Salma Bairat, 2024-2025 “Women in Science” Scholarship Beneficiary

Salma Bairat, first year non-civil servant engineering student at the ENS Paris-Saclay, managed to succeed in an overwhelmingly masculine field. Thanks to the support of the Qube Research & Technologies Charity Fund, Salma can now focus entirely on her studies while getting involved in inspiring other young girls to follow their passion for science.

Published on 6 June 2025

Can you tell us about your academic career and the choices you made during your studies?

“I studied at Gustave Eiffel high school in Bordeaux, which used to be known as a ‘scientific high school for boys’—which always made me smile, because in senior year, we were only four girls out of 38 students. After graduating, I joined a PTSI (physics, technology and engineering) preparatory class for national competitive exams, in the same school. I was interested in applied physics and computer science, so I chose the ENS Paris-Saclay to study engineering (Saphire training). Next year, I want to specialise in electrical engineering.”

Why did you choose science?

“I always felt a stronger attraction for scientific subjects than for humanities. For me, science goes beyond just acquiring knowledge: it tangibly opens up new perspectives. I like this functional and practical aspect of scientific studies, it pushes us to explore and experiment.”

Is there a moment in particular that shaped your academic career?

“I was really inspired by Raven Reyes, a character in the TV show The 100. Raven is an independent and brilliant girl, she can pilot planes, fix electronic systems, and take charge of crucial tasks. She was inspiring to me. Just this morning, I was working on an electrical welding project to improve the connectivity of an embedded system, and I felt like I was walking in her footsteps. Her example gave me strength to pursue studies in applied science, and believe that I too could succeed in this field.”

What challenges did you face as a woman in science?

“Ever since I started pursuing scientific studies, the underrepresentation of women in this field has been a constant reality. I got used to being one of the only girls in a class; thankfully, I’ve always found that I was welcome among my male peers. In preparatory class, however, being a minority sometimes meant that I didn’t dare ask questions, for fear of feeling isolated or inadequate. It’s something a lot of young girls struggle with, and I had to learn how to face this fear.”

Why did you apply for the “Women in Science” scholarship?

« Postuler à cette bourse relevait avant tout d’un besoin financier : ma mère est au chômage en ce moment, elle élève quatre enfants seule. Sans le soutien de la bourse, venir à Paris pour poursuivre mes études n’aurait certainement pas été envisageable. Cette bourse m’a permis d’être indépendante et d’avancer dans mon parcours en toute sérénité. Au-delà de l’aspect matériel, elle a également encouragé mes sœurs à croire en leurs capacités et en leurs possibilités. Enfin, j’ai toujours voulu encourager d’autres filles à s’engager dans des filières scientifiques. En participant, par exemple, aux journées portes ouvertes de mon lycée, j’ai réalisé combien il était important de représenter les filles et de montrer aux plus jeunes qu’elles sont aussi capables que leurs camarades masculins. Cette bourse m’offre la possibilité d’agir encore davantage dans ce sens. »

“I applied for this scholarship first and foremost out of financial need: my mother is currently unemployed and is raising four kids by herself. Without the support offered by the scholarship, moving to Paris for my studies would probably have been impossible. This scholarship made me financially independent and more secure in my studies. Beyond the material benefits, the fact that I received this scholarship also inspired my sisters to believe in their skills and their potential. Finally, I have always wanted to encourage more women to pursue scientific careers; and by taking part in my high school’s Open Days, I realized how important feminine representation was, and how I could show younger girls that they’re just as capable as their male peers. This scholarship allows me to do just that.”

What impact has the scholarship had on your academic career and personal growth?

“This scholarship has brought me incredible peace of mind: I can live my studies without constantly worrying about my financial situation. It also gives me the means and resources to get involved in things I care about. Namely, I would like to organize visits in schools to share my career and experience, and encourage young girls to pursue science without hesitation. Lack of information on preparatory classes and scientific studies is a common obstacle for them, and it is crucial to inform young students as early as possible, to give them a chance to make educated choices.”