Climate-Society Centre
Making scientific commitment to society visible, institutionalised and professional
C2S is a centre of scientific and educational expertise dedicated to the climate sciences and their interaction with society. It is part of the general interest mission of the IPSL, which is a benchmark for public research and the production of climate data.
Missions and objectives
C2S aims to strengthen synergies between IPSL laboratories and key partners from other disciplines, particularly the Social Sciences and Humanities. It aims to promote dialogue between fundamental research and societal needs in climate knowledge, as identified by initiatives such as the GREC (Climate Experts Regional Group) in the Paris region, in conjunction with local and regional authorities.
The role of C2S is thus to act as a catalyst to support ecological transitions, by fostering the development of sustainable and resilient trajectories in the face of climate change, and by contributing to carbon neutrality.
The Centre mobilises and interrogates the climate sciences to advance knowledge and strengthen its impact on decision-making. It plays a structuring role in the institutionalisation of interactions between science and society, through the co-construction and sharing of knowledge.
Its actions are part of an active process of collaboration with stakeholders, particularly within the ‘Place of Paris’ area, as well as with key players at national and international level.
Actions and Strategic Directions
- Coordination and visibility of activities to disseminate knowledge, higher education and training, in conjunction with a network of experts.
- Mobilisation of existing knowledge in collaboration with local government partners (e.g. GREC of the Paris Region).
- Development of shared resources to strengthen the training and involvement of young scientists, with particular attention to the professional integration of interdisciplinary profiles.
- Improving skills and best practices in science-society interactions by promoting transparency, quality, and diversity in exchanges.
- Enhancement of climate literacy and democratisation of climate sciences.
- Securing funding to ensure the sustainability and the development of the Centre.
Themes and partnerships
The Centre covers a wide range of themes, including (but not limited to):
- Climate at global, regional and urban scales,
- Climate risks and their impacts,
- Carbon cycle forcing and feedback,
- Water management and adaptation to climate change.
The centre draws on complementary expertise to structure systemic approaches, in collaboration with strategic partners.
Governance
C2S is led by Valérie Masson-Delmotte (LSCE-IPSL), with support from IPSL management via Sophie Godin-Beekman (IPSL Director). They are operationally supported by Manon Rousselle, Project Manager. Links with the GREC Francilien are via the GREC office, in particular Valérie Lilette (project manager) and Nathalie De Noblet-Ducoudré (LSCE-IPSL).
The Scientific Council is made up of volunteers from all the IPSL’s laboratories. They meet 3 or 4 times a year to structure, guide and arbitrate the activities and partnerships of the centre.
