The Hubert Curien Laboratory celebrates its 50th anniversary!
On Thursday 9 July 2026, the Hubert Curien Laboratory proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary. This milestone event marked five decades of continuous contributions to scientific research in optics, photonics, surfaces, imaging, computer science, and artificial intelligence. The celebration took place at the Cité du Design in Saint-Étienne and brought together institutional leaders, academic partners, industrial collaborators, researchers, students, and current and former members of the laboratory to reflect on its rich history and its contributions to society.
Five Decades of Scientific Achievement
The programme opened with the presentation of a new laboratory video and official speeches, followed by a talk from Director François Royer, who highlighted the laboratory’s remarkable journey from its creation in Saint-Étienne to its current position on the international scientific stage.
Founded in 1976 at Jean Monnet University under the name Laboratoire de Traitement du Signal et Instrumentation (TSI), the laboratory joined the CNRS in 1982 and adopted its current name in 2007 in honour of the distinguished French physicist and statesman Hubert Curien.
Today, the Hubert Curien Laboratory is Saint-Étienne’s largest research structure, with nearly 260 members organised into two departments: Optics, Photonics & Surfaces and AI, Security & Image. Its research addresses major scientific and societal challenges in security, artificial intelligence, defence, energy, health, and the environment through high-level fundamental research and close collaboration with industry.
Strong industrial partnerships, including joint laboratories with Exail, Toppan Security, HEF, and Orano, demonstrate the laboratory’s commitment to transforming fundamental research into impactful applications.
As recently noted by our HCERES evaluation committee, “The laboratory has developed a strategy that is built around a highly coherent, structured, and comprehensive Research–Training–Innovation model, recognised for its international visibility and attractiveness, as well as for its socio-economic impact.”
- Florent Pigeon, President of Jean Monnet University: "Laboratories are where a university’s scientific profile gradually takes shape. They are places where ideas are challenged, discoveries emerge, collaborations flourish, and the women and men who will drive tomorrow’s scientific advances are trained. The history of the Hubert Curien Laboratory perfectly illustrates this long-term endeavour. It is the story of a scientific community that, over the past fifty years, has helped build one of the cornerstones of Jean Monnet University’s scientific identity.”
- François Royer, Director of the Hubert Curien Laboratory: "As we celebrate fifty years of the laboratory, I would like to pay tribute to the pioneering vision and entrepreneurial spirit that have shaped its scientific identity, as well as to its enduring ability to bring people together, foster collaboration, and play a leading role within the scientific community. This remarkable journey reflects not only outstanding scientific achievements but also rich human experiences and a deep commitment to society. It has been made possible by the dedication of generations of laboratory members and by the continued support of our supervising institutions, academic partners, and socio-economic partners. Today, I warmly acknowledge both our current and former members, whose contributions have made this legacy possible.”
A keynote lecture by Professor Hugo Thienpont
In the afternoon, after presentations by the two department leaders on the laboratory’s current research themes, Professor Hugo Thienpont from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) delivered a keynote lecture entitled “Key-Enabling Technologies to Accelerate Innovation for Industrial Growth in Europe.”
In his inspiring address, Professor Thienpont highlighted the impact of photonics technologies across numerous sectors — from digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, energy, defence, and environmental solutions.
He also presented the successful model of VUB Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) and the European initiative PhotonHub Europe, which supports SMEs and start-ups in accelerating innovation through access to cutting-edge expertise and infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
The 50th anniversary celebrations mark the beginning of a year-long commemorative programme, including a Science Festival in October and a series of thematic seminars running from September to December 2026. These events will further strengthen connections between the scientific community and the wider public.
As we reflect on our first fifty years, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence, interdisciplinarity, and innovation in service of society, driven by the energy and talent of our community and supported by the commitment of our partners.
We extend our warmest thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this anniversary celebration - speakers, guests, partners, and colleagues - and to everyone who has helped shape the Hubert Curien Laboratory over the past five decades.
An anniversary booklet was prepared for the occasion, providing additional information about the laboratory’s history, research teams, key figures, and upcoming events. This publication was made possible by years of reporting activities and the invaluable contributions of numerous laboratory members.
We share below a few photographs taken during the event by ©Hubert Genouillhac.
Thank you again to everyone who attended!
2026 Lab anniversary_Photos_Guest speakers:
2026 Lab anniversary_Event Photos:
