Julien Maitre, PhD STAPS, Research Engineer at the MEPS Laboratory at UPPA – CIFRE Thesis Testimonial

What led you to choose to pursue a PhD within a Cifre scheme?

I wanted my research work to have a concrete impact in the field, as close as possible to the people concerned. The Cifre scheme offered the ideal opportunity to combine scientific rigour with social usefulness.

By joining the Departmental Sports Office, I was able to anchor my research on ageing, physical activity and postural control within a territorial public health approach.

This collaboration enabled me to directly connect my academic research with the prevention and awareness-raising initiatives carried out by the ODS, for the well-being of older adults.

What was your main mission within the organisation?

My mission was to study the effects of ageing on postural control and to identify how physical activity could help preserve balance capacity in older individuals.

The experiments were conducted at the Vic-en-Bigorre Hospital Centre, within the geriatric unit, in collaboration with several senior associations and educational institutions in the city of Tarbes.

This partnership-based approach made it possible to link the fundamental research carried out at the MEPS laboratory of the University of Pau and the Adour Region with the daily realities of field stakeholders.

What concrete benefits do you draw from this experience today?

This experience allowed me to acquire dual expertise, both scientific and operational. I learned to lead a demanding research project while collaborating with institutional, hospital and community partners.

The Cifre scheme also taught me how to translate scientific results into concrete prevention and awareness actions, which today strengthens my ability to design cross-disciplinary projects serving health and active ageing.

How would you describe your Cifre PhD experience in 3 or 4 words?

Stimulating, formative and human.

If you had to do it again, would you choose a Cifre PhD?

Yes, without hesitation. The Cifre PhD offered me a balance I believe is rare between academic research and field experience.

It allowed me to understand how science can be integrated into public action, and how local actors can contribute to academic research.

This Cifre thesis gave full meaning to my career path.

Any final words?

I have very positive memories of this collaboration between the MEPS laboratory of the University of Pau and the Adour Region, the Departmental Sports Office and the local partners.

The human and scientific richness of this collective work profoundly shaped my approach to research, in service of people, their autonomy and their health.

I highly recommend the Cifre programme to any PhD candidate wishing to combine research, action and social impact.

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