Agralife (INRAE): Thomas Lombès appointed executive director of the programme agency

Thomas Lombès has been appointed Executive Director of the Agralife programme agency for a four-year term commencing on 1 September 2026 by Philippe Mauguin, CEO of French public research institute INRAE, the institute announced on the same day, as it oversees the agency’s operations.

He succeeds Thierry Doré, who had held the post since the programme agency was established in 2024 and has now taken retirement.

A graduate of ENS-PSL and Polytechnique, and holder of a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Mines Paris - PSL, Thomas Lombès began his career in research (chemistry/biology) before joining the Ministry of Higher Education and Research in 2014, where he helped steer public policy in support of innovation.

In 2017, he was appointed technical adviser to the Prime Minister…