Sylvie Tambutté appointed new Scientific Director of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco

15/01/2025

The Centre Scientifique de Monaco has officially appointed Sylvie Tambutté as its new Scientific Director. The distinguished marine biologist, who made her name with groundbreaking research on coral calcification and the challenges these vital organisms face in the era of climate change, succeeds Professor Denis Allemand.

With a scientific career spanning more than three decades, Sylvie Tambutté has led numerous interdisciplinary and international projects, fostered collaborations among leading institutions worldwide and produced more than 100 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier scientific journals.

In her first statement as Scientific Director, Doctor Tambutté expressed her commitment to the institution’s mission, noting, “It is an honour to assume the scientific leadership of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco, a world-class institution dedicated to advancing research. Together with our research teams, administrative staff and partners, we will continue to develop innovative solutions and provide decision-makers with the knowledge necessary to foster a sustainable future, in line with the vision of Prince Albert II of Monaco.”

Tambutté has long been a prominent figure at global conferences focusing on the calcification mechanisms of marine organisms. Her team’s achievements have brought international recognition to the Centre Scientifique de Monaco and enhanced its influence in the field of marine biology.

Under her leadership, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco will continue its work across diverse research fields, including marine biology, medical biology, polar biology and molecular biology. She aims to expand interdisciplinary research initiatives tackling critical global issues such as coral reef preservation, polar ecosystem health and biomedical advancements with potential implications for human health.

She also has plans to amplify the Centre Scientifique de Monaco’s international collaborations, encourage the recruitment and development of young researchers, and invite esteemed scientists from around the globe to contribute to the institution’s work.

Beyond advancing research, she will prioritise increasing public awareness of environmental challenges. By promoting educational programmes and science outreach initiatives, she hopes to make science more accessible and inspire the next generation of researchers and environmental advocates.

“I want to strengthen the bridges between disciplines and unite teams around innovative projects aimed at making a significant contribution to science and society, while pursuing our objectives within an ethical and sustainable framework,” she explained.

Tambutté succeeds Professor Denis Allemand, who devoted nearly four decades to the Centre Scientifique de Monaco, including 25 years in the role of Scientific Director.

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Podcast: Coral Scientist Denis Allemand

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Photo source: Tap Communication

Three things we learned about Monaco’s new London-born forward Mika Biereth

by: Luke Entwistle

15/01/2025

Mika Biereth in his first AS Monaco training session at the club's Performance Centre in La Turbie

Mika Biereth, signed from Sturm Graz in a €13m deal over the weekend, delves into his “old-school” play style and journey through the London academies as he was presented as an AS Monaco player.

Ahead of making his debut for Les Monégasques during a Coupe de France defeat at the hands of Reims on Tuesday, Biereth was presented to the press on Monday, providing insight into his route to the Principality club.

A “no-brainer” to join Monaco

Monaco had been in the market for a striker since it was decided that Folarin Balogun would require surgery on his shoulder dislocation, suffered in October.

Adi Hütter initially alluded to a loan signing before Monaco made what CEO Thiago Scuro described as a “long-term” investment in Biereth.

For the Principality club’s CEO, Biereth’s strong desire to join Monaco was crucial. “Since the first contact, we saw the mindset and his desire to come. He did a lot on his side to come here and we appreciated that. It was very important to us,” said Scuro.

“It was the right time in my career to take the next step,” began Biereth, evoking the transfer, which was completed on Saturday. “The ambition and level of Monaco speaks for itself. It was a no-brainer […] to join a club like Monaco is really special for me and I can’t wait to get started,” he added.

On the London merry-go-round

A “no-brainer” perhaps, but as Biereth told the journalists amassed at his presentation in La Turbie, his career path has been thoughtfully curated.

Born to a German-Danish father and Bosnian mother in London, he did his tour of the elite academies in the English Capital.

The Denmark U21 international joked about how he spent eight weeks on loan at Chelsea as a right-back before getting the chance to integrate the academy of their local rivals Fulham. It is there that he got his opportunity as a striker.

He spent five years with the ‘Cottagers’ before making the move to Arsenal. However, he never made a professional appearance for the ‘Gunners’. Instead, he had to prove his worth elsewhere.

After what he described as a “difficult” loan in the Netherlands with RKC Waalwijk, he then had more successful stints at Motherwell in Scotland and then with Sturm Graz in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Biereth explains his inability to establish himself at his formative club. “While I was at Arsenal I was young, they probably didn’t think that I was ready for the opportunity,” he began.

*Monaco’s Mika Biereth alongside Krépin Diatta and Eliot Matazo in training. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life*

“After my first loan, a difficult loan, then moving to Scotland and then to Austria, improving stage by stage in my career, taking my time with it and trying to make sensible decisions in terms of which clubs I go to best display my talents, now, at the age of 21, I think that I have progressed a lot since the age of 19,” added Biereth.

He is not the only Monaco striker to have not established himself under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. Balogun, who joined from the ‘Gunners’ in the summer of 2023, was the same. Having played with the USMNT forward at Arsenal, he is looking forward to rekindling the “friendship”.

“It is nice to see a familiar face. We played a few matches with the U21s together. There was a connection on the pitch. Balo and I have a friendship from before. It is nice that we are now at the same club,” said Biereth.

An “old-school” fox in the box

Biereth now finds himself once again in competition with Balogun, but also with George Ilenikhena and Breel Embolo. With four strikers now at Monaco, Scuro admitted that one could potentially leave the club come the end of the season.

The new signing will therefore want to hit the ground running and he does bring something different.

The Danish striker described himself as an “old-school” forward, part of a “dying breed”.

“I understand how important the build-up is, being available for the team, but at the end of the day, I’m a striker and I love scoring goals,” began Monaco’s new No.14.

He added, “A lot of the goals that you’ll look at aren’t the prettiest, not goals that you’ll see in YouTube video highlights. But for me, it doesn’t really matter how the ball goes in the back of the net. Scoring is one of the most important things in football and I try to do it on a consistent basis. Sometimes my goals aren’t the prettiest but a goal is a goal.”

Biereth says that he takes inspiration from Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. “When I was younger, he (Drogba) was one that I really liked to watch. He plays with that physicality and that intensity and scored in big moments and that set him apart from other strikers,” he said.

“He is clearly a finisher. He knows where he has to go. He smells where he can score goals from,” said Hütter of his new striker, who he will be hoping will contribute to a successful second half of the campaign for Monaco.

Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life

Historic book collection donated to Monaco’s Mediatheque

by: Cassandra Tanti

15/01/2025

Monaco’s Mediatheque has received an extraordinary donation of 614 rare books from the personal library of Robert Fillon, former ambassador and president of the Albert I Centenary Commemoration Committee.

The handover was formalised on 14th January 2025 at City Hall, with Mayor Georges Marsan and senior officials present to welcome this exceptional addition to the Fonds Patrimonial.

The collection spans six centuries of publishing history, from the 15th to the 20th century, and includes invaluable works that chronicle the evolution of thought and the art of bookmaking. Among the highlights is a 1478 parchment edition of Mammotrectus super Bibliam, printed just 25 years after the invention of the printing press. This landmark acquisition is the Mediatheque’s first incunable—a term reserved for books printed before 1500—and evokes the legacy of Gutenberg’s printing revolution.

Another standout piece is a meticulously preserved 18th-century edition of the Encyclopédie by Diderot and d’Alembert, a cornerstone of Enlightenment-era knowledge and intellectual exploration.

“Public service is about serving the public, and this is what City Hall represents so well,” said Fillon. “I am proud and moved to donate part of my collection to an institution dedicated to making knowledge accessible.”

Mayor Georges Marsan expressed his gratitude, noting the donation’s special significance in the year of the reopening of Médiathèque Caroline at the Îlot Pasteur. “This gift greatly enriches our cultural heritage, and we thank you wholeheartedly,” he said.

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

Unearthing the past: Musée d’Anthropologie Prehistorique explores the ancient Mediterranean

by: Niki Borisova

15/01/2025

The Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco’s latest exhibition, L’Effet Papillon, invites visitors to explore the prehistoric fauna of the Mediterranean region and the broader impact of biodiversity changes over time. The display in the Jardin Exotique neighbourhood will remain on show until 1st December 2025.

Key features of the exhibition include a section dedicated to the Alpine ibex, or bouquetin, which examines the species’ evolution from the Paleolithic era to the present day. The exhibition also highlights smaller species, such as insects and butterflies, exploring their role in ecosystems and the incredible variety of life they represent, from prehistoric times to the present.

Visitors can view an array of archaeological artefacts, including fossils, skeletons, and statuettes, illustrating humanity’s historical relationship with the animal kingdom.

Contributions from key institutions, such as the Direction de l’Environnement de Monaco, showcase local biodiversity efforts and conservation projects. Meanwhile, the exhibition includes a separate area highlighting the work of the Jardin Animalier de Monaco in protecting endangered species.

Over the coming months, a variety of workshops, guided tours, and lectures will be available to visitors, offering insights into the role of animals in shaping ecosystems and evolution. The exhibit’s immersive displays aim to make the content engaging and accessible to all ages.

The exhibition is open daily from 9am to 6pm at the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco, located at 56 bis Boulevard du Jardin Exotique.

Tickets are priced at €5 for adults and €2.50 for students. Children under 10 and certain groups, including members of Monaco’s prehistoric and speleology associations, are granted free entry upon presentation of relevant identification.

For more information, contact the museum at map@gouv.mc or on +377 98 98 80 06.

Read related:

Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology hosts ‘The Butterfly Effect: The Prehistory of Animals’

Photo source: Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco

Académie Rainier III students to present Concert des Ensembles

by: Niki Borisova

15/01/2025

Classical and baroque students from the Académie Rainier III are set to present an evening of collective performances featuring guitar groups, clarinet quartets, strings and accordion players at the Théâtre des Variétés next week.

On Wednesday 22nd January at 6.30pm, the Académie Rainier III will host its annual Concert des Ensembles at the Théâtre des Variétés on Boulevard Albert 1er. The event will feature performances by student ensembles specialising in classical and baroque music.

The programme includes a variety of instrumental groups, from guitars to clarinets and from chamber music to accordions. These ensembles reflect the breadth of instruction offered by the Académie, which has been central to Monaco’s cultural and musical education and evolution since its establishment in 1978.

The Académie Rainier III has long served as a training ground for young musicians, who regularly showcase their talent in public performances in the Principality. Events like this concert provide students with an opportunity to perform in front of an audience while also highlighting the Academy’s role in promoting artistic development within Monaco.

The concert is free, but attendees must reserve seats in advance by emailing academie@mairie.mc with their name and the number of seats required.

Click here for more information.

Read related:

‘Colours!’: Grimaldi Forum’s summer exhibition for 2025

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

Charlie Dalin earns record Vendée Globe win as Boris Herrmann edges closer to the finish line

by: Stephanie Horsman

15/01/2025

French sailor Charlie Dalin has cemented his place in sailing history by winning the legendary Vendée Globe in record time. Meanwhile, Boris Herrmann of the Yacht Club de Monaco continues to soldier on in 10th place aboard Malizia-Seaexplorer, having overcome a series of setbacks in recent days. The German skipper is currently crossing the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 2,500 nautical miles from the finish line.

Forty-year-old Dalin sailed into Les Sables-d’Olonne on 14th January, just 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds after the 2024 Vendée Globe began. His record time, achieved through unrelenting effort and extraordinary precision at sea, marks a new pinnacle in the history of the solo round-the-world race.

From the moment the race began on 10th November 2024, Dalin exhibited a near-perfect blend of scientific precision, bold strategy, and remarkable endurance. His race was not only about speed but also about mastery of every aspect of sailing. Each manoeuvre and decision reflected meticulous preparation, deep concentration, and a relentless drive to succeed.

Speaking to the press upon his arrival back in France, the skipper of Macif Santé Prévoyance was visibly overjoyed at his incredible result, saying, “The emotions are indescribable. It’s the result of so much work! I’m happy to have won this Vendée Globe, this true monument of ocean racing, and to join this very exclusive club of winners.”

Though victorious in the 2024 edition—the 10th in the race’s history—it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the Frenchman.

“Four years ago, I came very close, but Yannick (Bestaven) won,” he shared. “This time, it’s me, and it’s a victory for the entire MACIF team. I am the happiest man in the world today, that’s for sure.”

While his record-breaking time is impressive, it’s the way Dalin approached the race that set him apart from the competition. Every aspect of his journey, from navigation to risk management, showcased his tireless quest for perfection. In a race where every decision carries immense weight, Dalin proved himself a formidable strategist, pushing the limits of what’s possible on the high seas.

Dalin’s closest competitor, Yoann Richomme, delivered an equally inspiring performance. Skippering Paprec Arkea, Richomme completed his first solo circumnavigation on 15th January at 6.12am, finishing in second place after 65 days, 18 hours, and 10 minutes at sea.

Sébastien Simon, aboard Groupe Debrueil, is expected to claim third place, with just over 400 nautical miles remaining. Meanwhile, local favourite Boris Herrmann, on the Yacht Club de Monaco-based Malizia-Seaexplorer, has overcome numerous setbacks and is holding 10th place—a testament to his resilience and determination.

To keep up-to-date with the sailors as they cross the finish line, click here.

Read related:

Vendée Globe: Boris Herrmann proves lightning can strike twice

Photo source: Alea / VG2024

Day: 15 January 2025

Sylvie Tambutté appointed new Scientific Director of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco