Come and discover the stories of these 26 women who are shaping science in the Hauts-de-France region from 2 November to 9 December at the library of the Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale on the Calais campus!

In France, only 30 per cent of researchers and 27 per cent of engineers are women. And the disparities are even more pronounced in disciplines such as physics, computer science and mathematics. Why do these gender stereotypes persist? Isn’t it finally time to give our young girls accessible, inspiring and diverse role models?

This is precisely the aim of the exhibition ‘La science taille XX Elles’, organised by the Hauts-de-France branch of the CNRS, in partnership with the Femmes & Sciences association and Université de Lille. Through 26 portraits of female scientists from the region, the exhibition shines a spotlight on these researchers, engineers, technicians, PhD students, lecturer-researchers and administrative staff. Their career paths and professions are captured through the quirky and intimate lens of Vincent Moncorgé.

At the Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale (ULCO), this initiative fully reflects our commitment to promoting women’s roles. At ULCO, women account for 58 per cent of staff in mathematics, 63 per cent in life and earth sciences, 40 per cent in physics and 48 per cent of PhD students in the sciences.

And we are particularly honoured to include Lounes Anissa, a lecturer and researcher in biochemistry at ULCO, amongst the portraits on display.

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to the Hauts-de-France delegation of the CNRS, the Femmes & Science association and the University of Lille for this vital work in raising awareness and promoting women in science. Together, let’s break down prejudices, highlight the role of women in science and encourage younger generations to pursue these careers, which are as exciting as they are promising!

Whether you’re young or old, a science enthusiast or simply curious: come and discover the career journeys of these 26 women who are shaping science in Hauts-de-France from 2 November to 9 December at the library of the Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale on the Calais campus. It’s free and open to everyone.