The ENS Paris-Saclay Celebrates Women and Girls in Science

Two Half-Days of Exploring Science and Challenging Stereotypes

This initiative aimed at sparking scientific curiosity among young students and celebrating the diversity of academic careers and the place of women in science. Immersive workshops in 6 disciplines were designed specifically for this young public.

 

• Biology - For this workshop. water samples were collected in different ponds on the plateau. Chaperoned by students, the participants placed drops from the samples on laboratory slides in order to observe them through a microscope or a binocular magnifier, so as to identify and recognize different microorganisms.
• Physics - The students discovered the works of Dorothy Hodgkin, Maria Goeppert Mayer and Jocelyn Bell. In small groups, they learned about how the radio telescope co-developed by Jocelyn Bell picked up on radio-electrical waves emitted by celestial objects. After the workshop, the teacher asked the students if they wanted to conduct the experiment with a yoghurt pot and a piece of string to learn more about sound waves.
• Chemistry - Chemistry department students led interactive workshops linking scientific research and everyday activities on the themes of “Science at the dinner table” and “Discovering inks”. By exploring how our relationship with food evolved over time, the students discovered chemical reactions between familiar ingredients, such as oil and water in a vinaigrette, or how bread transforms during baking. These fun experiments were a great opportunity to better understand the role science plays in our everyday life.
• Engineering - Chaperoned by engineering students, the school children took part in the construction of an ecological village. Chief issues in the design of this village was the creation of a boat by studying principles of propulsions and navigation. Using a deflating balloon to simulate an engine and a straw in lieu of a rudder, the children discovered how energy can be harnessed for transportation.
• Mathematics - To learn how to challenge stereotypes, the school children were immersed in the world of contemporary research through the story of different women in mathematics. Our students also conducted a workshop on artificial intelligence, where they presented its uses, its impacts and how it can induce sexist and racist biases.
• Design - The students discovered the world of research in design through an interactive presentation. A creative workshop allowed them to explore the ties between science and design, as well as the importance of imagination in sharing knowledge.

A Moment of Discussion, Discovery and Awareness

This event of scientific immersion was both inviting and inspiring, fostering discussion and curiosity. The students were able to freely express how they pictured research, sometimes with a bit of humor. One of them made everyone laugh as he declared that researchers are “women and men who do things no one understands!”, a testament to the cheerful atmosphere in the workshops.

Open and safe discussions allowed the students to challenge gender stereotypes in science. Many realized there was no reason for men to be perceived as more capable than women, and questioned the reasons why some women in research were unable to publish their work.

The enthusiasm of our students was a crucial part of this day. Salma Bairat, beneficiary of the Women in Science scholarship, was thrilled to share her passion with younger students. Discoveries, discussions and fun experiments all made this event embody the ENS Paris-Saclay’s commitment to sharing knowledge with a wider public, fostering diversity and inspiring future scientists.

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