Colombe Maurice: 2024-2025 Women in Science Scholarship Beneficiary

Academic career and choices

"After graduating high school with a specialty in science, I was accepted into a preparatory class for nationwide competitive exams in physics and chemistry. I was then accepted at the ENS Paris-Saclay for my third year of my bachelor’s degree; I am now in the first year of the ENS’s master’s program in the same field. My scientific aspirations date back to my childhood, namely because of my astrophysicist father, who shared his passion for the universe with me. Ever since, I have known that I wanted to work in space, with a particular interest in astrochemistry. Physics interested me, but chemistry became the obvious choice after I joined the ENS Paris-Saclay. Next year, I want to go abroad for a year of pre-doctoral research to broaden my horizons, because in my field, internships are often opportunities to specialize.” 

Challenges for a woman in science

“Starting with my senior year in high school, when I had to apply to universities on Parcoursup, I felt some biases. Despite being one of the best students in my class, several teachers encouraged me to pursue studies in biology or medicine instead of preparatory classes in fundamental sciences. I quickly noticed that boys were encouraged to pursue studies in engineering, without ever seeing their ambitions questioned. That was a crucial moment for me: why should girls be forced into more traditional roles?
Thankfully, my father was an amazing support. He knew of the challenges I was facing, and he helped me stick to my first choices, and apply to parisian preparatory classes whereas my teachers pushed me towards smaller ones. Many classmates of mine were influenced by the opinion of teachers, and gave up on their ambitions. In the end, by persevering, I was able to make choices for myself, and I am proud of that.”

Professional and personal goals with the Women in Science scholarship

“I grew up with three sisters, and was raised with the idea that girls are just as capable as boys. That said, I’ve often noticed that was not the case for every girl around me; they faced gender-specific challenges when pursuing a career in science. As a woman in science, I decided to apply for this scholarship to become a model for young girls. My motto is simple: why me? and why not me? This scholarship is an opportunity to prove that prejudice has no place here, and it gave me the financial and psychological means to defend my convictions.
“Financially, this scholarship allows me to focus on my studies. Most of all, it gives me guidance and a purpose: it makes me feel legitimate in fighting for my convictions, to raise awareness and encourage other women.”

School sponsors, instruments of change

" The School and its partner companies have a crucial role to play in the promotion of gender parity in science and the transformation of society. For the School, it means training future professors and raising awareness of these issues among existing ones. By focusing on gender equality, the School can boost the self-confidence and ambition of young girls thinking of pursuing scientific careers.

I am just as certain that companies have a major role to play in this social transformation, because their participation has a strong influence on society. They contribute to the normalization of women’s place in science by supporting concrete initiatives, and encouraging diversity and inclusion in scientific fields. That is why I am deeply grateful for my sponsor, the QRT endowment fund, for their precious support.”

Advice for future students

“To girls hesitating to pursue science, I would say: don’t be afraid of trying! Regrets over not trying are much worse than regrets over a possible failure. In science, abilities are independent of gender, and it is important to believe in your own potential.” 

 

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