The Political and Cultural Revolution of the CNRS: An Attempt at the Systematic Organisation of Research in Opposition to “the Academic Spirit”

Abstract

AbstractFollowing the two world wars an important reflection on the role of universities and scientists in the development of political consciousness, citizenship, and national power took place in France. Debates often led by the Academy of Sciences centred on scientists’ mission and universities’ organization as well as on the relationship between academic knowledge and its applications, that is between science and technology. Proposals for enhancing research at the service of the nation’s needs were put forward, as for instance with the creation, in 1919, of the Division of Applications Division of Sciences in Industry within the Academy. From 1935 to 1948, these proposals led to the creation of independent research bodies—National Fund for Scientific Research, National Center for Applied Scientific Research, National Institute for Agronomic Research, Commission on the Atomic Energy—which resulted in the separation of French research from the universities, thus increasing the dichotomy between sciences and its applications. This paradox will be examined in this chapter. Where does this anomaly come from? There are long-standing causes: the French State has always been suspicious of the hotbeds of revolt that universities can provide; and the impact of the two world wars on the researchers’ awareness of the weakness of French science. As the report of the CNRS reorganization observed in October 1944 “the task of scientific research has always been underestimated in France.” The creation of CNRS in 1939 was to revolutionise the French university system for a long time to come. This is the turning point this chapter aims to discuss.KeywordAcademic knowledge“Pure” and “applied” scienceScientific policyThe political role of scientistsIndividualism of the French academic traditionInterpenetration of academics and techniciansWar and technologyResistance to NazismCoordination and mobilisation of researchProfessionalising research Centre National De La Recherche Appliquée