The RQEI actively supports the training of the next generation of scientists, in particular by funding research placements and student mobility programmes. This section features testimonials from students who have taken part in activities supported by the RQEI.

Presentation at the AIChE 2025 conference
Romain Kersaudy

Université de Sherbrooke

Thanks to the support of the RQEI, I had the opportunity to attend the AIChE annual conference, which took place in Boston in November 2025.

At this international event, I presented my research into the real-time monitoring of catalytic reactions, in particular plasma-assisted CO₂ hydrogenation. This approach enables us to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved and to improve process control.

Beyond the presentation itself, this experience had a profound impact on me. I was able to talk to researchers and industry professionals from different countries, discover new approaches to chemical engineering and take a step back to reflect on my own work.

Presenting my work in an international context really helped me to see its scope and to think about the next steps in my project in a different light.

Research visit on hydrogen storage
Hiba Roubio

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)

As part of my research at UQTR, I had the opportunity to undertake a research visit to McMaster University, at the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research, with the support of the RQEI.

My project focused on understanding materials capable of storing hydrogen, a key issue for the energy transition. Whilst there, I was able to use neutron diffraction, an advanced technique that allows us to observe the arrangement of atoms and gain a better understanding of how these materials interact with hydrogen.

This visit enabled me not only to obtain interesting results on the alloys under study, but also to develop my independence in the laboratory and to work in a different scientific environment. The discussions with the team on site, particularly with the supervising professors, were particularly enriching.

This experience has helped me gain confidence in the laboratory and see my project from a much more practical perspective

A scientific immersion at the heart of the pharmaceutical sector’s green transition
Maroua Rouaba

As part of the ‘Intensifying the Future of Pharmaceutical Processes’ summer school at Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, I took part in a research exchange aimed at strengthening Franco-Quebecois collaboration on the ecological transition of the pharmaceutical sector. My visit included tours of the LAGEPP and IRCELyon laboratories, as well as joint presentations with members of the GRTP (UdeS) on process intensification and PAT approaches. These exchanges helped to foster the development of new international collaborations and the promotion of sustainable pharmaceutical processes.

Participation in the AOCS 2026 conference
Symphorien Notue
École Polytechnique de Montréal

Thanks to the support of the RQEI, I had the opportunity to attend the AOCS 2026 Annual Conference, which took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, from 3 to 6 May 2026.

At this international event, I presented my research into the development of a continuous mechanochemical transesterification process for the synthesis of polyol esters. This work forms part of an initiative aimed at developing more efficient and sustainable processes for the production of bio-lubricants and related materials.

The conference also gave me the opportunity to present my findings in poster form and to exchange views with researchers, industry representatives and experts in the field of oils, biolubricants and related processes. These discussions were extremely rewarding. They enabled me to better situate my work within an international context and to explore new avenues for collaboration.

This experience has strengthened my confidence in the scope of my research project. It has also given me a better understanding of the expectations of the scientific and industrial communities regarding the development of sustainable processes.

Participation in the 2026 Annual Conference of the French Society of Thermal Engineering
Lyse Godfrin

Thanks to the support of the RQEI, I had the opportunity to attend the annual conference of the French Society of Thermal Engineering, which took place from 2 to 5 June 2026 in Villers-lès-Nancy, France.

This edition, dedicated to the ‘Decarbonisation of Industry’, brought together more than 220 thermal engineering specialists from the worlds of research and industry. The presentations and discussions provided an opportunity to address a number of issues relating to industrial processes, energy efficiency and innovative thermal solutions.

I presented my research on agriculture in controlled environments and thermal storage in such spaces. This topic generated a great deal of interest, particularly given its relevance to a northern region such as Quebec.

Taking part in this event enabled me to showcase my work, exchange ideas with specialists in the field and highlight the challenges associated with energy storage, which lies at the heart of the RQEI’s research priorities. The accompanying article was published in the conference proceedings, and the RQEI’s support was acknowledged on the poster presented.

Student scientific experiences

Thanks to the support of the RQEI, I was able to attend the 34th conference of the French Society of Thermal Engineering, which took place in Nancy, France, from 2 to 5 June 2026.

This conference gave me the opportunity to attend presentations given by researchers, students and professionals from the industrial sector. The discussions focused mainly on thermal engineering challenges in the context of decarbonising industry, as well as on research avenues and emerging solutions in this field.

A significant part of the conference was also devoted to scientific discussions, particularly during the poster sessions. I was able to present my research there and discuss it with specialists in thermal engineering. These discussions gave me new perspectives on my project and helped me to better understand how my work compares with research being carried out in other laboratories.

This experience was a great learning opportunity. It enabled me to discover a wide variety of research in the field of thermal engineering, to exchange ideas with researchers and students from different backgrounds, and to inform my future research thanks to the feedback I received.

Taking part in this event has deepened my understanding of the scientific and industrial challenges associated with decarbonisation, whilst also providing me with a great opportunity to showcase my work on an international stage.