In September and October 2024, Elisa Thevenot, Research assistant at the University of Tübingen, visits the LIVES Centre at the University of Geneva to work with Prof. Eric Widmer. She conducted her PhD at the University of Tübingen with the DFG graduate program ‘Doing Transitions’. Her research interest includes sociologies of work and sustainability, adult education, practice theory and qualitative methodologies.
During her stay in Geneva, she explores LIVES’ notion of vulnerability to further develop her research on life courses in the context of the ecological transition.
What was the purpose of your visit and how did it merge with your specific research area?
I am currently writing post-doctoral applications to pursue my interest in life course and social change, particularly in the context of the ecological transition. My visit to Geneva and discussions with several researchers from the LIVES group helped expand my research perspectives, both theoretically, conceptually, and methodologically, by exposing me to new or under-explored approaches. I am especially interested in further exploring the concept of vulnerability across the life course, and I found many exciting insights and potential applications during these exchanges.
Which collaborations emerged from your visit?
Given my current transition from doctoral student to exploring post-doctoral opportunities, I’ve found it valuable to connect with researchers in all stages of their careers. I aim to maintain these connections and engage more directly once I have a clearer understanding of my own academic path.
What's the spot you liked most in the region?
There was a beautiful, short walk near my home in Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, known as 'Les Pertes de la Valserine.' The limestone soil allows the wild river to carve amazing riverbed landscape. A reminder that the ground beneath us is like a piece of
Gruyère cheese.