Annabelle Le Bon, intern at InnoRenew CoE; Main area of research: Materials science and engineering

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

I grew up in a small valley near Grenoble in France, surrounded by mountains, and I chose to stay in Grenoble for my studies because the city offers both a great academic environment and a strong connection to nature.

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

I am currently in the 4th year of study materials science and engineering. I am interested in the study of materials because it is something concrete that surrounds us every day.

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

I study materials science and engineering, which means I learn how materials are made, how they behave, and how we can improve them for different applications. Right now, I’m doing an internship focused on wood used in construction. My work involves understanding how we can make wood stronger, more durable, or more fire-resistant without losing its natural advantages.

• What does your typical working day look like?

I usually start my day by checking emails. Throughout the day, I assist my internship supervisor with experiments, or, when there are no ongoing tests, I focus on writing and submitting my internship report.

• What makes you excited about your work?

I really enjoy understanding how natural materials like wood behave and how we can reduce our environmental footprint in the construction sector.

• And what is the biggest challenge at your work?

As an intern, the biggest challenge for me has been translating theory into real applications. I’ve studied material behavior in class, but now I have to apply it. It’s a steep learning curve, but it’s very rewarding.

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

I’m really inspired by scientists working on sustainable materials, to explore natural or bio-based alternatives to plastics and concrete. I hope this is the future of materials science: combining performance with sustainability.

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

I really like photography, which I practice a lot as an amateur. So I really like discovering new places and photographing them.

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

The last series I watched was 1883. It follows a group of settlers as they journey west across the American frontier in the 19th century, facing hardship, uncertainty, and the hope of a better life.

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

The ice cream shop at the entrance of Piran.

• What makes you enthusiastic?

Discover new places and new things!

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

I think that the most important achievement I have achieved recently is simply to come alone for an internship in Slovenia.

• What does the charm of wood mean to you?

To me, the charm of wood lies in its natural beauty, warmth, and variability. Each piece is unique, shaped by time, climate, and growth. Which gives it character and authenticity.