Two Simon Fraser University faculty, Sylvain Moreno and Richard Smith, have been bestowed with France's highest honour for contributions to education and research.
Moreno and Smith were both inducted as chevaliers (knights) of the Ordre des Palmes Acadèmique during ceremonies May 12 and March 5, respectively.
The Ordre des Palmes Acadèmique, established under Napoleon in 1808, is awarded to people in France, foreign nationals and French citizens living abroad who actively contribute to the promotion of French culture worldwide, as well as education and research.
"I am deeply honored to receive the Ordre des Palmes Académiques, a testament to the enduring value of collaborative innovation," says Moreno, associate professor in the School of Interactive Arts and Technology.
Originally from France, Moreno is the CEO and scientific director of Circle Innovation Solutions and the driving force behind FAST for BC (Future AI SME Transformation) - a groundbreaking provincial consortium uniting over 80 partners to unlock the economic potential of artificial intelligence. FAST connects small and medium-sized enterprises with cutting-edge research, AI technologies, and top-tier expertise to accelerate responsible adoption and innovation across British Columbia.
A specialist in computational neuroscience, Moreno has long applied artificial intelligence to explore the brain's capacity for plasticity. His research has led to sustained collaborations with leading partners in France, advancing our understanding of how AI can help decode and enhance human cognitive function.
"This award is a reflection of our collective pursuit at Simon Fraser University and with the FAST program to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and real-world applications," he says. "Our commitment to fostering innovation ecosystems has not only advanced the field of AI but has also underscored the critical convergence of technology and brain health."
Over the course of his academic career, Moreno has built numerous collaborations with French research teams, notably at Aix-Marseille University and Université Clermont-Ferrand, including co-supervised PhD projects.
He is also actively engaged with the French diplomatic and academic network in Canada - contributing to events such as the launch of the In2novation platform in Vancouver in 2019 - and continues to nurture strong ties with France and its health research ecosystem.
"His nomination to the Ordre des Palmes Académiques would not only honor the distinguished academic career of a compatriot trained in France and holding a key position in Canadian academia but also serve as an encouragement to deepen collaboration between French and Canadian researchers in the vital field of health," says Nicolas Baudouin, Consul General of France in Vancouver. "He exemplifies the spirit of the Palmes Académiques excellence in education, science, and service to knowledge across borders."
Smith, professor at the School of Communication and former director of the Centre for Digital Media, was honoured for building bridges between France and Western Canada's technology and digital media sectors.
"I am deeply honoured and genuinely grateful to receive this award," says Smith. "Throughout my career, my connections with France have been among the most enriching and impactful, yielding some of my most rewarding professional experiences. France's enduring commitment to academic excellence and its steadfast support for scholarly work stand as a model for the global community - especially in an era when such values are increasingly under pressure."
He helped several French delegations attend Vancouver's SIGGRAPH tradeshow over the years and organized several symposiums focused on Franco-Canadian creative industries and digital media, bringing French teachers, artist and researchers to B.C.
"Richard's commitment and dynamism have strengthened ties between French and Western Canadian players in the digital and creative industries. Under his impetus, the CDM has welcomed many French teachers, artists and researchers over the years," says Baudouin. "His involvement with students at SFU for almost 30 years, is also remarkable, at a time when digital technology and artificial intelligence are constantly being debated. It is a great pleasure to acknowledge all of his achievements and his crucial role in bringing Canada and France closer together with this distinction."
"We are fortunate to have talented and visionary faculty members at SFU who are making a difference in B.C., Canada and beyond," says Dilson Rassier, provost and vice-president academic. "Congratulations to Sylvain and Richard on their many accomplishments as they continue to conduct ground-breaking research in service of a more inclusive and sustainable future for all."
