused working groups.