Nadège Richard, R&D Manager Aquaculture & Insects, Phileo – Testimonial from a supervisor of CIFRE doctoral students

What motivated you to host a PhD candidate as part of a CIFRE program?

We regularly choose to host PhD candidates as part of the CIFRE scheme because we believe that the link between academic research and the practical realities of the field is essential. This approach allows us to bring a deeper scientific dimension to our innovation projects by benefiting from advanced analytical tools and the scientific supervision of an academic laboratory, while at the same time training a future expert who will have addressed concrete issues within the sector during their doctoral years. It also enables us, in some cases, to explore riskier or more upstream research and development avenues alongside experts in the relevant fields.

How did the integration of the PhD candidate into your organization take place?

We are aware that the integration of CIFRE PhD candidates within our company is a key factor in ensuring the smooth progress of the doctoral project and the satisfaction of both stakeholders (ourselves and the academic laboratory).

To foster the best possible integration, we systematically invite PhD candidates several times a year to internal seminars within our R&D team. This allows them to gain insight into the company’s realities and needs, which then serve as guidance for the applied aspects of their thesis topic. Very quickly, PhD candidates feel integrated into the team, which is our primary objective.

What tangible benefits has your organization gained from this collaboration?

CIFRE PhD candidates act as bridges between fundamental research and industrial application, generating new and more in-depth knowledge about the mechanisms of action of our products. In some cases, CIFRE theses have also contributed to the development of new innovative products, which were subsequently brought to market with strong technical documentation. Regardless of the thesis topic, the work carried out is communicated almost every year by the PhD candidates at international scientific conferences and results in several scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals. In some cases, the work may also lead to patent filings.

How did the collaboration with the academic laboratory enhance your project?

This type of collaboration gives us access to cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and analytical platforms managed by experts, adding a whole new dimension to our projects. These tools allow us to explore the mechanisms of action of our products in a much more detailed way, thanks to often holistic technologies.

Moreover, as mentioned in the response to the previous question, this type of collaboration enables us to quickly showcase the results of the research project through regular communications throughout the thesis, at international conferences, as well as through scientific publications and even patent filings.

Would you recommend the CIFRE program to others? Why?

Yes, we strongly recommend the CIFRE program, as it represents a strategic tool for innovation and scientific collaboration for a company. It enables the development of applied research projects while drawing on the most advanced academic expertise. The CIFRE scheme promotes the transfer of knowledge and technologies between public research and the industrial sector and makes it possible to explore emerging themes under the supervision of experts. It also contributes to training young researchers in the realities of the industrial world and to identifying future talent.

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