Women in Europe: Take the Plunge!

Roundtable Discussion
September 10, 2026Saint-Martin-d'Hères - University Campus
Understanding and overcoming barriers and cognitive biases. Understanding the reasons, identifying the specific barriers and cognitive biases that prevent female researchers from taking advantage of opportunities for research project funding offered by Europe, and proposing solutions to overcome them.
A better understanding of the physical elements and underlying cognitive mechanisms could open up new possibilities for scientists.

This event, consisting of two discussion sessions, is intended to serve as a forum for reflection and exchange among various stakeholders: scientists, specialists, the European Research Council, administrative support staff, as well as testimonials from four recipients and/or applicants of European projects.

Event co-organized by the CNRS Alpes Delegation, OSUG, and GIPSA-Lab, in collaboration with its Equality Committee and with the support of Parité Science, the Alpes region chapter of the Femmes & Sciences association.

Program

Welcome & Introduction (5 min)
Part A: Understanding and Overcoming Barriers and Cognitive Biases | Roundtable Discussion, 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Perception and Underlying Cognitive Mechanisms > Cristina Aelenei, Assistant Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Rouen Normandy
  • Findings and Initiatives of Parité Science, Alps Region, of the Femmes & Sciences Association > Céline Ternon, Associate Professor at Grenoble INP-PHELMA, UGA—Parité Science Representative
  • ERC Findings and Actions > Eleni Chatzichristou, Policy Analyst, Co-Secretary of the Gender and Diversity Working Group - European Research Council Executive Agency
  • Research and Initiatives at the CNRS > Elisabeth Kohler, Director of the Mission for the Advancement of Women (MPDF), CNRS
Part B: Women Researchers Speak | Roundtable Discussion, 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Marie-Aude Méasson, Research Director at the Néel Institute—2019 ERC Consolidator Grant recipient
  • Hélène Angot, research fellow at the Institute of Environmental Geosciences (IGE) — ERC Starting Grant applicant for 2026
  • Sandrine Mathy, Research Director at the Grenoble Laboratory of Applied Economics (GAEL)—recipient of a Horizon Europe Pillar II collaborative project grant
  • Francesca Calore, research director at the Annecy Laboratory of Theoretical Physics (LAPTH)—recipient of grants for collaborative projects and MSCA grants
Q&A with the audience
Conclusion – 5 min
Published on July 23, 2026
Updated on August 27, 2026