[AWARD] Young Researcher Prize: four winning projects for the 2024 edition

The Young Researcher Prize

The Young Researcher Prize, currently led by the Métropole de Lyon and created by the City of Lyon, aims to promote excellence in basic and applied research in the Université de Lyon’s laboratories and to highlight the work of its young doctors. This year, more than 40 young researchers applied for the Young Researcher Prize.

This year, the young researchers worked on the topics of “Health and Life Sciences”, “Exact Sciences”, and “Humanities and Social Sciences”. A ‘Jury’s Favorite” prize was also awarded on the topic of “Societal Issues and Challenges”.
 

Meet the 2024 winners

• Health and Life Sciences Prize: Marine MONDINO, 35 years old
  Currently a postdoctoral fellow at the CRNL (Centre de recherche en neurosciences de Lyon), her research lies at the crossroads of neuroscience and psychiatry. Her work covers the cognitive processes that enable us to distinguish between imagination and reality.
  As such, she is particularly interested in the brain circuits that can malfunction and lead to auditory hallucinations, common in patients with schizophrenia.
  A recognized member of the national and international non-invasive brain stimulation community, Marine is also committed to presenting her research to the general public, through her participation in the Brain Awareness Week, cinema debates and her role as scientific advisor to high school students working on school projects.
   
• Exact Sciences Prize: William de Rezende Locatel, 31 years old
  After defending his doctoral thesis at the Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and gaining experience in Denmark, William came back to Lyon to worIFPEN. He works on converting biomass to produce bio-oils with integrated catalytic treatment to improve quality. He promotes the assets and knowledge of his research laboratory - IRCELYON - at the European and international level through his publications, participation in symposiums and scientific outreach articles. His research is in line with the goals of reducing the energy consumption of industrial processes.
   
• Human and Social Sciences Prize: Anne-Céline Callens, 35 years old
  Currently a senior lecturer in art sciences at Université Jean Monnet, Anne-Céline’s research focuses on visual studies, and more specifically, on the creation of advertising during the interwar period (publishing, graphic design and photography), the photographic avant-garde, commissioned photography and photographic archives. She is particularly interested in making use of untapped heritage funds. In addition to her work in scientific mediation, Anne-Céline is also involved in exhibition projects on photographic representations of work and industry.

A Jury’s Favorite Prize was also awarded to Sarah Souheil Gebai, 32 years old.
When completing her doctoral thesis in mechanics at ENPC and her post-doc at ENTPE, Sarah studied the possibility of controlling patient forearm and palm tremors using tuned vibration absorbers. Neurological disorders can lead to involuntary tremors of the hands, feet or head in patients, particularly the elderly, with the associated risks of falls or when performing everyday tasks. Furthermore, Sarah is currently involved in starting up a business with SATT Pulsalys.

Especially at present, higher education and research institutions are confronted with the issue of the attractiveness of research careers, particularly PhDs. Promoting the commitment and achievements of young researchers is a way of both showcasing exceptional work and inspiring younger generations. This Young Researcher Prize reflects this message: research is an exciting career with a promising future.

Nathalie Dompnier, President of the Université de Lyon