{"id":10726,"date":"2026-05-18T10:48:03","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T08:48:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/?p=10726"},"modified":"2026-05-18T10:48:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T08:48:04","slug":"stabilizing-the-unstable-a-conversation-with-gregoire-elinck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/articles\/stabilizing-the-unstable-a-conversation-with-gregoire-elinck\/","title":{"rendered":"Stabilizing the Unstable: a Conversation With Gr\u00e9goire Elinck"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
\"\"
\u201cThe goal [of my research] is to ensure that my system naturally tends toward a state of equilibrium. This idea is illustrated by the tightrope walkers who constantly adjust their position according to their sensations \u2013 leaning slightly to the left or right \u2013 to avoid falling.\u201d Credit : Pexels via Canva Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is your research topic?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My work is in a field of mathematics known as control theory. In mathematics, we tend to model most phenomena \u2013 whether economic, mechanical or physical \u2013 that can be described using equations. These equations express general laws, such as gravity, which describe how external forces act on an object. Take the example of temperature in a room: it evolves over time and can be influenced by an external action, such as turning on a heater. This intervention makes the temperature move toward a desired value at a given point in space. The system\u2019s behavior then depends on time, the space (the room itself) and the forces at play \u2013 in this case, the action of turning on the heater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the many questions underlying control theory, I am particularly interested in stabilization. The goal is to ensure that my system naturally tends toward a state of equilibrium. This idea is illustrated by tightrope walkers, who constantly adjust their position according to their sensations \u2013 leaning slightly to the left or right \u2013 to avoid falling. Their next movements cannot be predicted in advance with any accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What led you to study mathematics?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever since I was a child, I\u2019ve always loved mathematics, which I saw as a series of puzzles to be solved, almost like a game. When I was younger, I imagined becoming an inventor. My career path began to take shape in my junior year of high school, when my homeroom teacher gave us a career guidance form. Drawn to mathematics and somewhat familiar with careers in research, I wrote down \u201cmathematics researcher\u201d, even though I didn\u2019t really know that such a role actually existed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That prompted me to start thinking about the world of research. Gradually, through conversations with friends and competitions for high school students such as Animath, I discovered a taste for intellectual challenge. All of this led me to pursue a research-oriented undergraduate program, the CPES (Multidisciplinary Higher Education Cycle), which enabled me to participate in internships and write research dissertations. I then joined the engineering program at \u00c9cole Polytechnique, which places strong emphasis on theoretical training and preparation for research. I am now pursuing a PhD at the CERMICS laboratory for applied mathematics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which mathematicians have made the biggest impression on you so far?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two figures spring immediately to mind. On the one hand, there\u2019s Grigori Perelman, a Russian mathematician who is the embodiment of what one might call the \u201creclusive\u201d mathematician. He is best known for solving one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems1<\/a><\/sup> and for refusing the Fields Medal. On the other hand, there\u2019s C\u00e9dric Villani, who for me symbolizes the figure of the societally engaged mathematician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another figure that comes to mind is Paul Lockhart, the author of A Mathematician\u2019s Lament:<\/em><\/strong> How School Cheats Us Out of Our Most Fascinating and Imaginative Art Form<\/em><\/strong>. In this book, he questions the place of mathematics in schools, criticizing its transformation into a subject that serves only to rank pupils. He maintains that this has undermined the very essence of the discipline: students no longer engage with mathematics for its own sake, but in order to achieve results and validate competencies. Instead, Lockhart proposes that it be assessed as an art form \u2013 like the visual arts and music \u2013 where the focus is above all on discovery, practice and play. This vision aligns with how I have always viewed mathematics. This perspective influences my work, as I consider creativity to be my main strength. It drives me to seek out new ideas, to explore, and to draw inspiration from other people\u2019s work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is a conference like this important for young researchers in mathematics?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Congress of Young Researchers in Applied Mathematics helps to broaden our mathematical knowledge. There is a degree of permeability between different areas of mathematics \u2013 and science in general. Being able to exchange ideas and ask questions about other disciplines helps us to understand how others approach their problems, what tools they use, and to what extent I can enrich my own work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These interactions also help us to improve our presentations \u2013 whether posters or talks \u2013 and better understand what works and what doesn\u2019t, whether through our own experience or by observing others. In my view, the role of the conference is to support young researchers as they enter the world of research, to demystify the conference experience, and to help them build self-confidence by encouraging them to take more risks so that they can improve over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interview by Mahalia Blanchard-Martial, scientific communicator at \u00c9cole nationale des ponts et chauss\u00e9es.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

  1. In 2002, Grigori Perelman solved the Poincar\u00e9 Conjecture, sometimes referred to as Perelman\u2019s Theorem. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    What is your research topic? My work is in a field of mathematics known as control theory. In mathematics, we […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":10644,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_related_content_post":[],"_related_content_subject":[690],"_related_content_author":[10720],"_related_content_category":[1720,1716],"_related_content_folder":[10721],"_excerpt":"From biology and physics to economics, engineering and many other fields, applied mathematics cuts across a wide range of disciplines, enabling us to model, understand, and solve complex problems. Yet far from the abstract image often associated with it, applied mathematics permeates everyday life and drives research at the heart of very concrete challenges. This feature gives voice to five young researchers in applied mathematics who took part in the Congress of Young Researchers in Applied Mathematics (CJC-MA)<\/a>. Drawing on their backgrounds and in their own words, they describe what led them to this field, the scientists who inspired them, and the importance of such a conference to them in their careers as young researchers.","_duration":4,"_manual_duration":false,"footnotes":"[{\"content\":\" In 2002, Grigori Perelman solved the Poincar\u00e9 Conjecture, sometimes referred to as Perelman\u2019s Theorem.\",\"id\":\"fe137ed1-024d-491e-afaa-324f792550fa\"}]"},"article-types":[13],"class_list":["post-10726","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","article-types-article"],"has_blocks":true,"block_data":[{"blockName":"enpc\/excerpt","attrs":{"lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[],"rendered":""},{"blockName":"core\/image","attrs":{"id":10643,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"wide","blob":"","url":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MEDIATION2026_DDAP_FDS-1024x723.png","alt":"","caption":"\u201cThe goal [of my research] is to ensure that my system naturally tends toward a state of equilibrium. This idea is illustrated by the tightrope walkers who constantly adjust their position according to their sensations \u2013 leaning slightly to the left or right \u2013 to avoid falling.\u201d Credit : Pexels via Canva Pro","lightbox":[],"title":"","href":"","rel":"","linkClass":"","width":"","height":"","aspectRatio":"","scale":"","linkTarget":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"wp-block-image alignwide size-large","style":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    \"\"
    \u201cThe goal [of my research] is to ensure that my system naturally tends toward a state of equilibrium. This idea is illustrated by the tightrope walkers who constantly adjust their position according to their sensations \u2013 leaning slightly to the left or right \u2013 to avoid falling.\u201d Credit : Pexels via Canva Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","innerContent":["\n
    \"\"
    \u201cThe goal [of my research] is to ensure that my system naturally tends toward a state of equilibrium. This idea is illustrated by the tightrope walkers who constantly adjust their position according to their sensations \u2013 leaning slightly to the left or right \u2013 to avoid falling.\u201d Credit : Pexels via Canva Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"],"rendered":"\n
    \"\"
    \u201cThe goal [of my research] is to ensure that my system naturally tends toward a state of equilibrium. This idea is illustrated by the tightrope walkers who constantly adjust their position according to their sensations \u2013 leaning slightly to the left or right \u2013 to avoid falling.\u201d Credit : Pexels via Canva Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|red"}}}},"textColor":"red","align":"","content":"What is your research topic?","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"has-red-color has-text-color has-link-color","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    What is your research topic?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    What is your research topic?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    What is your research topic?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"My work is in a field of mathematics known as control theory. In mathematics, we tend to model most phenomena \u2013 whether economic, mechanical or physical \u2013 that can be described using equations. These equations express general laws, such as gravity, which describe how external forces act on an object. Take the example of temperature in a room: it evolves over time and can be influenced by an external action, such as turning on a heater. This intervention makes the temperature move toward a desired value at a given point in space. The system\u2019s behavior then depends on time, the space (the room itself) and the forces at play \u2013 in this case, the action of turning on the heater.\u00a0","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    My work is in a field of mathematics known as control theory. In mathematics, we tend to model most phenomena \u2013 whether economic, mechanical or physical \u2013 that can be described using equations. These equations express general laws, such as gravity, which describe how external forces act on an object. Take the example of temperature in a room: it evolves over time and can be influenced by an external action, such as turning on a heater. This intervention makes the temperature move toward a desired value at a given point in space. The system\u2019s behavior then depends on time, the space (the room itself) and the forces at play \u2013 in this case, the action of turning on the heater. <\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    My work is in a field of mathematics known as control theory. In mathematics, we tend to model most phenomena \u2013 whether economic, mechanical or physical \u2013 that can be described using equations. These equations express general laws, such as gravity, which describe how external forces act on an object. Take the example of temperature in a room: it evolves over time and can be influenced by an external action, such as turning on a heater. This intervention makes the temperature move toward a desired value at a given point in space. The system\u2019s behavior then depends on time, the space (the room itself) and the forces at play \u2013 in this case, the action of turning on the heater. <\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    My work is in a field of mathematics known as control theory. In mathematics, we tend to model most phenomena \u2013 whether economic, mechanical or physical \u2013 that can be described using equations. These equations express general laws, such as gravity, which describe how external forces act on an object. Take the example of temperature in a room: it evolves over time and can be influenced by an external action, such as turning on a heater. This intervention makes the temperature move toward a desired value at a given point in space. The system\u2019s behavior then depends on time, the space (the room itself) and the forces at play \u2013 in this case, the action of turning on the heater. <\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"Among the many questions underlying control theory, I am particularly interested in stabilization. The goal is to ensure that my system naturally tends toward a state of equilibrium. This idea is illustrated by tightrope walkers, who constantly adjust their position according to their sensations \u2013 leaning slightly to the left or right \u2013 to avoid falling. Their next movements cannot be predicted in advance with any accuracy.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Among the many questions underlying control theory, I am particularly interested in stabilization. The goal is to ensure that my system naturally tends toward a state of equilibrium. This idea is illustrated by tightrope walkers, who constantly adjust their position according to their sensations \u2013 leaning slightly to the left or right \u2013 to avoid falling. Their next movements cannot be predicted in advance with any accuracy.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Among the many questions underlying control theory, I am particularly interested in stabilization. The goal is to ensure that my system naturally tends toward a state of equilibrium. This idea is illustrated by tightrope walkers, who constantly adjust their position according to their sensations \u2013 leaning slightly to the left or right \u2013 to avoid falling. Their next movements cannot be predicted in advance with any accuracy.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Among the many questions underlying control theory, I am particularly interested in stabilization. The goal is to ensure that my system naturally tends toward a state of equilibrium. This idea is illustrated by tightrope walkers, who constantly adjust their position according to their sensations \u2013 leaning slightly to the left or right \u2013 to avoid falling. Their next movements cannot be predicted in advance with any accuracy.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|red"}}}},"textColor":"red","align":"","content":"What led you to study mathematics?","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"has-red-color has-text-color has-link-color","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    What led you to study mathematics?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    What led you to study mathematics?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    What led you to study mathematics?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"Ever since I was a child, I\u2019ve always loved mathematics, which I saw as a series of puzzles to be solved, almost like a game. When I was younger, I imagined becoming an inventor. My career path began to take shape in my junior year of high school, when my homeroom teacher gave us a career guidance form. Drawn to mathematics and somewhat familiar with careers in research, I wrote down \u201cmathematics researcher\u201d, even though I didn\u2019t really know that such a role actually existed.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Ever since I was a child, I\u2019ve always loved mathematics, which I saw as a series of puzzles to be solved, almost like a game. When I was younger, I imagined becoming an inventor. My career path began to take shape in my junior year of high school, when my homeroom teacher gave us a career guidance form. Drawn to mathematics and somewhat familiar with careers in research, I wrote down \u201cmathematics researcher\u201d, even though I didn\u2019t really know that such a role actually existed.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Ever since I was a child, I\u2019ve always loved mathematics, which I saw as a series of puzzles to be solved, almost like a game. When I was younger, I imagined becoming an inventor. My career path began to take shape in my junior year of high school, when my homeroom teacher gave us a career guidance form. Drawn to mathematics and somewhat familiar with careers in research, I wrote down \u201cmathematics researcher\u201d, even though I didn\u2019t really know that such a role actually existed.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Ever since I was a child, I\u2019ve always loved mathematics, which I saw as a series of puzzles to be solved, almost like a game. When I was younger, I imagined becoming an inventor. My career path began to take shape in my junior year of high school, when my homeroom teacher gave us a career guidance form. Drawn to mathematics and somewhat familiar with careers in research, I wrote down \u201cmathematics researcher\u201d, even though I didn\u2019t really know that such a role actually existed.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"That prompted me to start thinking about the world of research. Gradually, through conversations with friends and competitions for high school students such as Animath, I discovered a taste for intellectual challenge. All of this led me to pursue a research-oriented undergraduate program, the CPES (Multidisciplinary Higher Education Cycle), which enabled me to participate in internships and write research dissertations. I then joined the engineering program at \u00c9cole Polytechnique, which places strong emphasis on theoretical training and preparation for research. I am now pursuing a PhD at the CERMICS laboratory for applied mathematics.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    That prompted me to start thinking about the world of research. Gradually, through conversations with friends and competitions for high school students such as Animath, I discovered a taste for intellectual challenge. All of this led me to pursue a research-oriented undergraduate program, the CPES (Multidisciplinary Higher Education Cycle), which enabled me to participate in internships and write research dissertations. I then joined the engineering program at \u00c9cole Polytechnique, which places strong emphasis on theoretical training and preparation for research. I am now pursuing a PhD at the CERMICS laboratory for applied mathematics.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    That prompted me to start thinking about the world of research. Gradually, through conversations with friends and competitions for high school students such as Animath, I discovered a taste for intellectual challenge. All of this led me to pursue a research-oriented undergraduate program, the CPES (Multidisciplinary Higher Education Cycle), which enabled me to participate in internships and write research dissertations. I then joined the engineering program at \u00c9cole Polytechnique, which places strong emphasis on theoretical training and preparation for research. I am now pursuing a PhD at the CERMICS laboratory for applied mathematics.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    That prompted me to start thinking about the world of research. Gradually, through conversations with friends and competitions for high school students such as Animath, I discovered a taste for intellectual challenge. All of this led me to pursue a research-oriented undergraduate program, the CPES (Multidisciplinary Higher Education Cycle), which enabled me to participate in internships and write research dissertations. I then joined the engineering program at \u00c9cole Polytechnique, which places strong emphasis on theoretical training and preparation for research. I am now pursuing a PhD at the CERMICS laboratory for applied mathematics.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|red"}}}},"textColor":"red","align":"","content":"Which mathematicians have made the biggest impression on you so far?","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"has-red-color has-text-color has-link-color","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Which mathematicians have made the biggest impression on you so far?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Which mathematicians have made the biggest impression on you so far?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Which mathematicians have made the biggest impression on you so far?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"Two figures spring immediately to mind. On the one hand, there\u2019s Grigori Perelman, a Russian mathematician who is the embodiment of what one might call the \u201creclusive\u201d mathematician. He is best known for solving one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems1 and for refusing the Fields Medal. On the other hand, there\u2019s C\u00e9dric Villani, who for me symbolizes the figure of the societally engaged mathematician.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Two figures spring immediately to mind. On the one hand, there\u2019s Grigori Perelman, a Russian mathematician who is the embodiment of what one might call the \u201creclusive\u201d mathematician. He is best known for solving one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems1<\/a><\/sup> and for refusing the Fields Medal. On the other hand, there\u2019s C\u00e9dric Villani, who for me symbolizes the figure of the societally engaged mathematician.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Two figures spring immediately to mind. On the one hand, there\u2019s Grigori Perelman, a Russian mathematician who is the embodiment of what one might call the \u201creclusive\u201d mathematician. He is best known for solving one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems1<\/a><\/sup> and for refusing the Fields Medal. On the other hand, there\u2019s C\u00e9dric Villani, who for me symbolizes the figure of the societally engaged mathematician.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Two figures spring immediately to mind. On the one hand, there\u2019s Grigori Perelman, a Russian mathematician who is the embodiment of what one might call the \u201creclusive\u201d mathematician. He is best known for solving one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems1<\/a><\/sup> and for refusing the Fields Medal. On the other hand, there\u2019s C\u00e9dric Villani, who for me symbolizes the figure of the societally engaged mathematician.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"Another figure that comes to mind is Paul Lockhart, the author of A Mathematician\u2019s Lament: How School Cheats Us Out of Our Most Fascinating and Imaginative Art Form. In this book, he questions the place of mathematics in schools, criticizing its transformation into a subject that serves only to rank pupils. He maintains that this has undermined the very essence of the discipline: students no longer engage with mathematics for its own sake, but in order to achieve results and validate competencies. Instead, Lockhart proposes that it be assessed as an art form \u2013 like the visual arts and music \u2013 where the focus is above all on discovery, practice and play. This vision aligns with how I have always viewed mathematics. This perspective influences my work, as I consider creativity to be my main strength. It drives me to seek out new ideas, to explore, and to draw inspiration from other people\u2019s work.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Another figure that comes to mind is Paul Lockhart, the author of A Mathematician\u2019s Lament:<\/em><\/strong> How School Cheats Us Out of Our Most Fascinating and Imaginative Art Form<\/em><\/strong>. In this book, he questions the place of mathematics in schools, criticizing its transformation into a subject that serves only to rank pupils. He maintains that this has undermined the very essence of the discipline: students no longer engage with mathematics for its own sake, but in order to achieve results and validate competencies. Instead, Lockhart proposes that it be assessed as an art form \u2013 like the visual arts and music \u2013 where the focus is above all on discovery, practice and play. This vision aligns with how I have always viewed mathematics. This perspective influences my work, as I consider creativity to be my main strength. It drives me to seek out new ideas, to explore, and to draw inspiration from other people\u2019s work.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Another figure that comes to mind is Paul Lockhart, the author of A Mathematician\u2019s Lament:<\/em><\/strong> How School Cheats Us Out of Our Most Fascinating and Imaginative Art Form<\/em><\/strong>. In this book, he questions the place of mathematics in schools, criticizing its transformation into a subject that serves only to rank pupils. He maintains that this has undermined the very essence of the discipline: students no longer engage with mathematics for its own sake, but in order to achieve results and validate competencies. Instead, Lockhart proposes that it be assessed as an art form \u2013 like the visual arts and music \u2013 where the focus is above all on discovery, practice and play. This vision aligns with how I have always viewed mathematics. This perspective influences my work, as I consider creativity to be my main strength. It drives me to seek out new ideas, to explore, and to draw inspiration from other people\u2019s work.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Another figure that comes to mind is Paul Lockhart, the author of A Mathematician\u2019s Lament:<\/em><\/strong> How School Cheats Us Out of Our Most Fascinating and Imaginative Art Form<\/em><\/strong>. In this book, he questions the place of mathematics in schools, criticizing its transformation into a subject that serves only to rank pupils. He maintains that this has undermined the very essence of the discipline: students no longer engage with mathematics for its own sake, but in order to achieve results and validate competencies. Instead, Lockhart proposes that it be assessed as an art form \u2013 like the visual arts and music \u2013 where the focus is above all on discovery, practice and play. This vision aligns with how I have always viewed mathematics. This perspective influences my work, as I consider creativity to be my main strength. It drives me to seek out new ideas, to explore, and to draw inspiration from other people\u2019s work.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|red"}}}},"textColor":"red","align":"","content":"Why is a conference like this important for young researchers in mathematics?","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"has-red-color has-text-color has-link-color","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Why is a conference like this important for young researchers in mathematics?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Why is a conference like this important for young researchers in mathematics?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Why is a conference like this important for young researchers in mathematics?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"The Congress of Young Researchers in Applied Mathematics helps to broaden our mathematical knowledge. There is a degree of permeability between different areas of mathematics \u2013 and science in general. Being able to exchange ideas and ask questions about other disciplines helps us to understand how others approach their problems, what tools they use, and to what extent I can enrich my own work.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    The Congress of Young Researchers in Applied Mathematics helps to broaden our mathematical knowledge. There is a degree of permeability between different areas of mathematics \u2013 and science in general. Being able to exchange ideas and ask questions about other disciplines helps us to understand how others approach their problems, what tools they use, and to what extent I can enrich my own work.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    The Congress of Young Researchers in Applied Mathematics helps to broaden our mathematical knowledge. There is a degree of permeability between different areas of mathematics \u2013 and science in general. Being able to exchange ideas and ask questions about other disciplines helps us to understand how others approach their problems, what tools they use, and to what extent I can enrich my own work.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    The Congress of Young Researchers in Applied Mathematics helps to broaden our mathematical knowledge. There is a degree of permeability between different areas of mathematics \u2013 and science in general. Being able to exchange ideas and ask questions about other disciplines helps us to understand how others approach their problems, what tools they use, and to what extent I can enrich my own work.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"These interactions also help us to improve our presentations \u2013 whether posters or talks \u2013 and better understand what works and what doesn\u2019t, whether through our own experience or by observing others. In my view, the role of the conference is to support young researchers as they enter the world of research, to demystify the conference experience, and to help them build self-confidence by encouraging them to take more risks so that they can improve over time.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    These interactions also help us to improve our presentations \u2013 whether posters or talks \u2013 and better understand what works and what doesn\u2019t, whether through our own experience or by observing others. In my view, the role of the conference is to support young researchers as they enter the world of research, to demystify the conference experience, and to help them build self-confidence by encouraging them to take more risks so that they can improve over time.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    These interactions also help us to improve our presentations \u2013 whether posters or talks \u2013 and better understand what works and what doesn\u2019t, whether through our own experience or by observing others. In my view, the role of the conference is to support young researchers as they enter the world of research, to demystify the conference experience, and to help them build self-confidence by encouraging them to take more risks so that they can improve over time.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    These interactions also help us to improve our presentations \u2013 whether posters or talks \u2013 and better understand what works and what doesn\u2019t, whether through our own experience or by observing others. In my view, the role of the conference is to support young researchers as they enter the world of research, to demystify the conference experience, and to help them build self-confidence by encouraging them to take more risks so that they can improve over time.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"Interview by Mahalia Blanchard-Martial, scientific communicator at \u00c9cole nationale des ponts et chauss\u00e9es.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Interview by Mahalia Blanchard-Martial, scientific communicator at \u00c9cole nationale des ponts et chauss\u00e9es.<\/em><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Interview by Mahalia Blanchard-Martial, scientific communicator at \u00c9cole nationale des ponts et chauss\u00e9es.<\/em><\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Interview by Mahalia Blanchard-Martial, scientific communicator at \u00c9cole nationale des ponts et chauss\u00e9es.<\/em><\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/footnotes","attrs":{"lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[],"rendered":""}],"seo":{"title":"Stabilizing the Unstable: a Conversation With Gr\u00e9goire Elinck"},"media":{"img":"\"\"","src":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MEDIATION2026_DDAP_FDS-scaled.png"},"url":"\/en\/articles\/stabilizing-the-unstable-a-conversation-with-gregoire-elinck\/","related":{"post":[],"author":[{"title":"Gr\u00e9goire Elinck","url":"\/en\/authors\/gregoire-elinck\/","id":"10720","media":"\"\"","slug":"gregoire-elinck"}],"subject":[{"title":"Digital Technology, Modeling & Artificial Intelligence","url":"\/en\/subjects\/digital-technology-modeling-artificial-intelligence\/","id":"690","media":"\"\"","slug":"digital-technology-modeling-artificial-intelligence"}],"category":[{"title":"Article collection","url":"\/en\/articles\/category\/dossier\/","id":"1720","media":"","slug":"dossier","_related_post_type":"folder"},{"title":"Articles","url":"\/en\/articles\/category\/articles\/","id":"1716","media":"","slug":"articles","_related_post_type":""}],"folder":[{"title":"Applied Mathematics: pathways for young researchers","url":"\/en\/folders\/applied-mathematics-pathways-for-young-researchers\/","id":"10721","media":"\"\"","slug":"applied-mathematics-pathways-for-young-researchers"}]},"translated":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/articles\/stabiliser-linstable-rencontre-avec-gregoire-elinck\/","icon":"icon-article","duration":"4","custom_excerpt":"From biology and physics to economics, engineering and many other fields, applied mathematics cuts across a wide range of disciplines, enabling us to model, understand, and solve complex problems. Yet far from the abstract image often associated with it, applied mathematics permeates everyday life and drives research at the heart of very concrete challenges. This feature gives voice to five young researchers in applied mathematics who took part in the Congress of Young Researchers in Applied Mathematics (CJC-MA)<\/a>. Drawing on their backgrounds and in their own words, they describe what led them to this field, the scientists who inspired them, and the importance of such a conference to them in their careers as young researchers.","duration_type":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10726","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10726"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10726\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10728,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10726\/revisions\/10728"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10644"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10726"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article-types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-types?post=10726"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}