On April 2, 2026, Alexandre Bayen, director of the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS), was awarded the Ordre National du Mérite in a ceremony at the Musée de la Légion d’Honneur. One of France’s highest national distinctions, the honor recognizes Bayen’s decades of leadership in advancing collaboration between France and the United States through research, innovation, and higher education at UC Berkeley. The medal was presented by Laura Chaubard, President of École polytechnique, in a ceremony attended by government officials, academic leaders, and members of the French and international scientific community.
“I am deeply conscious of the honor bestowed upon me,” said Bayen during his remarks. “That the bridges I have endeavored to build between our continents should be recognized here tonight.”
Under his leadership, CITRIS has expanded partnerships across academia, government, and industry, supporting research and innovation that connects California and global collaborators, including longstanding ties with French institutions.
Bayen is Liao-Cho Innovation Endowed Chair and professor of electrical engineering & computer sciences and of civil & environmental engineering at UC Berkeley, where he also served as Founding Associate Provost for the Berkeley Air & Space Center. A faculty scientist in mechanical engineering at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, he directed the UC Berkeley Institute of Transportation Studies from 2014 to 2021. He earned his engineering degree from École polytechnique and his master’s and Ph.D. from Stanford University, and has been a member of the Berkeley faculty since 2005.
Established in 1963 by Charles de Gaulle, the Ordre National du Mérite is awarded by the President of the French Republic to recognize distinguished service across public, private, and academic fields. The order honors individuals—both French and international—whose work strengthens civic, scientific, and cultural life, recognizing sustained contributions to the public good over the course of a career.
The recognition reflects a career dedicated to advancing technology, research, and education in service of society.
“I welcome every opportunity I have to serve [France],” Bayen continued, “whether from my office in California or from anywhere else.”