June 20, 2006

M. Alain Kagan

Président

Les Amis du Centre France-Stanford

Dear M. Kagan,

On behalf of the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University, I am writing to congratulate you on the establishment of “Les Amis du Centre France-Stanford”. We both appreciate and highly value the association and your vital role in the promotion and support of the France-Stanford Center and the ongoing collaboration between the University and the French Government.

Stanford University has always been a pioneer in higher education, a quality born from Leland and Jane Stanford, the founders of this great institution. As the world grows ever more complex and globalization means that increasingly we face issues of environment, human health, and global security together, multi-disciplinary engagement and international collaboration in the development of new research has become a critical component in seeking solutions and training the next generation of leaders to address these pressing issues. This is the role of a university, to be a leader in the search for knowledge and solutions, and, in so doing, to prepare our students for the challenges ahead.

The partnership between Stanford and France is a fine example of international collaboration in that, through conferences, research funding opportunities, exchange programs and internship opportunities, the France-Stanford Center brings together researchers and students from France and the United States in open dialogue and exploration of fundamental issues facing these two great societies.

In December 2006, Jean-Pierre Dupuy, who teaches at both Stanford and at Ecole Polytechnique, will host a conference on “Nanotechnology and Ethics” in Avignon. “Les Amis” has played a vital role in securing funding for this conference, as well as for previous programming in the United States.  We are grateful for your continued support and, through your ongoing commitment to the success of the France-Stanford Center, I am confident that we will continue to provide unique, outstanding opportunities for partnership and the exchange of ideas.

Thank you again, and I look forward to our continued work together.

With sincere regards,

Stuart Canning

Associate Dean of External Relations

School of Humanities and Sciences