Hugo Gaible, 2024-2026 pre-doctoral scholarship beneficiary

The ENS Paris-Saclay’s pre-doctoral scholarship is a launching pad for non-civil-servant students who wish to explore the world of research before starting a PhD program. This program, sponsored by partners of the School such as the CEA-DAM, supports students throughout their scientific career. Read Hugo Gaible’s testimonial, a beneficiary of this program who chose to take on the challenge of a PhD program.

Published on 28 May 2025

His Academic Career

Hugo Gaible went through a preparatory class for nationwide competitive exams in mathematics and physics in Strasbourg. At the time, he was still hesitant about his future studies: “I was not sure what I wanted to do, but the Écoles normales supérieures’ unique approach to studies was appealing. They focus on research, which separates them from engineering schools. I chose the ENS Paris-Saclay because of the different areas of studies I could pursue there (mathematics, physics and computer science). At this school, I had the opportunity to further my knowledge in my interests, especially in applied mathematics and artificial intelligence.”

In his first year at the School, Hugo discovered the world of research thanks to an internship focused on automatic machine learning, chaperoned by Laurent Oudre, director of the MVA master’s program. This first contact with artificial intelligence motivated his desire to keep studying this subject. “I was deeply fascinated by the different ways in which AI can be used. During my first year of my Jacques Hadamard Master’s Program in Mathematics, I was able to create my own custom program, which included preparatory courses for an Agrégation in mathematics, and units specialised in AI. I am currently in my second year of this program, where I am preparing for the Agréagation, but next year I will be pursuing a master’s program in AI at the ENS Paris-Saclay.

Why Apply for a Pre-Doctoral Scholarship?

Because he planned to prepare for the Agrégation, Hugo was not sure he was fit for the pre-doctoral scholarship program. Thanks to his discussions with the vice-president in research, and the representatives of the partner sponsors, he was able to make an educated decision. His CEA-DAM mentor encouraged him to believe in his ambitions, as he was certain that his academic career will allow him to develop innovative algorithms while adding to the necessary theoretical basis needed to succeed in the Agrégation exams and staying connected to the world of research.

This scholarship program offers a perfect balance between autonomy and support. I was interested in the idea of staying connected to the world of research while being mentored by an expert. It allows me to make progress on my terms, while exploring new avenues of scientific research.

Impact of the Scholarship

For this non-civil-servant student, the pre-doctoral scholarship had an huge effect on several fronts:

Financial autonomy: “I used to depend on my parents and the CROUS scholarship, which meant I was on a very strict budget. Today, I can meet my needs alone, which allows me to focus on my studies and my research.”
Academic support: “The mentorship program helped me further my knowledge in applied mathematics, and to better understand the ties between AI and other fields, such as hyperbolic geometry and spectral analysis.”
Preparations for a PhD: “This year is a crucial step in perfecting my thesis subject. It will allow me to explore different subjects in depth, to read articles and prepare myself for a career in research.”

Preparing for Research

In tandem with his studies for the Agrégation and his second year of master’s, Hugo keeps in touch with his Mentors at the CEA-DAM: “My goal for my PhD is to build robust theoretical tools to develop new algorithmic bases.” He especially likes the freedom granted by this program, which gives him time to choose a thesis subject without any pressure.

A Message for Future Candidates and Program Partners

For students interested in a career in research, this program is an incredible opportunity:

For candidates: “This program will not only give you financial support, but also the necessary academic support to succeed. If research is your passion, don’t hesitate!”
For partners: “Your support allows for students to study in better conditions, to be trained in skills directly tied to your strategic needs, and to contribute to innovative projects, while preparing the next generation of scientists.”