Breaking: Pioneering Diving Scientist Jean-Jacques Risso Leads Monaco Scientific Center
Monaco – In a move hailed as a significant boost for marine research, renowned scientist Jean-Jacques Risso has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Monaco Scientific Center (CSM), effective September 2025. The appointment, made by sovereign order on March 6, 2025, marks a new chapter for the prestigious institution and signals a renewed focus on knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary collaboration.
From Toulon to the Principality: A Lifetime Dedicated to the Deep
Risso, a veteran of 45 years at the Biophysiological Research Center applied to the Navy in Toulon, brings an unparalleled depth of experience to the CSM. His career has been defined by groundbreaking research into the effects of extreme pressure and respiratory gases on the human body – work initially driven by the needs of military divers, but with profound implications for civilian applications, including competitive diving and medical advancements. He’s authored over 150 publications in scientific journals and delivered more than 200 presentations at international congresses.
“The diving record is 700 meters, so 70 times the atmospheric pressure,” Risso explained, highlighting the challenges his research addressed. “Our studies on the brain of animals showed us how we could fight the effects of respiratory gases and the effects of pressure.” This research wasn’t confined to the military; it directly contributed to safer and more ambitious dives by athletes in the 1980s and 90s.
Inspired by Cousteau: A Lifelong Passion for the Ocean
Risso’s fascination with the marine world began in his childhood, sparked by the pioneering work of Commander Jacques-Yves Cousteau. “I was inspired by his writings, his exhibitions, and in particular the conventions he held in the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco,” he recalls. His early exposure to the CSM, then located within the museum, further cemented his ambition to pursue a scientific career focused on marine biology. Mentorship from early CSM member Pierre Helson proved pivotal, guiding him towards a path of rigorous study and dedicated research.
A Vision for the Future: Transmission and Transversality at the CSM
While the position is voluntary, Risso is approaching his new role with a clear vision. His primary objective is to ensure the seamless transmission of knowledge from retiring scientists to the next generation. “Throughout my career, I saw scientists who, after spending their lives on a theme, left without transmitting their work, leaving them to abandon. For me, it’s unacceptable,” he stated. “We must transmit to the youngest the inheritance of our research.”
Beyond knowledge transfer, Risso emphasizes the importance of transversality – fostering collaboration between different disciplines, including civilian research, military applications, and the medical field. He believes that this interdisciplinary approach will accelerate innovation and lead to more impactful results. “Working both for civilians, for the soldier, and for the medical…provides better results, and faster. We will say that it becomes really concrete.”
Risso will not have an executive role, with the scientific director and secretary general maintaining operational control. Instead, he intends to leverage his extensive experience, network of contacts, and specialized knowledge in marine biochemistry to guide the CSM’s strategic direction.
This appointment signals a commitment from Prince Albert II and the Principality of Monaco to bolstering its position as a global leader in marine science and conservation. The CSM, under Risso’s guidance, is poised to continue its legacy of groundbreaking research and contribute to a deeper understanding of our oceans – a vital endeavor in an era of increasing environmental challenges. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this developing story and in-depth coverage of the Monaco Scientific Center’s future initiatives.
