The “Ambition for Girls in Science” project, led by Khalida Mertès, a member of the academic working group for the promotion of science, has established a unique partnership with researchers from the University of Burgundy Europe (UBE).

The project aims to facilitate classroom interactions between middle and high school students in the Dijon region and women pursuing careers in science. Early intervention in students’ career choices and educational paths is central to this project, as it is at school that aspirations and personalities are shaped.

To symbolize this commitment, Nadine Millot, Vice-President for Research at the University of Burgundy Europe (UBE) and a member of the ICB Laboratory, has agreed to support this initiative by becoming the patron of “Ambition for Girls in Science,” whose objectives resonate strongly with her own convictions.

Other female researchers and scientists from UBE have also joined the project, all convinced of the importance of showing young girls that a fulfilling scientific career is accessible by pursuing studies in this field.

Several actions are planned for its first edition.

Researchers will be speaking directly to students in the classroom. Each speaker will present her academic and professional background, as well as her research area, emphasizing the impact of her work on society.

Among the first participants:

• Nadine Millot, University Professor and project sponsor, spoke at the Gustave Eiffel High School in Dijon on February 5th;
• Sandrine Gauffinet, University Professor, Deputy Director of Polytech Dijon and member of the ICB Laboratory at UBE and the CNRS, spoke at the Marcel Aymé Middle School in Marsannay-La-Côte on February 5th;
• Catherine Vergely, University Professor and Director of the Cerebro-Cardiovascular Physiopathology and Epidemiology Laboratory (PEC2) at UBE, spoke at the J.M. Boivin High School in Chevigny on February 5th;
• Sophy Poty, Junior Professor at the Institute of Molecular Chemistry at UBE and the CNRS, spoke at the Roland Dorgelès Middle School in Longvic on February 5th;
• Emmanuelle Vennin, University Professor at the Biogeosciences laboratory of UBE and CNRS, will speak at the Stephen Liégeard high school in Brochon on February 26.
• Garance Psalmon, a doctoral student at the Institute of Molecular Chemistry at UBE, will speak on February 27th at the La Croix des Sarrasins middle school in Auxonne;
• Lucille Ascenci, a doctoral student at the ICB Laboratory, will speak on February 24th at the Edward Herriot middle school in Chenôve;
• Diana Singh, a doctoral student at the ICB Laboratory, will speak on February 26th at the La Champagne middle school in Brochon;
• Sandrine Gaufinet and Lucille Ascenci will speak on March 9th at the Isle de Saône middle school in Pontailler-sur-Saône.

To date, other female researchers, doctoral students and educational institutions have expressed the desire to mobilize for Ambition Filles Scientifiques.

Tutoring and immersion

The project also includes a student mentoring program: students from Polytech Dijon will visit students at Le Chapitre middle school in Chenôve on February 26th to present their academic path and invite them to tour the campus. Following this, approximately twenty middle school girls, selected internally, will be welcomed for a day of immersion at Polytech Dijon.
The program includes exploring research laboratories, conducting scientific experiments supervised by students, and visiting the library and university restaurant to experience student life firsthand.

A symbolic calendar

Most of the planned activities will take place in February to echo the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated every February 11 since 2015^[1]. This year marks the first celebration of this day in the Dijon academy.

Outlook

The Girls in Science Ambition project plans to:

• Enlist other women scientists in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region working in various organizations, in order to reach as many schools as possible;
• Strengthen and offer more mentoring opportunities for female students;
• Make February and the International Day of Women and Girls in Science an annual event, to encourage a generation with more girls in science.

^[1]Journée Internationale des Femmes et des Filles de Science | UNESCO