Valérie Grand’Maison, coordinator of the Réseau de recherche sur les savoirs citoyens et les approches cocréatives (RéSCits)
NB: This series of encounters highlights the diversity of the members of the IRCM community, the variety of their expertise and the depth of their commitment to their respective roles
For over three years now, Faces of IRCM has offered us a (very) small glimpse into the immense human richness within our institute. Diverse backgrounds, varied and highly complementary expertise… all elements that make our community vibrant and fascinating every day.
The September profile is no exception. It’s an opportunity to discover a young woman with a truly remarkable journey, combining energy, talent, and resilience—qualities she chooses to dedicate to the IRCM and to an innovative research approach within Eric Racine’s team.
Valérie Grand’Maison has been working for a year as the coordinator of the newly established Réseau de recherche sur les savoirs citoyens et les approches cocréatives (RéSCits).
Her name may sound familiar. This young researcher is also a seasoned Paralympic athlete—a high-level swimmer who, at a young age, can proudly claim four Paralympic gold medals and twelve world records in para swimming. She lives with macular degeneration, which significantly impairs her vision. But what immediately stands out when meeting Valérie is her openness and complete lack of pretense.
Drawing on her lived experience as a person with a visual disability and a strong academic background in social sciences, Valérie works with her colleagues to develop a research approach that places users at the heart of the process.
‘’Who better than the users themselves to understand the obstacles they face? Our research network aims to transform how research is conducted. One of our primary missions is to bring society closer to science.”
Trained in public health, sociology, feminist studies, and disability studies, Valérie’s research since 2015 has embraced participatory and transformative approaches, ensuring full involvement of marginalized communities in the pursuit of social justice. Having worked in both academic and community sectors, she has developed key skills in inclusive and empowering research practices.
“When I saw that Eric Racine was launching a brand-new research network, I jumped in. We have so many projects—it’s energizing. It’s the best environment I could work in.”
As coordinator of the Citizen Knowledge and Co-Creative Approaches Research Network (RéSCits), Valérie’s daily activities include connecting citizens with research, equipping students, informing the public and academic institutions, organizing conferences, and bringing together key stakeholders in the field. Judging by her contagious energy and sharp intellect, no professional pool will ever be too deep to slow Valérie’s momentum.
Thank you, Valérie, for your inspiring commitment!
