The École normale supérieure has one of the best scientific research tools in the world in its field with its Math and mapping departement: the seven medals obtained by France in field events were won by former students of the ENS.

The Fondation Jean-Luc Lagardère encourages excellence and has decided to award a grant for the renovation and restoration of the old mathematics library into a research centre to provide a new space for scientific
creativity for the mathematicians.

The Fondation Jean-Luc Lagardère and the ENS have signed an agreement in the context of this ambitious project to provide support for students with exceptional talent and to develop diversity through different
programmes.

These include: ‘It’s potential to enter the ENS’. This programme started in 2006 and is aimed to improve access to long courses. Consequently, fifty ENS students have brought their know-how to schoolchildren throughout France. A scheme that was launched this year and will continue over the next three years, directing as many students as possible into the excellence streams of higher education.

Another programme: the Science Académie. The Science Académie was also started in 2006 by the Paris-Montagne association and creates links between schoolchildren and researchers with the twin aim of arousing vocations for scientific careers and improving the image of science for young people.

An initiative that is also careful to promote equal opportunities in the field of education and scientific careers.

Link to ENS' website, click here