“What is a scientific attaché at an embassy? The term remains so vague, and the role is so rich in its diversity that a book, or better yet, memoirs, was needed to outline its contours and ambitions. François Bertin invites us to explore this with the perspective and experience of an academic who beautifully put science at the service of French diplomacy, and vice versa.

Certainly, the reader will traverse through his gaze, his expertise, and his memories, missions as diverse as the cultures of the countries they serve, evolving with him, sometimes on the brink of risk between Asia, the Middle East, or the United States. But it is above all to learn through this magnificent testimony that science is undoubtedly the best diplomacy for security and peace in the world.

Professor Patrice Debré, from the National Academy of Medicine

François Bertin was born in Paris in 1940. The author is a chemical engineer and was a professor at the University of Lyon, then at the Higher School of Engineers in Beirut in 1975. He successively became a mission officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1976-1979), a scientific consultant for Southeast Asia (1979-1983), an attaché for S&T at the French Embassy in Tehran (1991-1994), and then in Washington (1994-1999). His career also led him to become the CNRS representative in Tunis (2000-2005), and then a mission officer at the Academy of Medicine since 2006.

For the purchase of this book in French, refer to https://www.editions-harmattan.fr/catalogue/livre/la-science-nomade-au-service-de-la-diplomatie/78234. An English version is planned.