On February 11, in partnership with the L’Oréal Foundation, Lesaffre welcomed around thirty high school girls to its Campus. This initiative is part of the “For Girls in Science” program, which aims to encourage and support young girls in their scientific ambitions.
During the visit, participants had the opportunity to discover the company and its various professions. They were then able to take part in a round-table discussion with scientists, bioinformaticians or even research managers. A special moment that enabled them to project themselves into the future, meet inspiring role models and measure the extent of the possibilities offered in scientific fields.
Encouraging scientific vocations among young girls
Alicia Mayeuf-Louchart, Ph.D. Researcher and Project Manager in Neuroscience and Cognition at Inserm, and regional sponsor of the program, highlights the importance of these in-company immersions in encouraging scientific vocations among high school girls.
“Companies like Lesaffre are little-known places for these young girls. Opening the door to them today means enabling them to discover the diversity of careers that exist, and to better understand the range of opportunities open to them.”
Her own background is testimony to the impact such immersions can have.
” Since high school, I’ve been very interested in science, and I’ve been lucky to meet PhD researchers. That’s what encouraged me to pursue this path. This type of program is important, as it enables us to discover little-known professions and better understand the issues involved. ”
Winner of the L’Oréal-UNESCO Foundation’s For Women in Science award in 2018, Alicia Mayeuf-Louchart has chosen to make a personal commitment to accompany and support these young girls in their orientation towards scientific careers. Drawing on her own experience, she has a message of encouragement for them:
“Go for it, don’t be held back from investing yourself in what you like. It doesn’t matter whether they’re considered rather feminine or rather masculine professions, just go for it and listen to your heart if that’s what it’s telling you.”
At Lesaffre, innovation and scientific careers are at the heart of our activity
At Lesaffre, more than 700 experts in Research, Development and Innovation drive our research forward, including 220 scientists and technicians who combine their scientific expertise in the service of RD&I. On the Lesaffre Campus, they benefit from various research platforms equipped with the latest technologies, notably in bioinformatics, bioengineering, fermentation and DSP (Dowstream Processing).
It is at the heart of this team that Lesaffre explores the infinite potential of microorganisms and fermentation to serve human, plant and animal needs, while preserving the planet.
This is why we are convinced that these awareness-raising and immersion initiatives are essential to encourage the scientific professions and strengthen the presence of women in them.
*UNESCO Science Report: towards 2030 (2021)