On behalf of the university, Vice President Liu Weidong extended festive greetings and a warm welcome to all guests. He noted that over the past 130 years, women researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have advanced in step with the nation’s development. Generation after generation of women scholars have left an indelible mark on the history of science through their wisdom and perseverance. This exhibition, he emphasized, represents a vivid example of the exchange and mutual learning of Chinese and French scientific spirit. It is hoped that the exhibition will inspire more young students to pursue scientific research and further deepen China–France cooperation in technological innovation and cultural exchange.

In his speech, Consul General Joan Valadou highly praised the important role played by Shanghai Jiao Tong University in promoting educational and scientific cooperation between China and France. He stressed that women are an essential driving force for technological innovation and expressed hope that the exhibition would serve as an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral collaboration in areas such as the cultivation of women researchers and joint research on frontier technologies, thereby elevating cultural and scientific exchanges between the two countries to a new level.

Zied Moumni introduced the background and content of the exhibition in detail. Initiated by the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the Femmes & Sciences association, the exhibition features portraits of 40 Chinese and French women scientists captured by independent French photographer Vincent Moncorgé. The portraits span a wide range of disciplines, including mathematics, physics, biomedicine, aerospace engineering, and climatology, vividly portraying the wisdom and elegance of women engaged in scientific exploration. He noted that SPEIT, as a model of China–France cooperation in engineering education and research, has long been committed to promoting cross-cultural talent cultivation and scientific collaboration. This exhibition is not only a tribute to women scientists but also a vivid reflection of the vitality of China–France scientific cooperation.

Following the speeches, Joan Valadou and Liu Weidong jointly unveiled the exhibition, marking the official opening of the event.

Afterward, the thematic forum “Paths of Science: Growth, Commitment, and Horizons of Women in Technology” was successfully held. Six distinguished women scientists—Wu Jingyi, Zhou Huifang, Sarinna, Wu E, Chen Cailian, and Zhou Yidi—shared their insights on topics including scientific exploration, career development, and international collaboration. The discussion sparked enthusiastic responses from the audience, with frequent applause throughout the session.

At the end of the event, all guests moved to the exhibition hall on the first floor of the institute to visit the display and experience the charm of science and the power of women through the portraits.