Elsa Berland, 2024-2015 Women in Science Scholarship Beneficiary

Raised in La Rochelle, Elsa Berland started to pursue scientific studies back in high school, where she specialised in environmental science and chemistry. At the time, however, she was still not sure what exactly she wanted to study. She was fascinated by biology, yet had no calling for medicine, and she still ignored what it meant to be a researcher. Elsa started to find her calling during her undergraduate studies at Paris-Saclay University, where she pursued a double-major in chemistry and life sciences.

In her third year, Elsa was accepted into the ENS Paris-Saclay through the application program. Nowadays, she is completing the second year of her biology degree at the ENS Paris-Saclay. She describes her academic career as evolutionary rather than predetermined: it slowly and progressively led her to a specialisation in medicine.

Science, a Daring yet Obvious Choice

Back in high school, her choice to specialise in science was partly influenced by her teachers and the school environment. Yet what truly motivates her is a profound curiosity for the world’s inner workings. Though she was interested in social and language sciences, Elsa elected to commit herself to life sciences, choosing to explore this field through the lens of fundamental research.

Those around her were initially surprised by her choice of chemistry and biology, as those disciplines are mainly associated with medical or veterinary careers. This reaction is indicative of how unknown other professional outcomes were, especially those in fundamental research.

Commitment to Inclusivity in Science

Her interest in the role of gender in science naturally motivated her to apply for the “Women in Science” scholarship. Elsa wants to fight systemic inequality and foster better representation for women in scientific fields. Making these issues known to young people is an essential part of making science accessible to all.

Transmission and raising awareness are thus critical to deconstruct stereotypes and encourage future generations to believe in their abilities. Elsa is very passionate about this issue, and educates herself a lot to better understand and share knowledge about it. She stresses how women joining the field of research shed light onto long-neglected issues, such as the exclusion of data on women’s health in the use or creation of medicine.

Impact of the Scholarship and Support from the Sponsor

Beyond mere financial support, the “Women in Science” scholarship grants her a precious freedom of action: she can choose her internships, which studies to pursue, her material needs are met, and she has access to an incredible solidarity network. This opportunity allows her to have ambitious projects, to explore new paths and to share her ideas to a large community.

Thanks to the ENGIE Foundation, I was able to push beyond my limits and to believe in my projects. This sponsorship is not just a financial support: it is a launching pad, a source of encouragement to dare to try, to prove that every scientific career deserves recognition.”

A Message to Young Girls: Dare and Persevere

Her advice for young girls still hesitating to pursue scientific studies? “Don’t doubt your abilities, there is space for everyone. Science is vast, there is no perfect path, and each interest, however small and specific, deserves to be explored. The toughest barriers are the ones we set up for ourselves: dare to brave them, open the door, you may find beautiful surprises beyond.”