SJTU·SPEIT

Drawing on her dual experience as both a researcher and administrator, Wu Jingyi noted that portraits of women scientists should capture three qualities: deep dedication to research, resilience and inclusiveness, and the responsibility to inherit and innovate. She reflected on her own growth at SJTU and highlighted the university’s “16 Measures to Support Women Researchers in Playing a Greater Role in Scientific Innovation,” which aim to provide fertile ground and institutional support for the development of women in science.

From the perspective of medical research, Zhou Huifang explained how women’s empathy and attentiveness can translate into unique perspectives in both scientific innovation and medical care, reflecting the responsibility and warmth of scientists. She noted that while science itself has no gender, male and female doctors often approach research differently. Such diversity of perspectives helps uncover problems in medicine more comprehensively and advances progress from multiple dimensions. The female perspective, she emphasized, not only inspires new technical approaches but also brings deeper concern for the quality of human life.

From the perspective of women’s studies, Sarinna analyzed the three major challenges currently faced by women researchers: the overlap between childbearing years and peak research productivity, rigid academic evaluation systems, and persistent implicit stereotypes. She suggested that universities and research institutions should address these issues through both social awareness and institutional support, helping women balance professional and family responsibilities. During the writing of the book Women of SJTU: Contributions to Science and Education, her discussions with senior women scientists at SJTU revealed a shared spirit passed down over the university’s 130-year history: dedication to serving the nation, perseverance, a commitment to truth and innovation, and a willingness to mentor the next generation. This spirit continues to inspire contemporary women scientists to scale new heights.

Drawing on her experience in China–France scientific exchange, Wu E discussed complementary approaches to supporting women researchers in the two countries. China provides structural support through policies such as extended age limits, dedicated funding programs, and childcare or domestic service subsidies. France, on the other hand, promotes cultural initiatives—such as portrait exhibitions—to challenge stereotypes and highlight the intellectual beauty of women in science. As a research team leader, she advocates building an inclusive and supportive research environment, where relaxed communication can reduce stress and stimulate creativity, enabling women scientists to unleash their innovative potential.

Focusing on exchanges and cooperation among young women scientists in China and abroad, Chen Cailian shared reflections based on her personal career journey and her experience in China–France cooperative education. Comparing the development environments for women scientists in both countries, she observed that each has different policy emphases but both have cultivated many outstanding female scientists. Looking to the future, she expressed hope that China–France cooperation in science and technology will go beyond technical collaboration toward deeper integration of values, institutions, and experience—fully harnessing women’s resilience in research and empowering young women scientists to become a core force in driving bilateral innovation.

Drawing from her own career experience, Zhou Yidi shared the voice of a young female engineer. Facing the anxiety brought by rapid technological change, she noted that growth is not limited to technical skills but also includes the development of soft skills. She encouraged younger students to speak up, continue learning, make good use of tools such as large language models to improve efficiency, and maintain independent judgment while staying grounded and true to their original aspirations.

This event was jointly organized by the SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology, the Consulate General of France in Shanghai, the French National Centre for Scientific Research, and the Femmes & Sciences association, with guidance and support from the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, the Alumni Association Office, and the Women’s Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The forum represents a vivid example of the institute’s commitment to integrating Chinese and French educational traditions and cultivating talent with strong values.

Rooted in SJTU’s 130-year academic heritage and aligned with the goal of nurturing internationally oriented engineering talent, the forum not only showcased the excellence of Chinese and French women scientists but also provided young women students with a platform to engage with leading scholars—bringing together women’s wisdom, inspiring women’s strength, and highlighting women’s responsibility.

Looking ahead, the SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology will continue to build platforms for women in science and technology to exchange and grow, carry forward the spirit of scientists, deepen China–France cooperation in science and education, and empower more women to shine on the global stage of scientific innovation—contributing a continuous source of women’s strength to the advancement of science and technology.