Yann Douze

Professor of electronics and co-pilot of the SOUND project's "Sustainable Worlds" thematic program, Yann Douze shares with us his journey, his passion for preserving the planet, and his role in the structure of this multidisciplinary project for Sorbonne University.

What was your background and what are your current responsibilities?

Yann Douze: Graduated in 2003 from ENS Cachan, I am today an associate professor in electronics at Polytech Sorbonne. I held different responsibilities, notably as head of specialties for five years. Over time, I specialized in the field of Internet of Things (IoT). I have initiated numerous projects related to IoT with my students, placing a strong emphasis on environmental aspects because one of the great promises of the Internet of Things is to allow us to be more efficient and optimize the resources. Alongside my academic career, I have had several professional experiences in industry through technical consulting or training missions in large groups, such as Thales, and within start-ups. I have participated in numerous trade shows and forums, and I have taken part in various hackathons, which have raised my awareness of innovation and entrepreneurship. I also encouraged entrepreneurship among Polytech Sorbonne students by organizing hackathons focused on themes with environmental impact. Sustainable development and social responsibility have occupied a central place at Polytech Sorbonne for around ten years, with the gradual integration of teaching relating to these subjects.

What inspired you to become co-pilot of a thematic program within the SOUND project?

Y.D.: After twenty years of teaching, I felt the need to invest more in projects with a strong societal impact. When I learned about the SOUND project, which aims to respond to major challenges through a multidisciplinary approach, I immediately joined. As the son of pioneering organic farmers in the 70s, I grew up in a family that was very sensitive to all environmental issues, ahead of its time, particularly with regard to agriculture and the preservation of the planet. Although I followed a different academic path, I have always sought to reconnect with this family heritage. Getting involved in the SOUND project enables me to give meaning to my commitment and to defend a cause that is dear to me.

In your opinion, what are the objectives and challenges of the SOUND project?

Y.D.: In my opinion, the SOUND project represents an organizational tool for Sorbonne University and its Alliance partners. It aims to amplify their impact in research, education and innovation, focusing on three major societal challenges. This involves strengthening the visibility of the Sorbonne University Alliance among the public, the media and decision-makers by sharing knowledge resulting from research. The project also aims to support the emergence of new projects by connecting multidisciplinary teams to find solutions around these major issues. These projects can take the form of research, training or entrepreneurial initiatives.

As co-pilot of the “Sustainable Worlds” program, what will be your main responsibilities?

Y.D.: Currently, my role as co-pilot, alongside Emmanuel Gendreau of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, consists of identifying and selecting the members of the scientific committee. Our objective is to ensure maximum representation of the different disciplines within the Sorbonne University Alliance in order to have a global vision of the theme. We are also working on mapping initiatives related to sustainable development within the Alliance. In the longer term, we will be responsible for coordinating the work of the scientific committee. We will also have the responsibility of representing the theme of “sustainable worlds” during events, and of publicizing the initiatives and projects of the Sorbonne University Alliance related to this area.

How do you plan to collaborate with the Institutes, Initiatives and other members of the Sorbonne University Alliance?

Y. D. : We wish to collaborate closely with several institutes and initiatives of the Sorbonne University Alliance, in particular the Institute of Energy Transition (ITE), the Institute of Materials (Imat), the Mastery of Safe and Sustainable Technological Systems Initiative, and the Biodiversity, Evolution, Ecology, Society Initiative. These four entities will be our main partners to carry out innovative projects. We are also in contact with the 1point5 laboratory, a research group that strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by research laboratories and universities by implementing recommendations.

We hope that these collaborations will help give rise to concrete projects within our community to respond to the challenges our society faces to make our world more sustainable.