The IAEA profiles women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to provide insight into career paths and to inspire and encourage readers, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM. Read more profiles of IAEA women in STEM.
Variety is the spice of life – the proverbial saying helps to explain the diversity of interests and perspectives that Lydie Evrard embodies. As a young student, Evrard embraced mathematics and physics but also took an interest in literature. In higher education, she graduated from an engineering school and obtained a master’s degree in oil and gas operations, followed by another master’s degree in public administration. Today, as Deputy Director General (DDG) and Head of the IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, Evrard draws on her varied experiences, which also reflect her adaptability.
“It is a challenge to combine different perspectives from different areas, but at the same time, it is highly motivating and essential to better understand complex issues. It is also very rewarding from the human perspective,” Evrard said.
In the face of complex challenges, Evrard describes taking a holistic approach – believing that complex issues are interconnected and can be resolved efficiently and effectively only when considering the whole system, rather than distinct parts. “Complex issues are not one dimensional. A holistic approach provides a wider and deeper understanding of the different components and contribute to addressing the issue,” she said. “Listen to others’ views, encourage your teams to raise their voice, value diversity and be approachable: these are key factors in this regard,” she added.
She highlighted the importance of keeping an open mind and also her affinity for change – changing jobs and evolving her way of thinking when needed. “New challenges enable new ideas to grow,” Evrard said. “When you start a new job in a completely different area, it is an eye-opening opportunity. You can take a new approach, but at the same time, you benefit from lessons from your past experiences. Changes provide new challenges, which enable you to move forward. In contrast, routine would make me bored.”
Working in scientific and technical fields often dominated by men, Evrard noted that she has always considered herself as part of the group or team. Particularly since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, she has been a member of the Director General’s missions to Ukraine, where she is often one of few women on the expert team. “What matters the most is not that you are a man or a woman but your contribution to the mission,” she said.
“Being a woman is not a job,” she added, with a smile.