Institute
Gilles Dowek, a major figure in computer science and scientific thought, dies
Date:
Changed on 10/10/2025
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Gilles Dowek on July 21, 2025.
A world-renowned researcher in theoretical computer science and mathematical logic, Gilles was also passionate about philosophy, ethics, education, and science communication. He was a dedicated scholar and an engaged citizen. This short article cannot do justice to all his talents.
A world-renowned researcher in theoretical computer science and mathematical logic, Gilles was also passionate about philosophy, ethics, education, and science communication. He was a dedicated scholar and an engaged citizen. This short article cannot do justice to all his talents.
A former student of École Polytechnique, Gilles Dowek was a Director of Research at Inria and an affiliated professor at ENS Paris-Saclay.
He made a profound impact in the field of formal methods and automated reasoning, notably contributing to the issue of interoperability between formal logic systems—an area that formed the foundation of the DEDUCTEAM project team he created in 2017 at the Inria Saclay research center.
From 2010 to 2013, he served as Deputy Scientific Director at Inria and played a key role in launching the institute’s MOOC offerings.
A gifted science communicator, he authored several popular science books and numerous articles, particularly in the magazine Pour la science. He was also a member of the scientific council of the Fondation La main à la pâte for ten years.
His deep interest in education led him to participate in expert groups within the French Ministry of National Education that played a crucial role in shaping computer science education in France—in particular for high school computer science curricula, including the Numérique et Sciences Informatiques (NSI) specialization.
As both a scientist and an engaged citizen, he contributed to numerous bodies focused on the ethical and societal implications of digital technologies: the Commission for Reflection on the Ethics of Research in Digital Science and Technology (CERNA), the National Pilot Committee for Digital Ethics (CNPEN), and the French Digital Council (CNNum). He also played a prominent role in the Société Informatique de France (SIF), serving as its president and as a member of its scientific council.
The diversity of awards Gilles Dowek received throughout his career reflects his extraordinary breadth. To name just a few: the Lycéens' d’Alembert Prize, the History of Science and Epistemology Medal from the French Academy of Sciences, the Grand Philosophy Prize from the Académie Française, and the Inria – French Academy of Sciences Grand Prize, honoring his outstanding scientific achievements.
Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, and all those he inspired.