PARIS, 22 April 2025 – Sciences Po and Lazard announce a strategic partnership to support the development of the Chair in Sovereign Debt and Finance for an initial period of three years. Drawing on its expertise and experience in advising governments, Lazard is committed alongside Sciences Po to reinforce and strengthen the role of the Chair as an international hub for research, dialogue, and learning on sovereign financing challenges and international financial architecture.
The Chair will be affiliated with the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA, Sciences Po) and the Department of Economics of Sciences Po. It will be directed by Paola Subacchi, an internationally renowned economist and professor of political economy at the University of Bologna.
Lazard's support will enable the Chair to advance research, provide teaching and organise events addressing complex and strategic topics such as debt sustainability, improving debt transparency, and managing sovereign debt crises. In addition to Lazard, Sciences Po will expand the group of sponsors for the Chair by including partners with complementary expertise.
Luis Vassy, President of Sciences Po: “This Chair, supported by Lazard, is the leading academic reference in Europe for issues relating to sovereign debt. Lazard's support reflects confidence in both our research and educational programs, as well as our shared commitment to shed light on an area of critical importance for the future of global economies. I am convinced that this partnership will enhance our ability to train tomorrow’s leaders and produce cutting-edge research to develop innovative solutions and public policies to meet global financial challenges.”
Jean-Louis Girodolle, CEO of Lazard in France and Co-Head of European Investment Banking: “We are proud to collaborate with Sciences Po and to support the Chair in Sovereign Debt and Finance. This partnership will leverage our premier expertise in sovereign advisory, under the leadership of Pierre Cailleteau and Thomas Lambert, and our century-long experience assisting governments in managing their debt and public finances. It demonstrates Lazard’s commitment to fostering research and dialogue on public policy issues that are key to the future of international finance and to the governments and institutions we support.”