Ugo Arbieu
Project Leader
Doctor of natural sciences

Ugo Arbieu holds a PhD in natural sciences and is a postdoctoral researcher in the BioM team of the ESE Lab at the Paris-Saclay University. He specializes in socio-ecological systems and the human dimensions of biodiversity conservation. This expertise is put to good use in the management of human-nature relations, and in raising awareness of the current biodiversity crisis among a wide range of audiences. He acts as Research Lead for the Sport Ecology Group, a community of international academics studying the relationship between sport and nature, and seeking to raise public awareness of this issue. 

He holds the “Sport & Biodiversity” Research Chair supported by the Foundation of Paris-Saclay University, which aims to identify transformative levers for biodiversity action in professional sports organizations on a national and global scale.

Franck Courchamp is a CNRS Research Director and head of the BioM team in the ESE Lab at the Paris-Saclay University. His work is recognized for its originality and innovative character, and he has been a pioneer in a number of research fields in ecology, including biological invasions, the Allee effect and culturomics. He is Professor at the Collège de France, and holds the "Biodiversity and Écosystems" Chair.

He is an expert for international bodies such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Global Biodiversity Outlook, the IPCC and IPBES. He is a member of the "Groupe d'Experts à la Transition Ecologique des Hauts Fonctionnaires Français" for the French government. He authored three books and over 220 international publications, and is one of the world's most highly cited scientists in his field (Highly Cited 2020-2023). He has an unparalleled expertise in science communication (books, comics, documentaries, film), always keen to create original and diverse media to raise awareness of climate and biodiversity issues.

His scientific career has been marked by numerous awards: in 2011, he received the CNRS Silver Medal and was appointed to the European Academy of Sciences in 2014. In 2021, he was named Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite, and received the Grand Prix de la Société Française d'Écologie et Évolution in 2023, and the "Prix de Vulgarisation Scientifique de l'Académie des Sciences" in 2024.

Franck Courchamp
Project Leader
CNRS Research Director

Anne-Laure Devès El Boubakri
Communications officer

With a background in ecology, Anne-Laure Devès El Boubarki is in charge of communications for the BioM team at Paris-Saclay University. She is an expert in industrial project management and has developed expertise at the interface between scientific research and practical applications. Passionate about biodiversity conservation and innovation, she contributes to the strategy, coordination and communication of The Wild League project. Her role is to facilitate connections between academia, industry and non-governmental orgnaizations. Her expertise is put to good use in developing bridges between these worlds, making complex scientific issues understandable and applicable.

Paris-Saclay University, located south of Paris, is a center of excellence in research and teaching, ranked 12th in the Shanghai 2024 ranking and the leading non-Anglo-Saxon university. Bringing together 13% of France's research potential, it comprises five faculties, three university technology institutes, five "grandes écoles" and two associate universities. With over 48,000 students and 9,000 teaching and research staff, it plays a central role in innovation and sustainable development. Thanks to its varied areas of expertise, ranging from fundamental to applied sciences, Paris-Saclay University is a key player in scientific and technological advances. Located at the heart of a major innovation hub, it is actively committed to meeting the major societal, environmental and industrial challenges of our time.

Paris-Saclay University

CNRS

The "Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique" is one of the world's largest research organizations, with over 30,000 researchers, engineers and technicians. Founded in 1939, it conducts fundamental and applied research in a wide range of fields. CNRS collaborates with universities, companies and international institutions to stimulate innovation and technology transfer. It is present in nearly 1,000 laboratories across France, contributing to the country's scientific influence. By supporting research, innovation and training, CNRS plays a key role in resolving major societal and environmental challenges.

The Foundation supports the Paris-Saclay University in its ambition to become a world-class institution, combining academic excellence and societal commitment. Through sponsorship and philanthropic fundraising, it supports innovative projects in education, research and scientific mediation. The Foundation is putting its expertise at the service of The Wild League by developing its search for funding and helping to establish strategic partnerships. By working closely with this project on biodiversity conservation, the Foundation plays a key role in mobilizing resources and creating synergies between academia, business and the private sector.

The Paris-Saclay University Foundation

Score DDB

Score DDB is a communications agency dedicated to helping brands grow using its creativity and technology. Score DDB is particularly committed to the environmental cause, and has chosen to support The Wild League project with its communications strategy.