IMT Mines Alès has just renamed its campus in honor of Claudie Haigneré, an emblematic figure of science and space. The first French and European woman in space, Claudie Haigneré embodies audacity and perseverance, values that the school wishes to pass on to future generations.
The event illustrates IMT Mines Alès' commitment to gender equality and the role of women in science and technology. Director Assia Tria highlights the importance of providing inspiring role models and promoting mentoring to encourage young people, particularly girls, to consider careers in fields often perceived as masculine.
She says in the preamble, “Claudie Haigneré is a true model of success and determination”. Doctor, doctor in neuroscience, former Minister, today ambassador and advisor to the director of the European Space Agency, Claudie Haigneré, astronaut, first French and European woman to have gone into space is the godmother of the “day of bold”.
Claudie Haigneré declares: “So, if I can help others to dare, to surpass themselves, that's why I come. It's an honor for me and a source of pride that my name is associated with the Clavières site I say this with a wink, because today many parents' councils want women's names for the name of their school groups, to inspire young girls to build themselves.
It is a responsibility that I gladly accept, because if it can help the evolution of our society, if it can give confidence to little girls that their talents are expected and hoped for, and if we understand that science and engineering are essential steps to build a better and sustainable world, this is important to me; I would like to be an ambassador. This is why I agreed to come to IMT Mines Alès and meet other daring women there.
The ceremony was also marked by symbolic initiatives such as the inauguration of a mural created by Pierre Bernardi, the attribution of the names of illustrious women to 17 classrooms with plaques created by Mademoiselle M. Finally, an exhibition entitled “La Galerie des Audacieuses” highlighted the portrait of 13 teacher-researchers and women of science working at IMT Mines Alès.
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