As mentioned in our previous newsletter, Jean-Michel Portefaix is now based here in Dublin as an International Technical Expert (ITE) in Innovation and Applied Research.

The creation of this post arose from commitments made following French President Emmanual Macron's visit to Ireland in 2021, with the aim of enhancing the level of Research and Innovation cooperation between France and Ireland across all parts of the Horizon Europe programme.

Jean-Michel has extensive experience of partnerships and technology transfer at Europe's largest research organization (CNRS) and at the University of Montpellier. He then held diplomatic posts, notably in Norway, dealing with science and technology issues.

Hosted at NovaUCD in Dublin, Jean-Michel will work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the wider Horizon Europe National Support Network team.

During the initial two months of his tenure in Dublin, he has engaged in a series of meetings with Horizon Europe National Contact Points (NCPs). These interactions have proven invaluable in identifying shared interests and potential avenues for collaboration. Together with the NCPs, Jean-Michel is focusing on areas such as maritime sciences, health, smart cities, quantum technologies, the revolutionary 6G networks and the future of Hydrogen in both countries.

These initial exchanges will lead to the formulation of an annual work programme approved by Enterprise Ireland, NovaUCD and the French Embassy in Ireland, which will include the introduction of publications, webinars and thematic workshops on Research and Innovation areas of mutual interest, with the aim of developing our bilateral and European cooperation.

Jean-Michel can be contacted at the following address: jean-michel.portefaix@expertisefrance.fr