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, The Faces of the IRCM has offered us a (very) tiny glimpse into the immense human richness within our institute. Diverse backgrounds, broad and highly complementary expertise are all elements that make our community vibrant and fascinating on a daily basis.
The September portrait is no exception. It’s an opportunity to discover a young woman with a truly remarkable journey which combines energy, talent, and resilience—qualities she chooses to lend to the IRCM and to an innovative research approach within Dr. Eric Racine’s team.
Valérie Grand’Maison has worked 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. Living with macular degeneration which significantly impairs her vision, she proudly claims four Paralympic gold medals and twelve world records in para swimming who, at a young age. However, what immediately stands out when meeting Valérie is her openness and authenticity.
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 has been doing research embracing participatory and transformative approaches since 2015, 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 Réseau de recherche sur les savoirs citoyens et les approches cocréatives (RéSCits) (RéSCits), Valérie’s daily activities include connecting citizens with research, equipping students, providing information to 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!
