Each year, the L’Oréal Foundation, in partnership with the French Academy of Sciences and the French National Commission for UNESCO, honors outstanding young women researchers whose work contributes to tackling the scientific challenges of the future. For the 19th edition, 34 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers were recognized among nearly 700 applicants. Among them is Clémence Allietta, PhD candidate at ENAC within the TELECOM laboratory’s Electromagnetics & Antennas (EMA) team. Her innovative research focuses on extreme atmospheric events through the analysis of satellite data — a topic central to global environmental and climatic issues.
A research field at the heart of global challenges
Clémence’s work explores the dynamics of smoke plumes generated by megafires, studying their internal physical and atmospheric conditions. One of the major challenges lies in anticipating extreme phenomena — such as the sudden formation of thunderstorms within these plumes, capable of intensifying fire propagation, as observed during a large wildfire in Portugal in 2017. In the long term, her research could extend to other intense meteorological phenomena (cyclones, convective towers, etc.), helping to improve forecasting and resilience in the face of extreme events.
Academic path and recognition
Originally from Charenton-le-Pont (France), Clémence graduated from ENAC in 2023 as an aerospace telecommunications engineer before beginning her PhD within the EMA team. Her thesis project, SPARROW (SPArse Radio Occultation using Wavelets), focuses on the use of radio-occultation measurements combined with advanced mathematical tools (including wavelets) to extract detailed atmospheric information. This award provides Clémence with a €15,000 research grant, as well as leadership and communication training to support her career development and scientific outreach. She will also join the international network of over 4,700 women scientists from 140 countries, fostering collaboration and exchange across disciplines and borders.
Beyond the award: a message of inspiration
Science thrives on openness, diversity, and inclusion — values exemplified by this award. By highlighting paths such as Clémence’s, ENAC reaffirms its commitment to promoting innovation, research excellence, and equal opportunity in the scientific community. This distinction stands as a reminder that talent can emerge anywhere, and that women are key contributors to the progress of science. Congratulations to Clémence for this remarkable achievement, and for proudly representing ENAC on the international research stage.
Learn more about the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program
