Olivier Hamant, patron of Ucoopia

Ucoopia is pleased to announce that Olivier Hamant has joined Blandine Sankara as a patron of the organization. A renowned researcher and committed thinker on contemporary social change, he brings to the NGO a unique and valuable perspective on the environmental and societal challenges that affect us all.

Reliability vs. Performance

A biologist by training, research director at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRAE) in Lyon, and director of the Michel Serres Institute, Olivier Hamant has made a name for himself through his work on plant development, as well as for the much broader scope of his thinking. Drawing on the functioning of living organisms, he has developed an original approach that invites us to rethink our organizational models. Rather than pursuing performance at all costs, he proposes seeking robustness: the ability to withstand shocks, adapt to the unexpected, and endure in a changing and uncertain world.

This way of thinking resonates deeply with the challenges Ucoopia tackles on a daily basis. On the ground, the NGO works to strengthen local systems that are more self-reliant, more inclusive, and more sustainable. The goal is not merely to improve the status quo, but to contribute to profound transformations capable of supporting communities as they face ecological, economic, and social crises.

Breaking down barriers between fields of knowledge

Beyond his research, Olivier Hamant also plays an important role in knowledge sharing. As an author and speaker, he is committed to building bridges between disciplines and making sometimes complex concepts accessible. This commitment to dialogue and breaking down barriers aligns perfectly with Ucoopia’s approach, which values the intersection of academic knowledge and practical, on-the-ground expertise.

His partnership with Ucoopia thus opens up new possibilities. More than just symbolic support, this sponsorship offers an opportunity to foster reflection, challenge existing practices, and work together to explore innovative ways to build societies that are better equipped to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.