First Research Conference Held by and for ÉTS Students

The Facts

As knowledge sharing is a pillar of conscious, thoughtful and relevant innovation, we, the authors, encourage you to register for the ÉTS annual student research conference (Congrès annuel des étudiants chercheurs de l’ÉTS), which will be held on November 22, 2017 in Montreal in the Salle des Pas perdus (room A-1600), École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), in Montréal.Le constat

The idea for the conference came in May 2017, within the Graduate Committee (CAÉCÉTS) of which we are members. To set up a project of this scale, our first motivation came from this fact: with its 28 laboratories and 24 research chairs, ÉTS is a major player in research and innovation in the Québec engineering sector.

Although they are the driving force behind this performance within their research groups, graduate students have very little interaction with each other. Yet, despite such diverse research areas, many of the themes and tools used are intertwined within the research groups. Students would benefit from taking a fresh look at their projects. In addition to the scientific gain, support and mutual help are key success factors in our intellectually rigorous courses. Hence the need for an event organized primarily by and for students, and offering an overall picture of innovation at work within ÉTS, in all branches of research.

This conference aims to:

• bring together graduate students from different research groups;
• promote the excellence and diversity of research conducted at ÉTS;
• enhance knowledge development and sharing;
• offer graduate students tools to help them develop and perform in both academic and industrial settings.

Proposed Activities

• 180-second flash presentations from students (similar to the concept Ma Thèse en 180 secondes – my thesis in 180 seconds, organized by ACFAS) will allow them to appreciate the scope of ongoing research projects related to current topics in innovation.
• The AGORA is a reserved space designed to encourage discussion. In the afternoon, the AGORA will host research groups, businesses, and services offered by ÉTS to graduate students. For two hours, they will be able to visit the various kiosks, following the activities offered by each laboratory.
• A panel will provide the opportunity for guests and students to discuss the future of academic and industrial research. Researchers and industrials, as well as ÉTS graduates, will present and explain their respective backgrounds and vision.
• The World Café is another activity where professors, experts and students will discuss research related to the following five themes:

1. Communication
2. Ethics
3. Transfer to industry
4. Community impact
5. Work-life balance

Small group brainstorming sessions will generate discussions on research at ÉTS and identify ways to encourage and promote it.

And What About the Undergraduates?

Through this conference, we would also like to interest undergraduates in research and encourage them to enrol in a graduate program by demystifying our daily lives with them.

The day-to-day life of a graduate student is not always easy. We have doubts, we are constantly challenging ourselves, we hesitate and we do not always know who to turn to for help. Often, some of us may feel very isolated and lonely. But it is by coming together and pooling our strengths that we can truly understand and support each other.

And it is also by talking, and sharing our experiences that we will challenge preconceived notions and pave the way for sensitive and passionate successors.

Our Aspiration

It is our hope that this conference will become a regular annual event to promote research and innovation at ÉTS.

However, continuing this initiative will be conditional on the success of the 2017 edition. It will also depend on the recruitment of an organizing team for 2018.

If you are interested in getting involved, contact us or come to see us on the day of the event!

The 2017 Research Conference Committee is made up of the following ÉTS graduate students (from left to right): (back row) Quentin (MSc), Clémence (MSc), Ted (PhD), Manon (MSc Maxime (PhD), Aude (MSc); (front row) Shérif (PhD), Clarisse (MSc), Amiel (PhD), Sophie (MSc), Capucine (PhD), Marion (Bachelor’s), Christine (Post-Doc).