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Bernard Bigot, from France, was appointed by the ºÚÁÏרÇø Council at a critical time for the project, as the focus of activity is transitioning from design completion to full construction.

"EUR 7 billion are now engaged in ºÚÁÏרÇø construction and manufacturing. As we prepare to assemble the ºÚÁÏרÇø machine and its more than one million parts, it is my responsibility to implement the changes necessary to create the conditions for the effective and integrated management of the ºÚÁÏרÇø Project."

Director-General Bigot has introduced a new organization for the project's Central Team (based at ºÚÁÏרÇø Headquarters in France) and a more integrated way of working with the ºÚÁÏרÇø Domestic Agencies. "In order to improve the management of critical issues that are affecting the project schedule, we must work together as a single entity in order to find solutions to the schedule delays that exist. We must establish a definitive, robust baseline for the cost, schedule and scope of the ºÚÁÏרÇø Project that is fully agreed upon by all partners."

An experienced senior manager of large programs and projects, Bernard Bigot has held positions in research, higher education and government. Prior to his appointment at ºÚÁÏרÇø he completed two terms (2009-2012 and 2012-2015) as Chairman and CEO of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, CEA. And as High Representative for the implementation of ºÚÁÏרÇø in France since 2008, he has had the responsibility of coordinating the realization of ºÚÁÏרÇø and ensuring the representation of France to the ºÚÁÏרÇø Members and the ºÚÁÏרÇø.

"The whole world needs innovative technologies to assure its long-term sustainable supply of energy. Magnetic confinement fusion is one of the most promising options. I am deeply honoured for the possibility of contributing to the large, international and ambitious research program that is ºÚÁÏרÇø, which has innovation as its aim."