François Pirson is a PhD student at UMONS. In 2023 he received an 800-euro prize for his Masters’ theses. Now he talks about his field of research and why the “paradigm shift” has become his guiding principle.
Since my early adolescence, I have been characterized by a profound ecological sensitivity and a resolute commitment to environmental causes. However, this sensitivity didn’t find any professional outlet until my master’s dissertation at the University of Mons (UMONS), Faculty of Engineering. It was during this juncture that I encountered the topic of ‘Integrating Social and Ecological Issues into Engineering Education’. The impetus for this subject stemmed from the efforts of the Management and Technological Innovation Service, particularly under the guidance of my supervisor, prof. Sébastien Bette.
Through my dissertation, I uncovered the earnest endeavors of the scientific community in addressing ecological and social inquiries, even though their integration into engineering curricula remained inconspicuous. This revelation led me to explore critical domains, such as complex systems, epistemology, and technological criticism, among an extensive array of interdisciplinary variations. My determination was further fortified by the recognition of being awarded the HERA Master Thesis Award in Sustainable Engineering and the UMONS Sustainable Development Council Award, which solidified my resolve to embark on a Ph.D. journey.
Consequently, the Ph.D. presented itself as an avenue not only to delve deeper into the offerings of science but also to apply theoretical constructs in practical scenarios. This application appeared somewhat lacking despite the global demand for engineers trained in ecological and social dimensions. Moreover, it was during this phase that I encountered the notion of a ‘paradigm shift’, which has now become my guiding principle, encapsulating the essence of various domains. My decision to focus on paradigm shifts is rooted in the persistent calls from the scientific community, coupled with the theoretical pertinence of this concept in addressing the complexities of social and ecological challenges.
By framing this thesis as an ‘action research’ endeavor, concurrently aligning with institutional reflections on systemic transformations within the faculty, I positioned myself as an explorer bridging literature with the demands of practical and theoretical requisites outlined by authorities. I have also discovered a robust community of researchers who have devoted years to research, discourse, and innovative contributions to this field. What struck me most was the inventiveness, autonomy, and relevance evident in their analyses of the world—qualities I am eager to contribute to.
In summary, I believe that perseverance, coupled with an openness to revelations, could drive many research undertakings. Furthermore, contrary to conventional belief, the scientific community is markedly engaged with ‘real-world’ dynamics, underscored by initiatives, such as action research, indicating a shift from insularity. This very essence of interdisciplinarity is encapsulated in my thesis. Consequently, I would counsel aspiring Ph.D. candidates to venture into uncharted territories, carve distinctive pathways, cultivate curiosity, and draw inspiration from diverse fields.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
François Pirson is a PhD Student at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Mons (Management and Technological Innovation Service). In 2022, he participated in the Alliance Games (volleyball tournament) organized by EUNICE at the Poznań University of Technology.
