Each conference is presided over by a Chairman, a top researcher in his field, who is given the task to organize the scientific programme. He is aided by a Vice-Chairman who can qualify to be the Chairman for a future conference if its renewal is approved by the Scientific Committee and the Institutes. The Chairman or the Vice-Chairman should belong to a French laboratory, the other to a European laboratory outside France.

The chairman has the overall responsibility for the scientific organization, selecting the invited speakers and other participants, financial aspects, balancing the budget, as well as assuring promotion and success of the Conference. Aided by the Vice-Chairman, the Chairman is in charge of the scientific programme and of the budget of the Conference which is financed for the most part by the CNRS. The Chairman also applies for financial support from other organisms. He receives the help of the Secretary of the Jacques Monod Conferences for these tasks as well as the material considerations for the Conference.

After the Conference, the Chairman will write a brief report for the Scientific Committee of the Jacques Monod Conferences summarizing the principal scientific advances presented during the Conference as well as their discussions. If possible, it should indicate the original scientific development that will interest the Intitutes.