Women and Girls in Science Femmes et filles de science : meet LAPP’s scientists!
11 February is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In 2024, around this day, the LAPP’s women scientists are taking part in various events to meet the public and, maybe, inspire new vocations!
Public events
Saturday 10 February 2024 – Ma Petite Conférence Sciences : C’est quoi la gravité ? (What is gravity?) - In French only – Théâtre des collines / Renoir
In this fun and interactive event for children and their parents, Iro Koletsou, a university lecturer and researcher at LAPP and USMB, presents a “Petite conférence” (Small Conference) in French to answer all the questions we have about gravity.
Organised by the Théâtre des collines in Annecy, the “Mes petites conférences” events aim to develop critical thinking and curiosity through the discovery of the arts, music and philosophy.
The event is free and must be booked in advance with the Théâtre des collines.
Wednesday 14 February - Visits and Conference (in French only): Exploring quantum gravity with gamma-ray astronomy - LAPP
What if the speed of light were not constant?
General relativity and quantum mechanics are two of the founding pillars of physics today. Yet these two great theories describing the infinitely large and the infinitely small refuse to agree. In an attempt to bring them together, various models have been proposed, known as quantum gravity models. Some predict that photons, or grains of light, may have different speeds. We are going to see how this variation, which would be infinitesimal, can be probed using gamma-ray astronomy.
A conference given by Cyann Plard, a doctoral student at LAPP.
The conference (in French) will take place on Wednesday 14 February 2024 from 6pm to 7pm at LAPP in Annecy. Prior to the conference, from 5pm onwards, interested visitors will be able to visit the EUTOPIA Discovery Space for a privileged exchange with the scientists, as well as a photo exhibition on the daily life of scientists in Ukraine.
Scientists visit local schools
During the week of 5 to 9 February 2024, female engineers and researchers from the LAPP visited schools in the Annecy area to share their experiences and passions, and encourage young girls and boys to take an interest in the world of science.
For the eighth year running, CERN, the UNIGE Faculty of Science, EPFL and LAPP are once again joining forces to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Today, women are still under-represented in scientific disciplines. Only 33% of researchers are women. These interventions by female role models are therefore extremely important to show that women have their rightful place in the world of science, and to encourage young girls to take up these careers.