About Us

Scientific approach 

DCS examines the role of law in contemporary societal transformations.

Law is understood as a social phenomenon: it is simultaneously a product of its context (societal values, conflicts) and a source of societal transformation. 
DCS seeks to bridge an internal perspective (legal research) with an external perspective (research on law). Today, legal phenomena unfold across multiple spatial scales, ranging from the local to the global. Accordingly, DCS conducts studies focusing on the territorial level as well as the European and international spheres.

Our team examines law through three approaches to legal analysis :

1. Examining rules of law and their structure
2. Evaluating overall legal coherence through an intra-disciplinary lens—or a "dialogue between legal fields"—to pinpoint shared dynamics, emerging cross-cutting themes, and appropriate analytical frameworks.
3. Examining the foundations of law and its societal impact through an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on connected fields such as sociology, history, philosophy, and political science.

DCS in Key Figures

Scientific Approach
Composition of the Unit
Governance Within the Unit
Workplace Well-Being
Organizational Chart

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Composition of the Unit 

The Law and Social Change brings together more than 160 members : CNRS researchers (National Center for Scientific Research), University professors, Doctoral candidates and an administrative and research support team.

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Governance Within The Unit 

Governing Authorities and Evaluation

DCS is under the authority of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and the CNRS.
As a joint-research unit, DCS is subjected to the evaluation of the High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres) . 

DCS Daily Management

The unit has its own Rules of procedure (currently being officially validated by governing authorities) which defines its organisation and its functioning procedures. 
DCS’ director, Franck Héas (Nantes Université), is assisted by his deputy director, Sonia Desmoulin (CNRS).

Led by the Administrative and Financial Manager, Anne-Claire Covain, the administrative team handles the laboratory’s administrative and financial management and provides logistical support. The team consists of three administrators: Milly Gobin—who serves as the point person for doctoral students and the documentation center; Yannick Le Gressus—who serves as the point person for faculty researchers and research contracts and is responsible for information systems security; and Cindy Martin—who serves as the point person for events.

Two CNRS engineers, Katia Barragan and Stéphanie Morandeau, provide scientific and technical support for research through various assignments, including supporting the dissemination of research results and the scientific preparation of proposals for opportunities offered by national (ANR), European, and international research programs.

Governing Board

The governing board, comprised of 4 members, assists the direction for the operational direction and daily management.

• Lauren Blatière: referent person for PhD students;
• Luc Bodiguel: referent person for CNRS relations and sustainable development representative;
• Pascal Caillaud: referent person for communication;
• Élisabeth Lambert: referent person for international matters and CNRS’ Europe and International representative.

Unit Decision Board

The unit decision board is the main advisory body of DCS. Comprised of 18 members, representing the different colleges which make up the unit, the decision board meet as required by the unit director. They take decisions on matters subjected by the director, notably on:

• the Unit’s scientific direction;
• the Unit’s structure and operations, in terms of human and financial resources;
• relations with the Unit’s primary and secondary governing authorities and external partners;
• and any other matters pertaining to the Unit (international relations, communication, etc.).

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Workplace Well-Being  

DCS places a high priority on the well-being of its members in their work environment. To this effect, the administrative team — particularly Anne-Claire Covain, administrative and financial manager and correspondent on quality of life at work — regularly organizes social events to bring together researchers, administrators, engineers, and doctoral students for a warm and friendly get-together.

In addition, the unit is committed to providing individual support to its members: Anne-Claire Covain is a workplace first responder (WFR) and a mental health first responder (MHFR); Milly Gobin is also an MHFR; while Katia Barragan (WFR)(CNRS) and Agathe Van Lang (Nantes Université) serve as Equality Liaison, providing a listening ear and support in cases of distress.
 

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Organizational chart