As part of the Jacques Cartier Talks 2025 (Entretiens Jacques Cartier 2025), ENS de Lyon and HEC Montréal are joining forces with REFEDI (International Francophone Network for Higher Education and Research for Equality/Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) and CPED (Permanent Conference of Equality and Diversity Officers) to offer a conference day focusing on issues of equality/equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Resistance to policies, programs, and actions related to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is becoming increasingly visible and widespread in certain sectors. In this context, it is more crucial than ever to mobilize actors who are working concretely to promote greater social justice. This event is aimed at anyone who wants to understand the dynamics of discrimination and exclusion and take action to eliminate them. It brings together researchers, equality and diversity officers, and actors in the field. Through a combination of scientific approaches and field experience, participants will find the keys to supporting the arguments in favor of EDI and driving sustainable and transformative action.

Program

9:00 a.m.: Opening remarks

Vincent Michelot, Vice President of International Relations, ENS de Lyon

9:30 a.m.: Round table discussion: “Science and Society Dialogue”
Moderated by Lisanne Tremblay – Project Manager at REFEDI

This round table discussion will bring together researchers and practitioners with the aim of promoting dialogue between academic research and actions taken in the field. Speakers will be invited to reflect on several key questions: How can research inform initiatives in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)? How can we encourage the creation of bridges between research and the field? How can we use research to develop arguments that counter resistance to EDI?

• Lisanne Tremblay, Project Manager, International Francophone Network for Higher Education and Research for Equity/Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Tanguy Bizien, Head of Studies, French Association of Diversity Managers
• Pascale Caidor, Professor – Strategic Communications and Public Relations, University of Montreal
• Florence Françon, Equality and Non-Discrimination Officer, ENS de Lyon
• Emmanuelle Picard, Professor of Contemporary History, ENS de Lyon
• Liliane Pelletier, Professor of Education and Training Sciences, Université Lumière Lyon 2

11:15 a.m.: Different perspectives on projects combining scientific knowledge and fieldwork

The people responsible for four projects carried out in Quebec and France will share a summary of their approach. Their presentations will serve as a starting point for discussions and reflections during the interactive workshop offered in the afternoon.

• Clarisse Broucke, PhD student and Project Manager at the IDEOS center, HEC Montréal
• Léa Museau, Coordinator of the Acting Together for EDI Program, HEC Montréal
• Fadila Hamouni, Head of EDI, HEC Montréal
• Anna Clavel, Head of the Higher Education Interface Team, ENS de Lyon -  French Institute of Education
• Yulia Leborgne, Researcher, ENS de Lyon -  French Institute of Education
• Bibiana Pulido, Executive Director, Quebec Network for EDI (RQEDI)

1:30 p.m.: Interactive workshop

• Clarisse Broucke, PhD student and Project Manager at the IDEOS center, HEC Montréal
• Léa Museau, Coordinator of the Acting Together for EDI Program, HEC Montréal
• Anna Clavel, Head of the Higher Education Interface Team, ENS de Lyon -  French Institute of Education
• Bibiana Pulido, Executive Director, Quebec Network for EDI (RQEDI)

Two discussion groups led by the people responsible for the four projects presented in the previous activity.

• Panel 1 – Include and Student Pathways projects: How can EDI research contribute to teaching practices and student pathways?
• Panel 2 – Pacte pour l'inclusion and Forum des organisations projects: How can research be popularized, presented, and made accessible to organizations? What do practitioners expect from researchers?

3:45 p.m.: Closing lecture – Influence of social stereotypes on cognitive performance and recruitment decisions

To wrap up the conference, Isabelle Régner, professor and researcher at Aix-Marseille University and VP for gender equality and anti-discrimination, will give a lecture. She will present her research on unconscious bias and its practical applications, particularly in her role as Vice President for Equality at Aix-Marseille University, but also in other contexts.

4:45 p.m.: Conclusion of the conference