On the initiative of the ENSTA Bretagne Endowment Fund, the aim of the “Engineering & diversity” evening event was to talk about how diversity has developed in the science and technology professions to better address the challenges of space and the ocean. In the company of special guest Laura André-Boyer, engineer and astronaut instructor, six managing directors and HRDs from the industry, higher education and research spheres discussed their observations and initiatives together. This inspiring opportunity to share experiences will unlock ideas for identifying, developing and implementing new measures right across the school, for which these issues are already key considerations.
© Julien Ogor, Studio Lambé / ENSTA Bretagne
Conference : "The importance of diversity for taking up the challenge of space"
As the only woman training instructor of astronauts at ESA, Laura André-Boyet is in charge of selecting, training and assessing astronauts, from all over the world, travelling to the International Space Station, particularly to prepare them for critical situations, dangers and emergencies. As such, at the European Astronaut Center, she trains some twenty astronauts every year, of various nationalities, including Thomas Pesquet (French), Akihiko Hoshide (Japanese) and Robert Shane Kimbrough (American). A crucial role which gives her insight into the essential qualities (trust, commitment and stress management for example) that astronauts must demonstrate to successfully accomplish their missions at this space station 400 km away from Earth, orbiting at a speed of 28,000 km/h.
This roundtable discussion delved into the importance of diversity in teams and the relationship with innovation… while busting certain stereotypes to do with “vocations” for example and answering questions from the audience.
©Julien Ogor, Studio Lambé / ENSTA Bretagne
Roundtable discussion : "From space to the oceans, day-to-day business for the engirnnering professions, why and how to promote diversity" ?
During the second part of the evening, Laura André-Boyet was joined by industry executives, public HRDs and decision-makers in higher education and research for a time of discussion:
• Carole Ferrand, Deputy Director for Mobility and Recruitment, DGA/HRD
• Marianne Douard, Vice-President for Human Resources, Thales Defence Mission Systems
• Nathalie Metzler, Deputy Director, IPEV (Institut polaire français Paul-Emile Victor)
• François Houllier, CEO, Ifremer
• Bruno Gruselle, Director, ENSTA Bretagne
Together, they shared their visions and strategies for changing things for the better.
La journée "ingénierie & mixité" est une initiative du fonds de dotation ENSTA Bretagne. Présidé par Mme Gaël Le Saout, il vise à réunir des fonds pour soutenir des actions à impact en faveur du développement durable et de la responsabilité sociétale. Ses actions portent notamment sur l’amélioration de l’expérience étudiante ou encore sur le financement de bourses d’excellence pour l’ouverture et l’inclusion.
