Claude Debru is an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy of Science at the École normale supérieure, Paris, and a distinguished member of the French Academy of Sciences. Born in 1944, he began his career as a CNRS researcher in 1972, earning his PhD from the University Paris I in 1974 and his Doctor of Letters from Jean-Moulin University Lyon in 1982. Over the years, he has held prominent academic roles, including positions at Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and various European universities.

Debru has made significant contributions to the history and philosophy of science and medicine. He co-founded and served as the first Secretary of the European Association for the History of Medicine and Health, and has been instrumental in organizing numerous European research conferences. He has held leadership roles in several academic societies, including serving as President of the French National Committee for the History and Philosophy of Science (2006-2012) and the European Academy of Science (2014-2016). In 2009, he was awarded the prestigious Blaise Pascal Medal from the European Academy of Sciences, recognizing his exceptional contributions to scientific research and thought.

Claude Debru is an Honorary Member of the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc), having served as its President from April 2015 to March 2017. During his tenure, he was instrumental in advancing the academy's mission to promote excellence in scientific research and foster collaboration across Europe. His leadership was particularly noted for its emphasis on interdisciplinary cooperation and its commitment to supporting young researchers. He was also honored with the EurASc Honor for Distinguished Leadership, recognizing his significant contributions to the scientific community. Even after his retirement in 2013, he continues to make valuable contributions to academia. In addition to these achievements, he has been honored with the Binoux and Grammaticakis-Neuman Prizes from the French Academy of Sciences.