Discovering new horizons in Printed Electronics 

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of research and development, emerging talents like Juliette Seignard are making significant strides. At just 23 years old, Juliette transitioned from a military reservist to a trailblazing researcher in the field of printed electronics at our R&D Lab in Grenoble. She began her work on February 19, 2024, and officially became a thesis student on May 1, 2024, with her thesis set to conclude on May 1, 2027. Her journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, determination, and the drive to create a lasting impact.  

A passion for Innovation 

 Juliette’s path to the cutting-edge realm of printed electronics was not a straightforward one. Initially, she had aspirations to join the army, influenced by a mandatory one-day experience in the military during her youth. This experience sparked a deep-seated admiration for the discipline and camaraderie she found there, leading her to serve as a reservist for five years while pursuing her studies. 

However, Juliette’s innate curiosity and passion for innovation soon guided her towards a different path. During her studies at the renowned Grenoble INP-Pagora School, specializing in paper, biomaterials, and printing, she discovered the world of printed electronics—a field distinct from traditional electronics due to its innovative approach and broad applications. This discovery ignited a new passion in her, leading her to explore this emerging field further. 

  Choosing Fedrigoni for real-world impact 

 When it came time for Juliette to choose what she was going to do after graduation, her path crossed with Fedrigoni. One of her professors recommended the company, and after meeting with several potential employers, Juliette was particularly drawn to the unique opportunities offered. 

“I appreciated that Fedrigoni’s project wasn’t just about research in a laboratory,” Juliette explains. “It involved scaling up to industrialization, which was crucial for me. I didn’t want to spend three years solely in a lab; I wanted to see my work have a tangible impact in the real world.” 

This aspect of Fedrigoni’s project aligned with Juliette’s aspirations, as she sought a role where she could bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application. Her involvement in the project has already seen her traveling to various locations, including Guarro and Fabriano paper mills, collaborating with diverse teams, and experiencing firsthand the industrial dimensions of her work. 

  Skills for success 

Juliette’s role in the printed electronics project requires a distinct set of skills. Organization is crucial, given the project’s three-year span and the complexity of its multiple phases. “It’s important to identify the different stages and focus on the critical aspects,” she explains. 

Attention to detail and resilience are other essential skills: the research process can be slow, and meticulous attention to detail is key. “Rushing can cause you to overlook important parameters, which can drastically affect the results,” she warns. Her passion for the subject keeps her motivated and dedicated, emphasizing the value of enjoying the work one does. 

Additionally, teamwork and positive thinking are also important: the collaboration and interactions with colleagues from Fedrigoni’s factories have been invaluable. Sharing her project with them and gaining insights from their perspective has enriched the process. Their expertise in machinery, combined with her own knowledge, has led to a highly productive and insightful partnership. 

Proud moments and future aspirations 

Reflecting on her journey so far, Juliette highlights two proud moments.  

The first was designing her initial batteries and making significant improvements to the prototypes that had been developed before her arrival. These enhancements successfully addressed issues the laboratory had struggled with for over a year, and achieving this during her first production run was a source of pride. It validated her expertise and established her credibility in the field, while also promising advancements for the future. With these breakthroughs, the development of devices ranging from simple gadgets to complex medical instruments now seems within reach, thanks to the innovative technologies she is helping to pioneer. 

The second proud moment came during her trials in Spain and Italy, where Juliette witnessed the industrial scale of her project for the first time. “Seeing the big machines and collaborating with skilled professionals who shared their knowledge was incredibly gratifying,” she recalls. It was a vivid realization of how her efforts in the lab could translate into real-world innovations. 

  Looking ahead, Juliette aspires to become an expert in the field of printed electronics, driven by a desire to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Her advice to those following in her footsteps is to research and ensure their chosen field genuinely excites them. While keeping an eye on how the project fits into the real world, it’s important to make sure that it’s concrete and that the product developed fits into the market. “In research, it’s vital to be passionate about your work. It’s what keeps you motivated and dedicated,” she emphasizes.