Professor Nathalie LEMARCHAND was one of the 2025 "Femmes en tête" (literally, “Women in the Lead” / “Women’s Portraits”) honorees by the French College of Learned Societies in recognition of her leadership in science and academia. The award recognizes her positive actions throughout her career for more inclusive academic and scientific institutions. In 2024, she became the President of the International Geographical Union (IGU), and was elected a member of the Nominations and Elections Committee of the International Science Council. A full professor at the University of Paris 8 since 2009, she is in charge there of the Academic Freedom Commission.

After obtaining her doctorate in 1992 from the U. of Rouen, she began her academic career at the U. of Valenciennes (1993–2009). A specialist in the geography of commerce and consumption, her work is based on the cultural and social dimension of trade; she focuses in particular on the new territories of production and distribution. N. Lemarchand has taken part in numerous national and international conferences, collaborations and publications. As a consultant, she is a regular contributor to public affairs programs, and speaks to public and private decision-makers.