This July I had the opportunity to be part of the Roche Continents programme [1]. The programme was organised by Roche and LUMA Arles and took place in the beautiful city of Arles in the south of France. Together with 40 students from various disciplines and European universities we discussed and explored the connection between arts, science, and sustainability. The theme of the week was resourcefulness.
For students considering applying to Roche Continents next year, I’d like to offer some insights on what to expect, as well as share a few of my personal highlights from the experience.
What to expect
During the week-long programme we heard from inspiring researchers from Roche, visited art exhibitions at LUMA and at the Vincent van Gogh foundation, and learned about the effects of climate change on the Mediterranean wetlands during a visit to Tour du Valat. In terms of time commitments, we spent one day with Tour du Valat and the remaining time was approximately spent 50-50 between science and arts.
Participants in this program typically come from either scientific or artistic backgrounds, though we did have some students pursuing both fields simultaneously. This year, there was a slight majority of science students, many of whom were specializing in healthcare-related areas, ranging from molecular biology to robotics. Additionally, some students integrated sustainability into their studies. While the majority were PhD students, we also had a mix of Bachelor’s and Master’s students, as well as recent PhD graduates.
The variety of talks and the diversity of students resulted in interesting discussions between students and experts. We discussed how arts can inspire scientists, how science can be communicated by arts, and how creativity and artistic freedom, together with the science, can lead to innovations for a more sustainable future. This not only involves environmental sustainability but also social and financial sustainability.
The week’s schedule was quite packed, with some days starting as early as 7 a.m. and finishing as late as 11 p.m. However, there were plenty of opportunities to socialise and engage in discussions with experts. The involvement of experts extended beyond their formal presentations or exhibitions, and the participation of the executive board and family members fostered a unique environment for open discussions.
To make the most of this week, it’s helpful to prepare in advance by researching the invited speakers and thinking about questions you’d like to ask. While questions can be posed after presentations, there are also informal moments, such as during dinners and coffee breaks, where conversations can flow more naturally. On the final day, we had a rotating dinner where each expert was seated at a different table, and we, as students, switched seats for each course. This provided a rare chance for one-on-one conversations with experts, so it’s useful to consider ahead of time which experts you’d like to sit with during each course.
Furthermore, you can expect a well-organised week. We were served breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day in the most remarkable locations. Most lunches and dinners were three course meals, and the food was excellent. Good care was taken to accommodate dietary requirements. The accommodation was also very pleasant, with rooms and bathrooms shared between just two students. During free time, we had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the swimming pool.
My favourite moments
In general, I enjoyed the talks and discussions with experts. We heard from André Hoffmann himself how a company, such as Roche, should be responsible (and valued) for contributing to sustainability. Barend van Bergen (Chief Sustainability Officer at Roche) provided us with insights into Roche’s contributions to sustainability. He discussed how a business approach to sustainability should go beyond mere compliance with government regulations, focusing instead on being strategic and proactive.
Furthermore, I enjoyed the region we stayed in. Arles is a beautiful city with the impressive LUMA tower as a new key hotspot. I was surprised by the science behind the LUMA complex: from the science used in exhibitions to the salt walls of the lift lobby and the well-designed gardens. The city is surrounded by impressive nature, among which the wetlands. Programme Director of Tour du Valat Dr Raphaël Billé explained us the importance and the biodiversity conservation of these wetlands. The setting thus offered the perfect balance between science, arts, and nature.
Lastly, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many diverse students and sharing the experience of this week with them. From the work-related activities to the informal gatherings, such as the memorable dinner on the private beach.
Sources
[1] https://www.roche.com/about/philanthropy/arts-and-culture/roche-continents
Photo taken by Matthew Lee.
