In a time of technological change and innovation, the arrival of a new figure at the helm of ISAE-Supaero is seen as a herald of a new era for this prestigious engineering school. Marie-Hélène Baroux, a general weapons engineer and former member of the General Directorate of Armament (DGA), succeeded Olivier Lesbre as managing director on August 1, 2024. The first woman to hold this position, she embodies an innovative and committed vision for this Toulouse institution, renowned for its expertise in the aerospace field. Throughout her career, Marie-Hélène Baroux has distinguished herself through her academic background, obtained at Télécom Paris, and through her various responsibilities within the DGA. Her mission today is to strengthen the ties between the school and the defense and European aerospace industry, while ensuring the excellence and impact of the institution on the educational and technological landscape of the region and beyond. This appointment signifies a continuity in the quest for innovation, competence, and diversity within the engineering spheres.
Marie-Hélène Baroux: A Strategic Vision for ISAE-SUPAERO
Marie-Hélène Baroux, a graduate of Télécom Paris and former member of the General Directorate of Armament (DGA), took office as managing director of ISAE-SUPAERO in August 2024. Her exemplary background and ambitions for the institute make her an emblematic figure in the field of aeronautics and space. As the first woman to hold this position, she embodies not only an evolution in female representation in technical professions but also a fresh wind for the Toulouse institute.
An Exceptional Career and Committed Leadership
Born into a family passionate about aeronautics, Marie-Hélène Baroux was influenced by her father’s profession as a test pilot on the legendary Concorde. This fueled her passion for innovation and technology. Graduating from ISAE-SUPAERO in 1993, she subsequently began her career at the DGA, where she held various positions, consolidating her skills in engineering and management. Her role at the DGA allowed her to acquire valuable knowledge about defense and aerospace issues, particularly in coordinating innovative projects within the industry.
Her rise within ISAE-SUPAERO began as deputy director from 2019 to 2021. This experience enabled her to gain significant expertise regarding the challenges the institution faced in a constantly evolving sector. In this capacity, she contributed to strengthening academic excellence and fostering strategic partnerships with the European aerospace industry. Her election to leadership reflects a desire to create long-term synergies between education, research, and the real challenges facing the industry.
A Strategy to Strengthen Ties with the Aerospace Sector
At the heart of Marie-Hélène Baroux’s vision is the desire to strengthen the ties between ISAE-SUPAERO and the aerospace and defense sector. In a context where geopolitical concerns are gaining real prominence, her aim is to position the school as a key player in innovation, capable of responding quickly and appropriately to the industry’s demands.
She envisions establishing new collaboration programs between the institute and aerospace companies. These programs would include internships, co-supervised research projects, and exchange programs for students and researchers. A study conducted by OCCAR (Joint Organization for Armament Cooperation) revealed that 65% of engineers see an increasing need for adaptive skills in response to new technological challenges. Baroux is thus committed to evolving the curriculum to integrate these essential skills.
In parallel, Marie-Hélène Baroux wishes to develop training focused on new technologies, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, addressing the growing needs of the industry. By relying on concrete case studies, such as the partnership between EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and engineering schools, she aims to create a learning ecosystem that ensures responsiveness and innovation within future projects.
Furthermore, her diverse experience in project management and leadership will be valuable as she emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research. The goal is to promote projects that engage different departments and allow for complex issues to be approached from several angles.
Innovation Perspectives for the Future of Aeronautics
Beyond education, Marie-Hélène Baroux also aspires to make ISAE-SUPAERO a hub of innovation. As director, she will emphasize the necessity of integrating sustainable development and social responsibility practices within the aerospace sector. The challenge is to provide viable long-term solutions that respect the environment while promoting technological growth.
Marie-Hélène Baroux is guided by recent data suggesting that around 70% of aerospace companies plan to intensify their investments in green technologies by 2025. This trend illustrates the importance of education oriented towards these issues. At ISAE-SUPAERO, the development of research projects focused on alternative energy solutions and the increased use of sustainable materials are priorities.
Partnerships with innovative companies, green start-ups, and government initiatives are being considered to facilitate this transition. Marie-Hélène strongly believes that education can play a catalytic role in their adoption, preparing future engineers to think differently and provide innovative solutions.
Finally, as part of her commitment to diversity and inclusion, she plans to establish special scholarships to encourage diverse profiles among students, going beyond traditional stereotypes in engineering professions.
FAQ about Marie-Hélène Baroux and ISAE-SupAero
Who is Marie-Hélène Baroux? Marie-Hélène Baroux is a general weapons engineer, a graduate of Télécom Paris, who has recently been appointed the managing director of ISAE-SupAero.
When did she take office? She took office on August 1, 2024, succeeding Olivier Lesbre.
What is her professional background? Before leading ISAE-SupAero, Marie-Hélène Baroux worked at the General Directorate of Armament, where she gained extensive experience in the aerospace field.
What is the goal of her leadership at ISAE-SupAero? Her goal is to strengthen the institution’s ties with the defense sector and the European aerospace industry.
What is the significance of ISAE-SupAero? ISAE-SupAero is an engineering school recognized for its excellence in aeronautics and space.
Is Marie-Hélène Baroux the first woman to lead ISAE-SupAero? Yes, she is the first woman to hold this position within the institution.
What is her connection to aeronautics? As the daughter of a Concorde test pilot, she has a strong personal connection to the world of aeronautics.
