Being a researcher is an exciting endeavour, but also one often misunderstood by the public. That is why the Fonds National de Recherche of Luxembourg (FNR) launched the “Chercheurs à l’école” programme in 2011. The purpose is to present this profession, and inspire the next young generation of researchers.
The 2021 edition of the programme is planned to take place from 15 to 19 March, in a digital format and if possible, also physically in the classrooms. During these five days, researchers from Luxembourg’s public and private institutions and companies have the opportunity to meet students from all over the country. The researchers present their academic journey, motivation, personal life and the career path that led them to research. These sessions allow students to discover and ask questions about being a scientist, about researchers’ professional journeys, and about research in Luxembourg.
The “Chercheurs à l’école” programme has been a huge success. Each year, more and more high schools are welcoming researchers, showing a growing interest with each new edition. The initiative is also well-liked by researchers, who get a chance to inspire budding scientists. Last month, we reached out to Prof. Raphaël Frank to ask him about his experience – you can find that feature here.
This week, we hear from Jose Luis Sanchez Lopez, another SnT researcher who participated in the programme.
Jose Luis Sanchez Lopez, Research Scientist in Automation & Robotics
Why did you decide to participate to Chercheurs à l’école?
“I believe that it is an important task for researchers to present our activities to the public and make them aware of their importance. At the end of the day, we receive the funding that supports our work from governments and public research agencies, so it just makes sense that citizens understand this investment, and how it will secure a better future for them and their children.”
How many times did you participate?
“I have participated every year since 2018, making it my fourth time.”
Nowadays, the job of a researcher is not well understood by the public. So, how do you think this programme allows people to discover more about research? Why do you think it is important to build this understanding?
“It was very common for people to think of researchers as geeks working on secret and incomprehensible projects. I believe the Covid-19 pandemic gave the population a better understanding of research and why it is essential for society. Programmes like “Chercheurs a l’école” also contribute very positively to build, from a young age, an understanding of what a researcher does.”
How would you describe this experience?
“It is highly motivating to feel how you make a group of teens aware of what being a researcher means. I hope to meet one of these kids in the future again, grown up into a successful researcher!”
Are you going to participate in the 2021 edition?
“Sure! I registered the first day after they launched the call!”
Note: this is part two of a series of interviews with SnT researchers who took part in FNR’s “Chercheurs à l’école” programme. You can , featuring an interview with Prof. Raphaël Frankfind part one here.