Return on the event "Parity in Scientific Research

This event was an opportunity to present inspiring careers of women scientists and research projects conducted by mixed teams, in order to inspire female students/engineers to embark on a scientific career.

The tone was set with Mirentxu Dubar, Deputy Director of INSA Hauts-de-France and University Professor at LAMIH, during the opening speech "Ladies, don't hesitate, dare scientific careers."

The afternoon begins with a speech by Anne-Virginie Salsac, CNRS Research Director at the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Laboratory (UMR 7338) at the University of Technology of Compiègne. Anne-Virginie Salsac first presented her rich experience and distinctions, including the CNRS Bronze Medal and two Golden Woman trophies (Innovation Woman Trophy and the Public Trophy). She also shared with us her passion for fluid biomechanics. Regarding parity, we can say that it is assured, since her team "Fluid Structures Biological Interactions" is composed of 6 women out of 17 members.

Kathia Oliveira, Philippe Pudlo and the project team "ParkinsonCom" composed of 4 women and 4 men of the LAMIH, presented their research result:  a communication aid software for people with Parkinson's disease. For Véronique Delcroix, teacher researcher in computer science: "A mixed team is a great wealth because we do not have the same view"

After a short break, Véronique Andries, came to present her equally exciting journey, how from a PhD in organic chemistry, she became Ecodesign, Fire Safety, CCNs Director At Alstom. She talked about her collaboration with the LAMIH, especially in the BREAQ project. She asked the 225 students present how many wanted to do a PhD (about 10%) and among the women how many wanted to work in the scientific and technical professions (about 60%). According to Véronique Andries, who works in a very masculine world, "working for parity means being more efficient, men and women are complementary and the company needs this mix."

Finally, the afternoon ended with a presentation led in a mixed duo with Emilie Simoneau Thesis Director and Antony Marchis PhD student at LAMIH to present their backgrounds and the research they are conducting together on shoes for children. Both sports enthusiasts discovered the research environment by visiting a research laboratory or by participating in a test campaign. For Antony Marchis: "creating new things, innovating, that motivated me."

Thank you to each speaker for sharing their experiences and we hope to have sparked vocations in the younger generation!