The Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM) recently hosted its Comité de Perfectionnement – a scientific advisory board composed of distinguished researchers from leading French and European institutions – for a comprehensive review of its strategic direction and scientific output. Held from 26th to 28th November 2025, the session marked a pivotal moment for the institution as it enters a new phase of leadership and interdisciplinary expansion.
This year’s committee coincided with significant changes in governance at the CSM, including the appointment of a new Chair of the Board, a new Scientific Director, and a new Secretary General. The committee, presided over by Professor Dominique Doumenc of the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris, assessed the work carried out across the marine biology, polar biology, medical research, and molecular biology departments.
Multi-disciplinary science aligned with Monaco’s environmental mission
The committee acknowledged numerous advancements achieved by CSM’s teams over the past four years, highlighting progress in emerging scientific fields, the expansion of international research collaborations, and the Centre’s commitment to science communication and training. Special attention was paid to the growing integration of cross-disciplinary methods that link biodiversity with human health.
“This was an intense and inspiring moment for us to present our achievements and future scientific vision to such a high-level panel of experts,” said Dr. Sylvie Tambutté, the CSM’s new Scientific Director. “In a time of increasing environmental pressures, research into life systems is more essential than ever. Being able to rely on the committee’s independent, forward-looking insights is a major strength for our work.”
The committee praised the CSM’s proactive approach in strengthening synergies across departments and its responsiveness to global scientific priorities. Their final recommendations, expected in the coming weeks, will help shape the next stage of the CSM’s mission.
Supporting Monaco’s role in global science
Following the review, Professor Doumenc noted that the CSM remains “a major tool for the Principality to respond to the effects of global physical changes on ecosystems and living beings – from the molecular scale to human health.”
The 2025 committee brought together a wide range of experts from institutions such as INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université Côte d’Azur, and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, as well as representatives from Monaco’s own Department of Social Affairs and Health.
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Photo source: CSM