March Adventures for INSA Lyon Doctoral Researchers

March was a month full of exploration, learning, and connection for the doctoral researchers at INSA Lyon. Between a snowy escape to the Alps and a seminar in the peaceful Vercors countryside, we had the chance to recharge, reflect, and strengthen our community. Here's a look back at two unforgettable experiences!

 

Part 1: Snowy Escape in Valfréjus

From March 14^th to 16^th, the MISSION-CCS group of INSA Lyon took a well-deserved break in the French Alps, heading to Valfréjus for a weekend of snow, mountain air, and alpine food. We stayed at Gîte de Tavernes, a cozy mountain lodge complete with a sauna and a hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day out in the cold.

We were lucky (or unlucky, depending on your point of view!) to get almost half a meter of fresh snow during our stay. Some of us hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding, while others enjoyed peaceful hikes through the snowy landscape.

Descriptions of image : Valfréjus

In the evenings, we shared warm, hearty meals together. The first night, we had classic polenta with melted cheese, and the second night we tried matouille, a delicious dish made with Tomme de Savoie, a traditional cheese from the region.

It was the kind of weekend that reminded us how important it is to take a step back and enjoy some good company, fresh air, and lots of cheese!

 

Part 2: Science, Ethics, and Spa Time in Autrans

Just a week later, we swapped snowboards for seminars and headed to Autrans, in the heart of the Vercors mountains, for the École Doctorale Matériaux seminar on March 25^th and 26^th. We were hosted at L’Escandille, a peaceful mountain lodge surrounded by nature, an ideal spot for two days of reflection, discussion, and a bit of relaxation too.

Descriptions of image : L’Escandille

The program was rich and diverse. We kicked things off with a talk on scientific integrity, exploring the importance of ethics and responsibility in research, with eye-opening examples of scientific fraud and the challenges of maintaining trust in science in today’s world of “alternative truths.”

We then dove into the world of artificial intelligence, learning about deep learning fundamentals, current applications, and the ethical challenges that come with such powerful tools.

One of the most engaging sessions was on science communication, led by a journalist with a physics background, who shared his experience writing for a broader audience and reminded us of the power (and responsibility) of making science accessible.

A standout moment came from a group of fellow PhD and postdoc researchers who presented a critical talk titled “Greenwashing in Materials Science?”, which sparked honest discussions about how environmental claims in research are sometimes misused or misunderstood.

In between talks, we had the chance to enjoy the fresh mountain air—some went hiking, others relaxed at the spa, and a few just chilled at the lodge, enjoying the break from lab life.

And of course, no French gathering would be complete without cheese! Before heading into a lively karaoke night, we shared a delicious raclette dinner. Raclette is prepared by heating slices of raclette cheese in small individual pans under a raclette grill. Once melted and slightly browned, the cheese is poured over boiled potatoes and served with assorted charcuterie, pickles, and fresh vegetables.