In February 2025, nearly five years after the creation of the Center, we hosted a dinner to thank our corporate donors for their continued support and commitment. It was an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and to reaffirm the importance of the partnerships that have helped shape Hi! PARIS into what it is today. When Hi! PARIS was launched in 2020 by Institut Polytechnique de Paris and HEC Paris, and later joined by Inria, CNRS, and UTT, the goal was clear: to build an ambitious and internationally visible center for research, education, and innovation in artificial intelligence and data science. From the beginning, our corporate donors have played a central role in supporting this vision, not only financially, but also intellectually, by sharing their priorities and contributing to the development of our initiatives, research agenda, and educational programs. Pictured from left to right: Éloïc Peyrache, Dean of HEC Paris; Thierry Coulhon, President of Institut Polytechnique de Paris; Philippe Baptiste, French Minister for Research and Higher Education and Michael I. Jordan, Professor at UC Berkeley. Over the past five years, these partnerships have enabled us to launch and fund research projects at the crossroads of science, business, and society; support chair holders, fellows, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students working on key AI challenges; host events that connect academic and industrial communities; and develop interdisciplinary teaching programs to train the next generation of AI and data talent. These achievements would not have been possible without the trust and involvement of our donors. Together, we’ve helped build a center that stands for scientific excellence, responsible innovation, and collaboration across sectors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrEHR_vHhcg A committed community of donors The strength of Hi! PARIS lies not only in its academic and scientific foundations, but also in the commitment of its corporate donors. Partners such as L’Oréal, Capgemini, TotalEnergies, VINCI, and Schneider Electric bring a diverse range of perspectives from industry, technology, and energy to infrastructure and innovation united by a shared belief: that artificial intelligence and data science must be developed in a way that serves society. Each of them brings a unique perspective, and their support goes far beyond funding. They contribute ideas, challenge us to stay relevant, and help us anchor our work in the real world. This richness of backgrounds and their shared values of excellence, responsibility, and openness reinforce Hi! PARIS’s mission to bridge science, business, and society. One of the most concrete illustrations of this collaboration is our white book Visions of Business: Driving Business Innovation with Data & AI. This 48-page publication brings together real-world use cases from our corporate donors and highlights how they are leveraging AI to address key challenges in beauty, energy, retail, infrastructure, and beyond. Pictured from left to right: Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman of the Board at L’Oréal; Laurent Bataille, President of Schneider Electric France; Philippe Rambach, Chief AI Officer at Schneider Electric; Delphine Colson, Executive Director of the HEC Foundation; Marie-Noëlle Semeria, Chief Innovation Officer at TotalEnergies; Céline Brucker, General Manager at L’Oréal France; Joëlle Barral, Director of Research at Google DeepMind; and Julia Peyre, Head of AI Strategy and Innovation at Schneider Electric. Building the future of AI together The scientific perspectives opened by the researchers, professors, and students involved in Hi! PARIS require resources that match their ambition. The trust and engagement of our partners are essential to sustaining this effort. As we look ahead, we remain committed to deepening these relationships and continuing to work hand in hand to address the evolving challenges of artificial intelligence. From sustainability to trustworthy AI, from ethics to real-world applications, we believe the conversation between researchers and industry has never been more essential. The anniversary dinner was a warm and meaningful moment a way to celebrate what we’ve built together and to thank each partner, personally, for believing in our mission. To all our donors: thank you for your support, your time, and your ideas. We look forward to the next chapter and to continuing this journey with you.
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) is the world’s most comprehensive attempt to regulate artificial intelligence, but as Gabriele Mazzini one of its original drafters reminded the audience at the Hi! PARIS Meet Up on the AI Act, it’s also a work in progress. In his talk, Mazzini walked through the logic of the Act, its risk-based foundation, and how recent events have transformed its scope. His reflections offered both a behind-the-scenes view and a forward-looking critique. Why the AI Act focuses on what you do, not what you build The original draft of the AI Act, developed by the European Commission in 2021, was guided by a clear principle: regulate not the technology, but its applications. The idea was to focus on how AI is used, not what it is. As Mazzini explained, this meant identifying risk levels and aligning them with regulatory obligations. Three categories of risk were defined: Prohibited AI applications, such as social scoring or exploitative and manipulative AI. One of the most controversial proposals involved restricting remote biometric identification systems in public spaces. High-risk systems, the heart of the regulation, accounting for around 98% of the legal provisions. These systems would be subject to compliance, certification, and CE marking, similar to how medical devices are regulated. Transparency obligations for systems like chatbots, where the law requires users to be informed when interacting with an AI. According to Mazzini, this is not just a technical issue, it’s about human dignity and respecting the way people relate to machines. Gabriele Mazzini, Architect of the EU AI Act and Research Affiliate at MIT Media Lab | Hi! PARIS Meet Up on the AI Act at VINCI (March 2025) The turning point: ChatGPT and the U.S. influence The final version of the Act preserved the risk-based structure, but it was significantly influenced by two external events: The launch of ChatGPT in October 2022, and the Executive Order on AI from the Biden administration in October 2023, which introduced rules for dual-use foundation models. Together, these developments pushed EU legislators to expand the scope of the AI Act to cover not just applications, but AI tools themselves, especially general-purpose AI models, also known as foundation models. This new chapter introduced two rule sets: Transparency for all models, including documentation requirements and obligations to share information downstream, particularly regarding copyright compliance. Additional obligations for models with systemic risk, including risk assessment, incident reporting, and cybersecurity measures. To determine systemic risk, regulators proposed two criteria: The computational power used in training (mirroring U.S. thresholds like 10^26 FLOPs). And the designation by the AI Office, part of the European Commission, following an approach similar to the Digital Services Act. These rules apply even to open-source foundation models, though some exceptions are allowed. The AI Act isn’t what it started as Since the first draft, the AI Act has changed quite a bit, not just in terms of content, but also in overall complexity. Mazzini pointed out that the number of prohibited use cases has gone from four to eight, with new ones like emotion recognition and categorization, which he described as “vague” and “too broad.” The list of high-risk applications hasn’t exploded, but it’s expanded enough to make compliance more demanding. One big shift is that the regulation doesn’t just focus on applications anymore, it now also covers the AI models and tools themselves. When it comes to general-purpose AI, a lot of the specifics are still being worked out through voluntary codes of practice. That’s led to some debate, especially after a recent letter from EU lawmakers raised concerns about whether those codes are enough to keep up with fast-evolving risks. Meanwhile, governance structures have gotten more complex, both at the EU level and within member states, partly because of the broader scope that now includes general-purpose models. Another important point is the new set of obligations for companies. What used to be called “users” are now “deployers,” and they have more responsibilities, like doing fundamental rights impact assessments and sharing more information. Lastly, Mazzini mentioned that the overlap between the AI Act and other EU laws still isn’t totally clear, and how these different legal frameworks will work together is still being figured out. Hi! PARIS Meet Up on the AI Act at VINCI (March 2025) Less would have been more: Mazzini’s assessment In closing, Mazzini offered a candid reflection: “Less would have been more.” He acknowledged the ambition of the AI Act but emphasized the importance of legal clarity, both for operators who need to comply and regulators who must enforce it. What should come next? Clarity and legal certainty, businesses must understand what they’re required to do, and enforcement must be consistent across EU member states. Sensible interpretations, regulators and courts should aim for realistic, state-of-the-art, and innovation-friendly readings of the law. Harmonized standards, especially for SMEs that lack resources to develop compliance mechanisms on their own. Use-case-based advocacy, companies should engage proactively, using their real-world cases to shape practical interpretations. Impact monitoring, we need data on how the AI Act is working. Is it increasing trust? Creating confusion? Encouraging innovatio or stifling it? “We are dealing with a fast-moving technology,” Mazzini said. “The law matters but so does how we interpret and implement it.” In his view, transparency, pragmatism, and responsiveness will be key to ensuring that the AI Act delivers on its promise without hindering Europe’s AI ecosystem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jeiKEp-_sM
As part of the Hi! PARIS Cluster 2030 initiative, the Hi! PACE (Programs, Academia, and Course Expansion) positions for the 2025/26 academic year are now open. These positions are the result of a coordinated effort across partner institutions to identify and prioritize teaching and program development needs in artificial intelligence and data science. The positions are aimed at strengthening our academic offering, supporting new program launches, and responding to the growing demand for excellence in AI education. What’s next? Partner institutions can now proceed with recruitment for the listed positions. The roles cover a range of teaching and academic support needs, and are aligned with Hi! PARIS’s strategic vision for inclusive, interdisciplinary, and high-impact education in AI. Open Positions: Artificial Intelligence – ECC (4-year contract) – Université de Téchnologie de TroyesApply here Data Science – ECC (4-year contract) – Université de Téchnologie de TroyesApply here Statistical Learning – Assistant Professor (3+2 years) – ENPCApply here Trustworthy & Responsible AI / RL – Assistant Professor (permanent) – École PolytechniqueApply here Multimodal AI – Monge Assistant Professor (tenure track, 3+3 years) – École PolytechniqueApply here AI for Insurance – Assistant Professor (tenure track) – CRESTApply here Stay tuned for further updates as the Hi! PACE initiative continues to grow. For any questions, please contact: contact@hi-paris.fr
Hi! PARIS is proud to co-organize CVPR@Paris 2025, a one-day local event designed as an inclusive and sustainable alternative to the CVPR conference, traditionally held in the U.S. Taking place on June 6, 2025, in the heart of Paris, the event will bring together researchers, students, and authors of accepted papers at CVPR 2025, CVPR workshops, and other major conferences (such as ICLR 2025) to present their work through oral talks and poster sessions. Each year, the CVPR conference (Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition) ranks among the most prestigious conferences in artificial intelligence globally. However, its regular location in North America limits access for many researchers based in Europe and raises questions around the environmental impact of long-distance academic travel. CVPR@Paris addresses this challenge by offering an opportunity to gather locally while still sharing the latest scientific advances. This event is co-organized by Hi! PARIS and SCAI (Sorbonne Center for AI). Why attend? Encourage knowledge-sharing among the local and European AI community Discover the latest breakthroughs in deep learning and computer vision Support a more accessible and sustainable scientific culture Register and learn more here Committees General ChairsMatthieu Cord (Sorbonne University) Vicky Kalogeiton (École Polytechnique, IP Paris) David Picard (École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussée, IP Paris) Program ChairsMustafa Shukor (Sorbonne University) Raphael Baena (École des Ponts ParisTech, ENPC) The organizing committee includes researchers from Sorbonne University, École polytechnique, and École des Ponts ParisTech, demonstrating once again the collaborative spirit of the Paris AI ecosystem. For any questions, feel free to contact: cvprinparis@gmail.com
Beyond his role as Deputy Director of the Computer Science and Systems Engineering Unit (U2IS) at ENSTA, François Goulette has a strong interest in AI ethics. Each summer, he leads a short awareness module on this topic as part of the Hi! PARIS Data Boot Camp, a program offered to students of Institut Polytechnique de Paris and HEC Paris.
Hi! PARIS, the interdisciplinary research center dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, founded by HEC Paris and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris), enters a new phase of development with the arrival of Vincent Rapp as its Executive Director. Previously a Special Advisor on Artificial Intelligence to the French Ministry of AI and Digital Affairs, Vincent Rapp takes over from Raphaëlle Gautier and will lead the center’s strategic direction at a pivotal moment in its growth. His appointment follows Hi! PARIS’s recent designation as an AI Cluster, solidifying its position as a leading institution in AI and data science research. A vision for AI excellence and innovation With a strong background in AI strategy, research, and public policy, Vincent Rapp aims to further strengthen Hi! PARIS’s excellence in artificial intelligence and data science while expanding new initiatives to foster innovation and collaboration between academia, industry, and public institutions. His mission is clear: to position Hi! PARIS as a leading European and global hub for AI research, education, and innovation. “Hi! PARIS’s recognition as an AI Cluster under the France 2030 program confirms the outstanding quality and international visibility of our academic ecosystem in AI and data science. Vincent Rapp’s appointment marks a key milestone in the center’s development, reinforcing our ambition to train 20,000 students in AI by 2030.” – Thierry Coulhon (President of the Executive Board of IP Paris) & Eloïc Peyrache (Dean of HEC Paris) A career dedicated to AI and innovation Vincent Rapp holds an MSc from Sorbonne University and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from ISIR (Institute for Intelligent Systems and Robotics). His career spans both public and private sectors, focusing on AI research, strategy, and innovation. He began his career at the French National Research Agency (ANR), where he played a key role in launching the Interdisciplinary Institutes for Artificial Intelligence (3IA). At Bpifrance, he served as Head of AI Innovation & Strategy, shaping national AI initiatives. In October 2024, he was appointed Special Advisor on AI to the French Ministry of AI and Digital Affairs, working on AI policy and innovation strategies. A multidisciplinary leadership for the future Vincent Rapp joins an established scientific leadership team, with Gaël Richard (Télécom Paris) and Éric Moulines (École Polytechnique & Académie des Sciences) continuing to lead Hi! PARIS’s scientific strategy. The center also relies on its research, education, and innovation committees, ensuring a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to its future development. “Artificial intelligence is at a turning point. Between technological breakthroughs and regulatory challenges, it is essential to build strong bridges between research, education, and industry. Thanks to its unique academic ecosystem, the support of visionary corporate sponsors, and public funding, Hi! PARIS has an exceptional opportunity to develop AI that is high-performing, responsible, and impactful for society. To achieve this, we must strengthen collaborations and develop new public-private partnerships to amplify our collective impact.” – Vincent Rapp, Executive Director of Hi! PARIS Hi! PARIS is supported by a unique academic ecosystem, bringing together HEC Paris and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris (École Polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENPC, ENSAE, Télécom Paris, Télécom SudParis), alongside leading research institutions such as Inria, CNRS, and Université de Technologie de Troyes. The center also benefits from the backing of visionary corporate sponsors, including L’Oréal, Capgemini, TotalEnergies, VINCI, and Schneider Electric. Under the leadership of Vincent Rapp, Hi! PARIS is set to accelerate its impact in AI research, talent development, and industry collaboration, shaping the future of artificial intelligence in France and beyond. Read the Press Release
The Hi! PARIS Meet Up! event organized by Hi! PARIS is about the “AI Act”. Save-the date: March 25, 2025 (6:00-8:30 pm), hosted by our corporate donor VINCI.
Hi! PARIS, SCAI, DATAIA, and PRAIRIE, the four AI clusters in Paris are co-organizing a one-day conference on artificial intelligence and mathematics, in collaboration with ELLIS Paris. This event will bring together researchers, practitioners, and mathematicians to explore how AI is transforming mathematical reasoning and problem-solving. 🔗 All presentation slides, solutions, and resources are now available here! Exploring the Intersection of AI and Mathematics The conference aims to provide the mathematical community, broadly defined with insights into the latest advancements in artificial intelligence applied to mathematics. Topics will include: New LLM models for mathematical reasoning Innovative training techniques for AI applications in mathematics Mathematical contributions to AI, including specialized datasets and proof assistants Beyond theoretical discussions, the conference will also focus on practical applications, with an afternoon hands-on session designed to showcase AI tools for solving mathematical problems. Program 📅 Date: April 4, 2025📍 Location: PSL Building, 16 bis rue de l’Estrapade, 75005 PARIS🔗 Pre-registration: Free but mandatory on the conference website Morning Session 09:30 – 10:10: Yann Fleureau & Jia Li (Numina) 10:10 – 10:40: Coffee Break 10:40 – 11:20: Amaury Hayat (ENPC) 11:20 – 12:00: Marc Lelarge (Inria) Afternoon Session 14:00 – 16:00: Hands-on session – Practical applications of AI for mathematical problem-solving Organizing Committee Aymeric Dieuleveut (Hi! PARIS Fellow, École Polytechnique) Francis Bach (Inria) Gabriel Peyré (CNRS and ENS) This event is a unique opportunity to engage with experts at the forefront of AI and mathematics, discover cutting-edge research, and participate in a hands-on session designed to explore real-world applications. 🔗 Secure your spot now by registering on the official website.
Artificial intelligence is advancing at breakneck speed. From healthcare to misinformation, creative industries to the workplace, the conversation around AI is no longer about potential, it’s about impact. This year, Hi! PARIS is taking part in the AI Action Summit, held in Paris on February 6, 7, 10, and 11. The event brings together policymakers, researchers, and business leaders to explore AI’s biggest challenges and opportunities. In response, HEC Paris faculty have published in-depth analyses, each reflecting one of the Summit’s key themes. Their research offers a critical perspective on the ways AI is transforming industries and the questions we need to ask as it does. Can AI save lives in intensive care? Pillar 1: AI in the Service of the General Interest AI in hospitals is nothing new, but what if it could do more than assist doctors, what if it could transform critical decision-making? Julien Grand-Clément, Assistant Professor at HEC Paris and chair holder at Hi! PARIS, explores a simple AI tool designed to support intensive care doctors. The research suggests that, with the right integration, AI could help medical teams make better decisions, faster, and ultimately save lives. Read the full article The workplace: AI’s balancing act Pillar 2: The Future of Work The debate over AI and jobs continues to divide opinion. Some see it as a tool for enhancing productivity and efficiency, while others worry about what it means for the role of human expertise. HEC Paris researcher and Hi! PARIS chair holder Aluna Wang looks at VINCI’s AI transformation, a case study on how one company is navigating the integration of generative AI without disrupting existing skills and structures. Read the full article Creativity vs. AI: A growing tension Pillar 3: Innovation and Culture AI has already changed how we consume content. But how is it changing the way we create it? From music and film to literature and design, creative industries are facing a new reality, one where AI is a tool, but also a competitor. HEC Paris Associate Professor Thomas Paris explores the uneasy relationship between artists, businesses, and generative AI, and asks whether innovation and artistic integrity can coexist. Read the full article The future of truth: AI, misinformation, and regulation Pillar 4: Trust in AI In the age of AI, misinformation is evolving faster than ever. Fact-checking, once a frontline defense, is becoming harder to maintain. In a new piece, HEC Professor and Hi! PARIS fellow David Restrepo examines Meta’s recent decision to remove fact-checkers from Facebook and what it signals for the future of trust, regulation, and AI-powered media. Read the full article What’s next for AI? As a co-founder of Hi! PARIS, HEC Paris continues to play a key role in researching the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI. As part of the French government’s “IA Clusters” initiative, the center remains at the forefront of discussions on how AI is transforming the world, and what must be done to guide its development responsibly. The AI Action Summit is just one step in that conversation. More to come.
We believe in the transformative power of science. And that is why we advocate for inclusion. On February 14, 2025, our roundtable on “Breaking high-school barriers: Empowering girls to envision themselves in STEM” gathered scientists, executives, and educators to confront an uncomfortable reality: despite decades of initiatives, women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM. The early roots of gender gaps in STEM In her opening remarks, Lidia Brito (UNESCO) laid out a stark reality: the gender gap in science doesn’t begin in the workforce it starts in childhood. “Biases take root at a very young age,” she explained. “From the toys they play with to the books they read, subtle messages reinforce gendered expectations.” A boy might receive a construction set or a science kit, encouraging problem-solving and experimentation. A girl, on the other hand, is more likely to be given a doll or toys focused on caregiving roles. These early experiences shape how children see themselves, and what they believe they are capable of achieving. By high school, the effect is clear. Many girls have already internalized the idea that STEM is not “for them.” As Brito said, this is the critical moment when young women decide whether they see themselves belonging in science or whether they walk away. Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO It’s not just about fairness. It’s about lost potential. Science thrives on diversity. But today, women hold only one-third of STEM jobs worldwide. In some countries, that number drops below 10%. In France, the gender gap in math-heavy careers remains particularly stark. The French Court of Accounts recently criticized the inefficiency of €3.3 billion allocated to gender balance policies funding that has failed to reverse these trends. So what are we missing? The elephant in the room We often discuss stereotypes, self-confidence, and lack of role models as barriers to women in STEM. But during our panel, Elisabeth Richard (Femmes@Numérique) introduced a sobering reality, one that rarely makes it into policy discussions. Violence. Richard shared an alarming statistic: one in seven children in France is a victim of sexual violence. How does this relate to STEM? Because survivors of sexual violence, particularly girls, are less likely to pursue male-dominated fields If their early experiences in mixed-gender environments were shaped by trauma, they may unconsciously steer away from careers that require navigating similar spaces. This is not a minor issue. It is a systemic failure, and it is shaping the career choices of young women long before they ever sit in a math classroom. This is not to say that violence is the sole reason for the gender gap in STEM. But it is an undeniable “elephant in the room,” one that remains largely absent from mainstream debates about gender diversity in science. Addressing it means ensuring safe spaces in schools, universities, and workplaces. It means rethinking policies not just for recruitment but for the environments in which women must work and learn. From left to right: Elisabeth Richard, Board Member of the Fondation Femmes@Numérique and Capital Filles, Director of Civil Society Relations at ENGIE, and Member of the Haut Conseil à l’Égalité; Anne-Laure Sellier, Professor of Behavioral Sciences at HEC Paris. The impact of bias, and why we need to start younger While Richard introduced the systemic impact of violence, Maud Tournoud (Schneider Electric) pointed to another key issue: gender stereotypes take root long before career choices are made. Citing research on stereotype threat, Tournoud described a study where girls and boys performed equally on a math test, until they were told in advance that the test was “difficult.” The moment they were primed with the idea that they might struggle, the girls’ scores dropped. This isn’t about ability. It’s about belief. Karine Vasselin (Capgemini) built on this point, explaining that stereotypes are so deeply ingrained that many young women simply do not see themselves in tech careers. “For 25 years, I’ve been trying to explain to my own mother what I do at Capgemini, and she still doesn’t understand!” Vasselin joked. “If even adults struggle to understand these fields, how can we expect 15-year-olds to confidently choose them?” To address this, Capgemini launched a two-week internship program designed to expose high school students, particularly girls, to STEM careers. They set a minimum quota of 60% female students to ensure diverse participation and provide concrete, immersive experiences with technology. From left to right: Karine Vasselin, Group Diversity & Inclusion Lead at Capgemini; Maud Tournoud, AI Hub Data Science Manager at Schneider Electric. Imagining a new future for STEM One of the most discussed topics in the panel was the importance of representation and role models. Charlotte Laclau (Télécom Paris) emphasized that bias in STEM doesn’t just exist in hiring—it starts in education. She shared her experience working on algorithmic fairness, revealing that AI biases are not inherent to technology, but rather a reflection of the biases in human-generated data. “If we want to reduce bias in AI, we also need to address bias at the human level,” she noted. This realization led her to engage more directly with young students, working to introduce STEM to high schoolers in a way that feels inclusive, exciting, and accessible. However, Laclau also identified another systemic flaw: young people are asked to specialize too early. At 15, they must make decisions that lock them into specific career paths, reinforcing gendered choices. Instead, she advocated for keeping options open longer, allowing students to develop their interests before making long-term academic commitments. Ariane Thomas (L’Oréal) emphasized the power of storytelling. She reminded us of the impact of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program, which has highlighted over 4,400 female scientists and produced seven Nobel Prize winners. Visibility matters. Young girls need to see women thriving in STEM, not just in textbooks but in media, advertising, and everyday life. Anne-Laure Sellier (HEC Paris) posed a critical question: “If we want to multiply the frequency of young girls interacting with positive scientific role models, could AI help?” Could