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Annick Loiseau and her research into nanosciences awarded the CNRS silver medal

Châtillon, 23^rd April 2007

Annick Loiseau, director of research at Onera, has today received the CNRS silver medal. This award goes to researchers recognized nationally and internationally for the originality, quality and importance of their work.

©CNRS Photothèque - François JanninAnnick Loiseau was the first woman to be appointed as a director of research at Onera, in 1996, and is well known internationally for her research into nanotubes.

On joining Onera in 1985, she applied her expertise in high resolution electron microscopes to the study of the properties of metal alloys which are of interest in aeronautics. She has, in the course of her work, shed new light on states in the organization of atoms.

In 1992, Annick Loiseau discovered the first work on carbon nanotubes, their conductive properties and their incredible mechanical resistance.  Her intellectual curiosity, evolving into a passion, has become her main activity. In particular, she launched the first interdisciplinary research group within Onera which developed a process for synthesizing nanotubes using lasers.  Using this technique, the group was the first in the world to produce monolayer boron nitride nanotubes, whose optical properties are of great interest to industry.

Today, Annick Loiseau directs the CNRS international “Nanotubes” research group (GDRI) which unites more than 70 European and Canadian laboratories.

Her fame in this area and her communication skills have frequently meant she has been asked to explain to the general public the issues and questions which nanoscience raises for society.

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Onera is the leading aerospace and defense research & technology organization in France. Created in 1946, it is a state-owned entity reporting to the French Ministry of Defense. Onera has 2,000 employees, deploying their multidisciplinary expertise and an array of test facilities unrivaled in Europe for both public agencies and industry. A proven source of innovation, expertise and long-term vision, Onera has contributed to many of today’s aerospace and defense benchmarks, including Ariane 5, Airbus, Eurocopter helicopters and the Rafale combat aircraft.
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