The partnership, formalized on September 15, is part of the Michelin Foundation's "Future Careers" call for projects. The objective is to deconstruct stereotypes that hinder young girls in their scientific aspirations. As highlighted by Jeanne-Marie Mas, deputy director of La Rotonde, "In France, girls represent only 28% of engineering students. Yet, they lack neither curiosity nor capacity for science. But perceptions are built very early on. They limit what girls imagine is possible."
The Explora-trices project aims to create spaces where girls of all ages can freely experiment with science, thereby boosting their self-confidence. Jacques Fayolle, director of Mines Saint-Étienne, stated that this commitment "illustrates a shared conviction: science is a lever for societal transformation, and it is an integral part of our mission to bring knowledge and transmit it to the general public."
Over three years, from 2026 to 2029, La Rotonde plans to implement 30 actions. These initiatives will include meetings, practical workshops, and a specific school program, aiming to reach over 1500 people. The Explora-trices project will feature mother-daughter workshops, interventions by women scientists in middle and high schools, and a school program titled "SchooLab Sciences en Tous Genres".
This school program will follow four classes each year from the Loire and Bouches-du-Rhône departments. Training in inclusive mediation will also be offered to women engaged in science. Forrest Patterson, Director of Citizen Engagement at the Michelin Foundation, praised the relevance of these actions, stating: "with the support of Mines Saint-Étienne, you have a truly unique system: from scientific discovery to support and training."
