As part of a project called “Women in science“, Federal National Association of Scientific University Students (Avenues) regulates her First Conference “Women in Science” which will be held on February 18, 19 and 20 at the Cité des Sciences in Paris. About the program, conferences and meetings…
This event aims to Spotlight on women In scientific careers and courses, to dismantle gender prejudices and stereotypes but also to highlight the diversity of scientific professions and professions.
IRSN, the project partner, will be present at the event with a platform to share the experiences of its collaborators. On this occasion, we present you with a series of selfies.
Claire Peter
Claire has been responsible for Hydrogeology, Flood Hazards and Geotechnical Assessment at IRSN since 2016. Her rich career in a scientific field that interests more and more women illustrates a paradigm shift in certain fields of science. Claire tells us about this transitional period in which we must nonetheless remain attentive to representation issues.
Can you tell us your background in a few words?
I took a preparatory class at Grandes Ecoles before attending the National School of Geology in Nancy. She left with a degree in engineering and a master’s degree in environmental science and technology. In my first job, I spent 4 years at Antea Group, an environmental engineering and consulting firm. In 2016 she reached IRSN. As part of the safety profiles expertise for nuclear facilities, I assess risks at the origin of flood risk or extreme low water level, geotechnical and meteorological hazards as well as the impact of groundwater facilities.
Tell us about a moment when you were particularly proud?
As part of an engineering project on flood risk and groundwater vulnerability, in the European Capital Territory of Strasbourg, we were awarded the Team Prize. I also remember that when I left my old company, I received a lot of positive comments from my colleagues about my work, which made me feel very proud.
What do you think are the ideas received that mean there are fewer women in scientific professions?
In high school, I remember having several friends who didn’t pursue a career in science because they were stuck in math. I’ve always wondered why this apprehension. Then, I think we feel it less compared to previous generations, but when you’re a young engineer, cliches come up in the way we perceive clients. We don’t always feel like we’re being taken seriously. For my part, I come from a family whose parents were scholars. My grandmother herself was a researcher in the 60’s and 70’s, so it’s also a matter of representation.
Much progress has been made but there is still the problem of representation. I recently saw a children’s book where only minor jobs were represented by women. This problem exists in companies at a high level, but I remain optimistic because I see that things are changing and more and more women are finding their place in the world of work and scientific careers!
Look for other pictures!
Hyatt, risk management assessor specializing in structural mechanics and civil engineering at IRSN
