Take part in a new edition of the Focus on Non-R&D Careers webinar series, organised by ABG in partnership with the National network of Centers for Social Science and Humanities (RnMSH).
This session will focus on discovering careers at the science–society interface that are accessible to PhD holders in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS).
Social Sciences and Humanities: Essential Contributions to Addressing Today's Major Challenges
Practical information and registration
As our societies face major transformations — digital, environmental, social and democratic transitions — today’s challenges increasingly emerge at the intersection of scientific knowledge production, public decision-making, technological innovation and societal change.
Within these spaces where science and society interact, the Social Sciences and Humanities play a crucial role:
SSH PhD holders therefore possess valuable skills to contribute to these challenges: critical thinking, understanding of social systems, the ability to contextualise contemporary transformations, and expertise in supporting change processes.
Through the experiences of professionals from diverse backgrounds, this webinar explores several concrete ways of working at the interface between science and society, within institutional, territorial, entrepreneurial and technological environments.
To help PhD candidates, PhD holders and employers better identify the wide range of careers available beyond research and development, ABG launched a series of webinars in early 2021 dedicated to non-R&D careers in which PhD holders can create value and build fulfilling professional paths.
For this new edition, organised in partnership with the French National Network of Social Sciences and Humanities Institutes (RnMSH), the objective is to explore a variety of careers situated between research and societal action. Through the speakers’ testimonies, participants will discover how the skills developed during a PhD in the Social Sciences and Humanities can be applied in a wide range of professional settings: companies, consulting firms, public institutions, and organisations acting as bridges between research and society.
The webinar aims to provide concrete examples and professional role models, helping PhD candidates and PhD holders better understand and navigate the diversity of career opportunities available after a doctorate.
During this session, you will discover the experiences and advice of six professionals holding doctoral degrees in Social Sciences and Humanities, whose diverse career paths have led them to work in a wide variety of organisations.
Marianne HERARD – [Head of Scientific Programmes and Research Impact] at MSH Paris Nord
After earning a PhD in Anthropology and pursuing an academic career through a series of fixed-term research contracts, Marianne joined MSH Paris Nord in 2016. As Head of Scientific Programmes and Research Impact, her responsibilities span a wide range of activities: managing calls for projects, coordinating research programmes, supporting project leaders, promoting research outputs and developing science outreach initiatives.
Julien MARY – [Scientific Coordinator] at MSH Sud
Julien Mary holds a PhD in Contemporary History and is a CNRS Research Engineer. Since 2015, he has served as Scientific Coordinator of the Maison des Sciences de l’Homme SUD (Eastern Occitania). In this position, he has developed a broad set of interests and skills at the intersection of research, coordination and research support. His professional journey has led him to view himself both as a facilitator—between researchers from different disciplines and between academic and non-academic stakeholders—and as a historian whose research interests, including interdisciplinary and participatory research, environmental history and memory studies, are enriched by this role of mediation.
Francesca ACETO – [Project Manager for Scientific and Technical Culture, Department of Cultural Affairs] at the City of Ivry-sur-Seine
Biography forthcoming.
Karine SACEPE – [Expert in AI-Driven Organisational Transformation – Head of Social Sciences] at Capgemini Engineering
Holding a PhD in Innovation Management from École Polytechnique, Karine SACEPE works within Capgemini Engineering on the major transformations affecting work and organisations. As Scientific Lead, she oversees initiatives such as People & Transformation, CLIENT@B2B, INDUSKILZ and Innov4Good, which examine the effects of technological and managerial innovation on career paths, skills development and stakeholder relationships (change management, responsible innovation, etc.).
She also leads the Hi! Paris × Capgemini Engineering partnership on artificial intelligence and public-sector transformation, contributing to publications designed to inform public decision-makers through both academic research and field experience.
Sébastien PALLUAULT – [Co-Managing Director and Social Innovation Consultant] at Scop Ellyx
After studying geography and gaining initial experience in both the non-profit sector and education, Sébastien co-founded the cooperative company Ellyx in 2013. The organisation specialises in social innovation and supports research and development projects led by public-interest organisations. He also served as co-director of the DESTINS joint laboratory, a partnership between Ellyx and the MSHS of the University of Poitiers-CNRS.
A consultant at Deloitte Sustainability France, Anne-Charlotte began a part-time PhD one year ago. Her research focuses on the operationalisation of planetary boundaries within companies, and she is currently undertaking a research stay at the Center for Absolute Sustainability of the Technical University of Denmark.
With a dual background in engineering and business, she chose to pursue a doctorate jointly supervised in Management Science and Engineering Science. As a consultant, she works on environmental quantification projects (Life Cycle Assessment, carbon footprinting), as well as non-financial auditing, techno-economic assessments and climate transition pathways.
Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (CEST)
Online via Zoom.
For any question or request for information, please contact:
Organised by:
Association Bernard Gregory (ABG)
French National Network of Social Sciences and Humanities Institutes (RnMSH)
Part of:
European Doctoral Day 2026 (#EDD26)
Replay available on the ABG YouTube channel.
Anne-Charlotte SAUVEPLANE – [Environmental Quantification and Sustainability Strategy Consultant | PhD Candidate researching Planetary Boundaries and Business]