Mira Rizkallah, JCJC (Young Researchers) award winner: “Don’t wait until you’re no longer afraid to take the plunge”

To start off, could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background?

My name is Mira Rizkallah, and I’m originally from Lebanon. My academic journey began in that small country, where I had the opportunity to pursue a dual program in high school and earn both the French baccalaureate and the Lebanese baccalaureate. I then continued my studies at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), where I earned a Master degree in telecommunications engineering, with a specialization in signal and image processing.

I have always been passionate about this field, and I was also eager to discover France and continue my studies there. This naturally led me to seek out a PhD program in France. I joined INRIA in Rennes, where I completed my thesis in the field of signal and image processing, and I earned my PhD in 2019.

During my PhD, I also had the opportunity to collaborate with EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) in Switzerland, which was a very enriching experience, both scientifically and personally. After my PhD, I continued with a postdoc at INRIA as part of a European ERC (European Research Council) grant. This experience allowed me to continue developing my research while working in an international environment.

Finally, in November 2020, I joined Centrale Nantes as an associate professor, where I currently continue my teaching and research activities.

What is your research focused on these days?

These days, my research focuses mainly on graphs. To put it simply, a graph is a mathematical tool used to represent objects—called nodes—and the connections or relationships between them. It’s a very powerful tool because, by studying the structure of these connections, we can extract information that isn’t necessarily visible when looking at each element individually.

I have chosen to use graphs in the biomedical field—and more specifically in medicine—with the goal of helping doctors diagnose and predict the course of diseases. There are several ways to use them. For example, cancerous lesions in the body can be represented as nodes, and the interactions or relationships between these lesions can be modeled. We can also represent different regions of the brain as nodes and study their levels of synchronization or connectivity. But we can also analyze data at the patients’ population level. For example, two patients with similar characteristics can be represented as two strongly connected nodes in a graph. By analyzing these connections, we can then identify groups of patients with similar profiles and, potentially, better understand why some respond to treatment while others do not.

The ultimate goal, therefore, is to move toward more personalized medicine, where each patient’s unique characteristics are better taken into account to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection.

You’ve been selected as a laureate of the JCJC call for projects. What does this recognition mean to you?

It’s a huge achievement for me and everyone involved in the SYNAPSE project. This project is the result of several fruitful collaborations and scientific discussions, which have helped me grow and mature. On my own, I wouldn’t have had the courage to do it. So, I’m grateful to everyone who encouraged me to take a chance and who supported me throughout the process.

What inspired you to pursue research? Was there a turning point, an encounter, or an experience that particularly left an impression on you?

My passion for teaching and research developed at various points throughout my career. My first inspiration was my signal processing professor in Lebanon. She had this ability to help us understand concepts—sometimes very abstract ones—with great clarity and true pedagogical skills. I remember thinking to myself at the time, “I want to be like her.” That’s what really motivated me to pursue a PhD, with the goal of becoming a university professor myself.

It was then, during my PhD, that I truly discovered the world of research. My thesis advisor was my second major source of inspiration. He guided me with great patience and kindness, while sharing his passion for research with me.

I then realized that this profession would allow me not only to share knowledge and teach, but also to mentor young researchers on their own journeys, to help them move forward, gain confidence, and —why not?— make their own contributions to the world of research. Ultimately, it was this dual aspect—sharing knowledge and advancing research—that inspired me to become a faculty member and researcher.

As a woman, what has your journey in the world of research been like? Have you encountered any obstacles or situations that particularly stood out to you along the way?

Obstacles are part of the journey. But as Hafid Aggoune says, “Life comes to a halt when the fear of the unknown becomes stronger than the drive.” Personally, I haven’t always felt confident enough to take on new projects. I’ve had papers rejected by international conferences and journals, and sometimes I’ve had to prove myself twice as much. And then, speaking in front of three hundred engineering students in a lecture hall—and managing not to be afraid of their gaze or their judgment… that’s also quite an adventure!

Being in the minority in a world that’s still very male-dominated isn’t always easy. There have definitely been moments of doubt. Moments when I’ve asked myself, “Do I really belong here?” In those moments, I think it’s important to seek out allies, surround yourself with the right people, and not stay alone with your doubts. It helps enormously to move forward with greater peace of mind.

It took me some time to realize that you don’t necessarily need to feel fully justified to take a chance. Sometimes, you just have to take the first step—like with this ANR JCJC project—even with doubt, even with fear. And in the end, maybe that’s what moving forward is all about: not waiting until you’re no longer afraid to take the plunge.

What do you think can still be done to further encourage women to pursue careers in science and stay in them?

I’d say: recognition, mentoring, and role models. Recognition, because we need to acknowledge women’s work and skills. Mentoring, because having a more senior woman to ask questions, seek advice from, or simply compare yourself to can really make a difference. Role models, too: we need to highlight women scientists more so that young women can see themselves in those roles. And above all, from a very young age, we need to teach them that they’re just as entitled as anyone else to take risks, speak up, make mistakes, and claim their place. Because to stay in scientific career, you first have to feel like you belong there.

What advice would you give to a young woman who is considering a career in research today?

To change the world, you have to start by changing yourself. So, dare to be the person others haven’t dared to be. And above all, seek out your allies, they’re everywhere. You don’t have to go it alone.