François Pierrot

François Pierrot is a Senior Research Director at the CNRS and a member of the LIRMM, currently serving as Vice-President for Global Affairs and Director of Strategic Programs at University of Montpellier.

A graduate of École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, he earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Sorbonne University and a PhD in automatic control from the University of Montpellier.

An internationally recognized expert in robotics, his research focuses on innovative robotic systems combining mechanical design and advanced control strategies, with strong links to industrial applications and technology transfer.

Throughout his career, he has developed extensive international collaborations, notably in the United States and Japan, has supervised more than 30 PhD students, and published extensively in leading scientific journals and conference proceedings.

At the University of Montpellier, François Pierrot also served as Vice President for Innovation and Partnerships from 2012 to 2022. During this time, he played a leading role in the creation of the “Montpellier University of Excellence – I-SITE MUSE” initiative, which secured significant national recognition and funding for the university.

His achievements have been recognized through with prestigious distinctions, including the CNRS Innovation Medal and the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour.