Thomas Lombès appointed Executive Director of the Agralife programme agency

Bringing together more than 30 partners in these fields, the Agralife programme agency is led by INRAE on behalf of the wider research community. Its mission is to use foresight to identify future strategic research priorities in sustainable agriculture and food systems, forests and associated natural resources, launch ambitious new research programmes, and coordinate the 15 or so existing Priority Research Programmes and Infrastructure (PEPR) within its remit. It also contributes to planning for the research infrastructure needed to support this national research agenda, while strengthening coordination between national and European efforts. At the request of its supervisory ministries, the agency also contributes to initiatives of national importance that mobilise scientific communities around these issues.

As Executive Director, Thomas Lombès will lead the agency’s activities, coordinate its scientific programming and oversee implementation of its roadmap in collaboration with all its partners, ensuring that its work reflects both advances in research and the needs of society and the economy.  He will lead the agency’s work, bringing together research organisations, higher education institutions, technical institutes, national agencies and government departments to improve the coherence of research strategies and increase their impact. He will also help strengthen dialogue between research, innovation and public policy. He succeeds Thierry Doré, who is retiring. Thomas Lombès will report to Philippe Mauguin, Chair and CEO of INRAE, and will be a member of INRAE’s Management Board. 

“I am delighted that Thomas Lombès is joining Agralife as Executive Director. His experience in leading strategic projects and research programming, and in forging partnerships – between research organisations, socioeconomic stakeholders and public authorities – will be a major asset in further developing the agency and strengthening its role in support of the national research strategy. I would also like to commend the outstanding work of his predecessor, Thierry Doré, who established a collaborative and effective governance structure for our Agency that is recognised by all our partners”.
Philippe Mauguin, Chair and CEO of INRAE

“Transitions in agriculture, food, forestry and the environment call for ambitious, coordinated research developed in partnership with all those involved. I am very pleased to be joining Agralife and contributing to this collective effort, in support of the scientific community, public policy and, more broadly, society as a whole”. Thomas Lombès, newly appointed Executive Director of Agralife.