Being both a woman in science and a woman with a disability is no easy task in a highly competitive environment still largely dominated by men. With this simple observation in mind, Marie-Noëlle Célérier decided to work towards greater inclusion.
For 3 years now, in partnership with the "Femmes et sciences" association, she has been awarding a prize - named in homage to her son who died too soon - and endowing it with 10,000 euros.
This prize has already helped 4 young women to bring their scientific or technical projects to fruition. "It’s a little helping hand and recognition of the way they proudly build themselves up to the ambitions they’ve set themselves ", comments Marie-Noëlle Célérier simply.
Since 2021, 4 young women have distinguished themselves in the eyes of the jury she chairs.
4 hinged profiles
- Salomé Nashed, who is visually impaired, won the prize in 2021, which enabled her to purchase adapted equipment. She is now a post-doctoral student in biology and bioinformatics.
- Camille Ollier is profoundly deaf and assisted by a sign language interpreter. She is currently in the 4th year of a PhD in "Environmental, Population and Ecological Biology" at the University of La Rochelle. And she is preparing for a scientific trip to Australia.
- Hajer Srihi suffers from a degenerative neuromuscular disease which confines her to a wheelchair; she carries out her daily activities with the help of a third party. She has just successfully defended her thesis on "Stabilization strategies in a seated position for people living with a spinal cord injury", at the University of Valenciennes.
- Emilia Turc, a polytechnician and currently a doctoral student at APHP Hôpital Lariboisière, is the young prizewinner for 2023; her prize will enable her to motorize her wheelchair, make adaptations to her home, purchase non-reimbursed equipment and make it easier for her to commute to work.
They all deserve immense credit. They have braved many obstacles, while remaining attentive and helpful to others. They have much to pass on to their younger sisters...
Precisely, Marie-Noëlle Célérier announces here, as a preview, the opening date for applications for the 4th session: April 30, 2024.
