The mission entrusted to him is commensurate with IP Paris' ambition to become a global reference for French scientific excellence. Christopher Cripps has just been appointed Vice-President for Europe and International Affairs of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.
The current international and diplomatic adviser to the President of Sorbonne University, who will join IP Paris on June 1st, will bring with him both experience and passion.
His recruitment is in line with the mission letter addressed to Thierry Coulhon in November 2023 by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, Minister for Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and Minister for Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Bruno Le Maire. "(...) To create, from prestigious establishments, a world-class science and technology institute in the service of science, the general interest and France's prosperity and influence," it reads.
For over 30 years, Christopher Cripps has held leadership positions in the field of international higher education, combining strategy and international development, transnational education and mobility, executive education and corporate relations, branding and marketing.
Christopher Cripps is a bridge builder between prestigious universities, institutions and companies. In order to achieve this, he travels the world: China, India, Brazil, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East...
“Christopher Cripps has a rare experience in international higher education, which he has tested in some of the finest institutions. He masters the field perfectly and is skilled at developing a genuine vision. This unique profile is a perfect match for the ambitions of IP Paris”, emphasises Thierry Coulhon, Acting President of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.
“I am delighted to be joining the Institut Polytechnique de Paris to contribute to making it a more integrated institution, recognized among the world's leading scientific and technological institutions. Its five member schools are all renowned engineering schools, and it is a privilege to put my experience at the service of a such an emblematic French institute.”
Christopher Cripps will be developing IP Paris' international policy in collaboration with its five schools: École polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris, Télécom SudParis.
It will focus on forming alliances with leading international universities, expanding on a path that has already been paved.
Since January 1, 2024, the Institut Polytechnique de Paris has officially joined the EuroTech Alliance, replacing École Polytechnique, one of its founding members. This strategic partnership brings together six leading universities in the field of science and technology. IP Paris is thus building a strong and sustainable Europe alongside the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology.
Research and education will also be key pillars of the Institute’s international development. Christopher Cripps will also help to promote IP Paris’ academic offer internationally, to establish specific European or international funding programs, and forge high-level research partnerships.
