Isabelle OLIVIERI honored as one of the female scientists whose names will be inscribed on the Eiffel Tower

The Faculty of Sciences is proud to see one of its former members, Isabelle Olivieri (1957–2016), among the 72 female scientists whose names will soon be inscribed on the Eiffel Tower.

This initiative pays tribute to women’s significant contributions to the history of science, echoing the 72 scholars already honored since the monument was erected in the late 19th century.

An internationally renowned biologist, Isabelle Olivieri was a leading expert in evolutionary biology and population genetics. Her work has greatly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms of evolution, particularly through her studies of population dynamics, speciation, and invasive species. Her research has thus highlighted the essential links between ecology, evolution, and biodiversity conservation.

A professor at the University of Montpellier, she has made a lasting impact on the scientific community through the originality of her approaches, which combine theoretical rigor with field observation. The excellence of her work has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the CNRS Silver Medal.

The Faculty of Sciences recently decided to honor her memory: last December, Lecture Hall 36.01 in Building 36 was officially named the Isabelle Olivieri Lecture Hall.

The upcoming inscription of his name on the Eiffel Tower serves as yet another tribute to his exceptional career and the significance of his contributions.

This recognition also helps to highlight the women in our faculty who have made their mark on the history of science and to inspire future generations.