Doctorate degree in biology and sports medicine from the University of Gyjon, 1981; professor at Cochin Hospital in Paris; was selected as double during the missions of Soyuz TM-17 and Soyuz TM-29; from 61 European candidates for the ESA 1991 selection one of six French candidates, but not selected then; joined the European Astronaut Corps on 1 November 1999; in a second marriage married to French Astronaut Jean-Pierre Haigneré (former name: André-Deshays); hobbies: modern art (painting, sculpture), reading, sports (gymnastics, golf); Minister for Research and New Technologies (June 7, 2002 - March 30, 2004); Minister for European Affairs (April 1, 2004 - May 31, 2005).