Michel Claessens holds a PhD from Brussels’ University. His background is physical chemistry and science journalism. He joined the European Commission in 1994 where has been acting Head of the Communication Unit in the Research Directorate-General, spokesperson for research, editor-in-chief of the research*eu magazine and in charge of the science and technology Eurobarometers until 2010. In April 2011, Michel became Head of Communication and External Relations at the ITER Organization in Cadarache (France). He is now in charge of ITER policy and communication in European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy. In parallel, Michel also teaches science journalism and science communication at the University of Brussels. Michel’s numerous publications include scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, books on science policy and science communication, many press articles and participation in science television programmes. His latest book,‘ITER, The Giant Fusion Reactor’ has been published by Springer. A specialist of science policy, science communication and public perception of science, Michel is an active member of international scientific networks (PCST, ESOF, etc.) and a frequent speaker at international conferences (Chinese Association for Science Communication, AAAS, TEDx, etc). He is currently developing a project on science culture bringing together fifteen teams of international experts.
