Inauguration of the “Françoise and Pierre Chavel” Room

A touching event in honor of Françoise and Pierre Chavel

On May 14, colleagues, friends, and family gathered in person or remotely to pay tribute to two key figures in our community: Françoise and Pierre Chavel.    

The purpose of this event was to thank the Chavels for their contribution to the development of the Institut d'Optique and, more generally, to the national and international influence of photonics.  

During his opening speech, Rémi Carminati, Director General of the Institut d'Optique, announced that a room in the Palaiseau building would now bear their name: the Françoise and Pierre Chavel Room. This is a lasting way to honor them by placing them at the very heart of the institution. 

Several speakers then took the floor to recount various moments from their remarkable careers and share anecdotes with joy and humor. They emphasized their dedication and passion for passing on their knowledge, and did not fail to express their admiration for the Chavels.  

 It was clear from these speeches that Françoise and Pierre Chavel have left their mark on several generations of photonics professionals through their unfailing commitment, kindness, and humility.   

After the unveiling of the plaque bearing their name, Françoise and Pierre Chavel took turns speaking. It was an emotional moment, not only for the couple themselves, but also for the audience.  

The influence of Françoise and Pierre Chavel continues today, at the Institut d'Optique and elsewhere, through the projects they initiated, the momentum they created, and the human connections they forged.  

The celebration ended with a convivial cocktail reception and long discussions!  

We would like to extend our special thanks to the speakers:  

🔸Sylvie Retailleau, Professor of Physics at Paris-Saclay University, former President of the University and Minister of Higher Education and Research,  

🔸Alain Aspect, winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics,  

🔸Ariel Levenson, outgoing president of the French Optical Society,       

🔸Vincent Josse, professor and head of the apprenticeship program at the Institut d'Optique,      

🔸Florence Garrelie, director of the Hubert Curien Laboratory in Saint-Étienne,        

🔸Raphaël Clerc, DGAE of the Institut d'Optique.