LPMS Days 2025
2nd edition – Lyon Polymer Materials Science
A three-day immersion into the world of materials for undergraduate students
From 20 to 22 May 2025, undergraduate students in their third year of the Chemistry–Materials degree at Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 took part in the second edition of the LPMS Days, a key event of the Lyon Polymer Materials Science track of Graduate +. Held on the La Doua campus in collaboration with partner laboratories and companies, the event offered participants a hands-on experience of the scientific, industrial and professional challenges surrounding materials.
A clear objective: exploring the present and future of materials
The programme opened with a public conference led by Vincent Monteil (CNRS Research Director, President of the French Polymer Group – GFP), focusing on polymers and their major fields of application. This engaging session offered students a clear introduction to how materials science plays a pivotal role in sectors such as health, energy and mobility.
Inside the world of academic research
Students then had the opportunity to visit the IMP (Engineering of Polymers and Materials) laboratories, located in the Polytech building on the La Doua campus. Guided by faculty researchers, they met PhD students and interns, explored laboratory equipment, and gained a deeper understanding of everyday research activities.
Exploring industrial environments
The second day was dedicated to visits to two major industrial sites:
FORVIA – MATERI’ACT, where students discussed sustainability-driven innovation projects,
And COATEX, a specialist in solution polymers, where they were introduced to industrial synthesis and formulation processes.
These visits allowed participants to grasp the close links between academic research and real-world industrial challenges.
Dialogue, reflection and dynamic wrap-up
The third and final day began with a round-table discussion on research careers, where participants heard from professionals about their academic and professional journeys — from master’s programmes to doctoral studies.
A quiz session provided a fun opportunity to review the content of the previous days, followed by a closing debrief with the teaching team.
A initiative connecting training, research and innovation
Led by Professors Thomas Trimaille, Eliane Espuche, and Emmanuel Beyou, this original learning format reflects the ambition of Graduate +: to strengthen the ties between academic training, cutting-edge research, and innovation — starting at the undergraduate level.
The LPMS Days foster both scientific curiosity and meaningful interactions with academic and industry professionals, supporting students as they shape their future in materials science.
To learn more about the LPMS track or Graduate + initiatives, please contact your programme coordinator or refer to upcoming official publications.
