Event recap: Women, Science, and Imagination: How Can Literature Inspire Scientific Vocations?

On April 2, IHES had the pleasure of welcoming nearly 130 participants, including around forty students from Rosa Parks High School in Montgeron, for a public roundtable discussion. The event was followed by a cocktail reception, a book sale organized by Librairie Liragif, and a signing session.

Initiated by Claire Lenz, the Institute’s Secretary General, and moderated by Sylvain Allemand, the evening took the form of a roundtable featuring Élise Colin, Roland Lehoucq, and Sylvie Poulain. Together, they explored a central question: how can literature inspire scientific vocations, particularly among young women?

The discussion unfolded in three parts:
• An exploration of the works Confluence and Échos d’en haut, aimed at understanding their authors’ intentions: to fuel the imagination, inspire, and open up new possibilities. The discussion also examined the role of female characters in science fiction, in relation to the evolution of the genre and events such as Utopiales, with a brief look at cinema as well.
• A sharing of the speakers’ personal experiences with literary and cinematic works that, conversely, helped shape and inspire their own career paths.
• Finally, a reflection on the richness of hybrid careers: being a scientist or engineer while also nurturing an artistic sensibility.

The discussion was brought to a close with concluding remarks by Sylvie Retailleau.

This evening served as a reminder of just how powerful imagination can be in sparking vocations and broadening horizons, especially among young people.

Many thanks to all the speakers for the diversity of their perspectives and the quality of the discussion, and to the audience for their presence and engagement!