On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), the UPWEARS project launched the “Women in UPWEARS” campaign. Deployed over several weeks, this editorial series combined videos and articles to highlight the women contributing to the project, with the objective of showcasing their expertise, roles and perspectives within the development of smart and sustainable textiles.
The campaign brought forward a diversity of profiles across the textile value chain, reflecting the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of UPWEARS.
Gilda Santos, textile engineer at CITEVE and Work Package leader, contributes to the development of sustainable e-textiles by translating research into a concrete, bio-inspired demonstrator. Her work relies on strong collaboration across the value chain, from fibres to final product, and emphasizes continuous learning, cooperation and resilience in research environments.
Sandra Mokli, PhD student at INRAE, focuses on the digitalization of textile processes and products. Her contribution supports the integration of digital tools into the development of innovative and sustainable textile solutions.
At Université Bretagne Sud, postdoctoral researcher Delphine Quereilhac investigates bio-based fibres, analysing how their structure influences mechanical performance. Her work contributes to advancing the next generation of sustainable textiles, while also promoting initiative and experimentation in scientific careers.
Sandra Ventura, Innovation Director at Têxteis Penedo, operates at the interface between research and industry. She is involved in the development of innovative textile structures designed for high-performance applications, illustrating the importance of industrial implementation within research projects.
At Synchrotron SOLEIL, postdoctoral researcher Alessia Melelli supports UPWEARS partners in designing and conducting experiments using advanced imaging techniques. Her role connects coordination, experimentation and data analysis, highlighting the importance of collaboration across research infrastructures.
Caroline Houriet, postdoctoral researcher at INRAE, works on the 3D printing of bio-inspired structures for wearable applications. Her contribution combines experimental work, data analysis and collaboration, reflecting the project’s interdisciplinary approach.
Lola Eelen, PhD researcher at KU Leuven, focuses on the sustainability and circularity assessment of the e-textile value chain. Her work evaluates environmental, economic and social impacts in close collaboration with project partners.
Through this campaign, UPWEARS has highlighted the diversity of expertise involved in the project and reinforced the visibility of women in textile research and innovation. The series underscores their essential contribution to advancing sustainable and high-performance textile solutions.
