By LONG Yun & XU Keqi

Professor Olivier Bonnaud (middle) and his Chinese colleagues. (PHOTO: LONG Yun / S&T Daily)

Sino-French cooperation in science and technology dates back to 1978, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Over the years, this collaboration has flourished, particularly in fields such as people-to-people exchanges, basic scientific research, and high-tech cooperation.

One individual who has played a pivotal role in the collaboration is French scientist Olivier Bonnaud. Currently, he serves as an Emeritus Professor at the University of Rennes and a Permanent Guest Professor at South-East University (SEU) in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu province.

Taking the first step

Last week, Bonnaud, who has just celebrated his 75th birthday, spoke to Science and Technology Daily (S&T Daily), reflecting on a remarkable journey dedicated to the field of microelectronics, that spans five decades.

Fueled by a passion for innovation and driven by a desire to contribute to the advancement of technology, Bonnaud has always striven to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by the exciting field of microelectronics.

In the 1970s, microelectronics education was in its infancy in France, and there was a need to develop the field within universities and engineering schools.

Bonnaud began teaching in this field in 1975, becoming one of the youngest full professors at the time.

"I firmly believed then, as I do now, in the importance of microelectronics," said Bonnaud. His faith in the field's significance propelled him to establish microelectronics laboratories and collaborative centers across France.

Bonnaud sees his role from two aspects: as a scientist and an educator. As the director of many research laboratories, Bonnaud has initiated collaborations with industry partners. These interdisciplinary endeavors, involving experts from diverse fields like biology and chemistry, were crucial in addressing complex challenges and driving innovation.

Preparing for the future

As an educator, Bonnaud emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. "I didn't own a company. Instead, I prepared individuals for the industry," he said.

His eyes sparkle with pride whenever he speaks about his students. "As a professor, part of my role has been to motivate and convince students for more than five decades," he said.

He has trained thousands of engineers and researchers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed in the rapidly evolving field of microelectronics.

"Collaboration between academia, industry, and other fields is crucial for driving innovation and addressing pressing social issues," he said.

However, development of the microelectronic industry is not without its challenges. Unfortunately, there's an imbalance between job demand and available talent, with many positions remaining unfilled. This underscores the importance of attracting young people to careers in science and engineering, which is something Bonnaud is passionate about.

Despite facing challenges along the way, Bonnaud remained steadfast in his commitment to advancing the frontiers of microelectronics. "No, never," he said with confidence when asked if he ever felt bored with his work.

In search of cooperation

Bonnaud's teaching career is by no means confined to France. He has been bridging the gap between France and China by promoting exchanges between the SEU and the University of Rennes since 2005.

"Professor Bonnaud's exceptional expertise has been instrumental in the success of our bilateral cooperation," said Lei Wei, a professor from School of Electronic Science and Engineering of SEU and also his long-time friend in China, who applauds Bonnaud's unwavering dedication to teaching and research.

Recalling his connection with SEU, Bonnaud recounts a journey marked by shared aspirations and a commitment to excellence.

"Our collaboration began with a focus on microelectronics," he said, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in driving innovation forward.

Over the years, Bonnaud's involvement in university governance and academic exchanges has deepened the ties between SEU and the University of Rennes, paving the way for groundbreaking initiatives such as joint international master's programs and doctoral schools.

For Bonnaud, the success lies not in many awards he has received, but in the tangible impact of collaborative endeavors on society at large. However, "Recognition from students, organizations and governments is significant," he acknowledged, citing the Friendship Awards bestowed upon him by provincial and national governments in China as a symbol of appreciation for his contributions.

Looking to the future, Bonnaud remains optimistic about the prospects of Sino-French sci-tech cooperation, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in addressing pressing challenges.

XU Keqi is a professor at SEU.