Women in Science: Bursary Beneficiaries Fighting for Equality

Proving science is for everyone

Despite being essential to understand and change the world, science is still perceived as a complicated field reserved for boys. Beneficiaries of a “Women in Science” scholarship from the ENS Paris Saclay, Elsa Berland, Salma Bairat, Colombe Maurice, Fanny Grimaud and Maëlle Olivier, proved this wrong by sharing their academic career with middle school students.

• Why is research so crucial?
• How does science help provide answers for current issues?
• What studies lead to a scientific career?

Such questions and more were tackled, broadening the students’ horizons, be they girls or boys, and helping them trust in their potential.

When representation changes perspectives

The “Draw a scientist” workshop shed light on deeply rooted stereotypes. Most students drew an older man with glasses, wearing a white lab coat and holding chemistry or biology equipment. This sparked a discussion on diversity in science and the different ways of accessing a career in science. Science is not limited to laboratories, it encompasses human and social sciences, and can be applied to a variety of fields such as medicine, economy, cybersecurity or architecture.

Students then took a quiz on women in science, focusing on several topics: famous women in the history of science, acknowledging their discoveries, the Matilda effect—that is, the minimization of their contributions—and gender parity in scientific fields. This quiz furthered the students’ knowledge beyond Marie Curie, and to raise their awareness of persisting inequalities in the field of fundamental science. It was also an opportunity to remind them that many important discoveries made by women were only recognized much later.

In a context where women are still underrepresented in scientific fields, such workshops are essential. They allowed the students to discuss freely about their representations and the stereotypes they believed in, as well as the organizers to better understand how those same stereotypes survived.

I really liked this first experience working with middle schoolers. It allowed me to understand the stereotypes some still did or did not believe in about science and women in this field. It was also very engaging to always try and choose the right word when talking to students who never thought much about stereotypes they heard, to try and make them think differently, reconsider their preconceived ideas and question their beliefs. Fanny Grimaud, 2024-2025 “Women in Science” scholarship beneficiary

A message for future generations

These events mark a turning point in the way we tackle the topic of gender inequality in science. They show that girls, just like boys, can aspire to become scientists, and take part in building their future. The teachers' warm welcome also had a positive impact on these interventions.

The teachers welcomed us with open arms; regardless of their subject of expertise, they were acutely aware of how important the question of women in science is, and knew how the students would listen to them. Colombe Maurice, 2024-2025 “Women in Science” scholarship beneficiary

The message is clear: no dream is out of reach. Through this initiative, “Women in Science” scholarship beneficiaries remind us all that diversity is a strength and that equality in science begins with inspiring future generations. This action is part of our Success Program “Objectif SciENS”, which aims to support and encourage young students aspiring to scientific careers. One encounter can be enough to spark a calling.

This program is made possible thanks to our donors’ generosity.
You too can support this program by making a donation.