Flavien Ginioux, intern at InnoRenew CoE; Main area(s) of research/activities: Characterisation Lab / Chemistry

• Where were you living in childhood and where do you live now?

When I was a child, I lived in a small village in Auvergne. It’s a region located in the center of France surrounded by volcanoes (which are no longer active, thankfully!). Today, I live in Clermont-Ferrand, the largest city in Auvergne, where I study.

• What have you studied and what were the motives for your decision?

After my baccalaureate, I completed a preparatory class specializing in Chemistry. It is a very intense and demanding 2-year training which allows, upon ranking, to integrate an engineering school in France. I was therefore admitted to the Sigma Clermont engineering school for 3 years, where I specialized in Materials Chemistry since my second year. At the end of my internship at InnoRenew CoE, I returned to France to complete my final year of study.

I chose to study chemistry because I am fascinated by how it allows us to design and improve materials with precise properties at different scales.

• How would you describe your work to someone outside your field?

After my studies, I plan to be a materials chemistry engineer.

A materials chemistry engineer studies the composition, structure, and properties of materials to design or improve those used in everyday objects or advanced technologies. Their role is to select the right materials for their intended use, develop new ones in the laboratory, and then test their performance. They often collaborate with production, research, or design teams to adapt materials to industrial or environmental needs.

• What does your typical working day look like?

As a research intern, my days can vary quite a bit depending on the project’s progress. Most of the time, I’m involved in synthesizing nanoparticles and analyzing their properties (size, color, …) to understand how different synthesis parameters (like precursor amounts or reaction time) influence the final material. I also help improve the chemical inventory system and manage chemical waste. From time to time, I assist with other tasks in the lab depending on the team needs.

•  What makes you excited about your work?

 What I really enjoy is the experimental side of the work: being able to test a hypothesis, observe results, and adjust the process accordingly. It’s exciting to see how small changes in a protocol can lead to very different materials. I also appreciate the fact that my work has a practical impact on the lab’s organization and sustainability.

• And what is the biggest challenge at your work?

One of my biggest challenges has been working entirely in English. Clearly expressing technical details or writing reports can sometimes be difficult. However, it’s also a great opportunity to grow and gain confidence in an international professional environment.

• Which scientist or scientific achievement are you fascinated by and why?

I’m fascinated by the invention of biodegradable plastics. Scientists developed new materials that can break down naturally in the environment, helping to reduce pollution. I find it inspiring because it shows how chemistry and materials science can provide real solutions to environmental problems.

• Tell us about the work of art (books, music, movies, theatre, dance, visual arts) that has a special place in your life.

Music is a big part of my life. No matter what I’m doing, I love having music in my ears. It helps me focus when I study, motivates me when I run, and relaxes me after a long day. I enjoy exploring different genres, depending on my mood.

•  What have you read, listened to, or watched lately?

Recently, I watched Intouchables, a French film based on a true story. It’s about the unexpected friendship between a wealthy man with a disability and his caregiver from a very different background. The story is both moving and funny, and it shows how human connection can overcome social barriers.

• Which place on the Slovene coast do you like the most?

I really like Piran. The old town is beautiful, with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and sea views. I enjoy walking along the coast and watching the sunset from the walls or the main square. It’s a peaceful and charming place.

• What makes you enthusiastic?

I’m enthusiastic about discovering new materials and how chemistry can solve real-world problems. Working on innovative projects, especially those related to sustainable materials or environmental impact, really motivates me. I also enjoy learning through hands-on experiences, like internships, where I can apply what I’ve studied and see the results.

• Characterize your life’s guidance or an important realization (or epiphany) you have experienced.

An important realization I’ve had is that continuous learning and adapting are essential to grow as an engineer and as a person. Challenges and mistakes are not setbacks but opportunities to improve. This mindset helps me stay motivated and open to new ideas, especially in a fast-evolving field like materials science.

•  What does the charm of wood mean to you?

For me, the charm of wood comes from its versatility and authenticity. It’s a material that combines technical performance with a natural aesthetic. I appreciate the fact that it can be used in many ways, from construction to design, while remaining a renewable and sustainable resource.