Throwback of the study day on vulnerability [June 10, 2024]

Throwback of the Workshop on vulnerability (EUR LIVE, Paris 2024)

The Workshop organized by the Graduate School of Research (EUR) LIVE took place on June 10, 2024, at the National Museum of Immigration History in Paris. This event brought together researchers, students, and professionals to explore multiple angles of vulnerability.

A Flagship Event at the Heart of Paris

The National Museum of the History of Immigration as a meeting place, provided an ideal framework for addressing subjects relating to history, society and science to study vulnerability. 

Opening and Introduction

The day began with welcome words from Geneviève Derumeaux and Isabelle Coll, highlighting the importance of vulnerability as an object of transdisciplinary study. Their opening speech highlighted EUR LIVE's commitment in promoting a deeper understanding of this complex issue throughout multidisciplinary dialogues.

Morning Interventions

Vulnerability(s): Paradigms, Methods and Disciplinary Knowledge

Roberto Poma, university professor at the LIS laboratory at UPEC, pointed out on the paradigms and methods for studying vulnerability. He insisted on the need to combine disciplinary knowledge to fully understand this complex concept.

The Vulnerability of Living Things and the One Health Approach

Jean Estebanez, lecturer in human geography (Lab'Urba) at UPEC, followed with an analysis of the vulnerability of living through the One Health approach. He demonstrated how human, animal and environmental health are interconnected and how this perspective can help understand and addresse vulnerabilities:

This communication proposed to think about One Health as a reconfiguration of what health is (linking human, animal and environmental health). Through a presentation of the genesis and the actors of One Health, we asked ourselves if this formulation primarily refers to a way of taking care of living things and their vulnerability in a context of generalized poisoning of the planet or if the issues arise rather in terms of risk and in particular zoonotic control. (J. Estebanez, 2024)

Legal Aspects of Vulnerability

Hugo Bernard-Pouillaude, lecturer in Public Law and EUR LIVE professor, explored the legal dimensions of vulnerability, in particular the plural protections in public law. His intervention highlighted the challenges of legal regulation to face vulnerability.

Key Note Reading and Round Table

Eric Fiat, university professor, head of the Master of Ethics at Gustave Eiffel University and member of the LIPHA laboratory, captivated the audience with a key note reading entitled "Variations on the Achilles heel". His poetic and philosophical presentation offered a unique perspective on the human weaknesses and vulnerability that surround us.

Concerned that her son Achilles would be invulnerable, his mother Thetis immersed him in the river Styx, sent him disguised as a young girl to the court of Lycomedes so that he would not die at Troy, had Hephaestus make him a particularly reinforced armor at the heel. But neither hydrotherapy, methitherapy, nor vulcanotherapy remedied the vulnerability of his beloved son: in man, death always ends up finding the chink in the armor, the vulnerable place in the invulnerable body, the deprived part of the fortress. This ontological vulnerability cannot make us forget that there are degrees of vulnerability, and infinitely variable forms. What are those of our time?" (E. Fiat, 2024)

The morning concluded with an enriching round table where the speakers discussed the diverse presentations with attendants providing a constructive debate.

Lunch Break and Networking

The lunch was a valuable opportunity for participants to meet, exchange and network.

Afternoon Interventions

Integrating Vulnerability into Atmospheric Sciences

The afternoon began with Isabelle Coll who discussed the integration of vulnerability in atmospheric sciences. Her presentation showed how climate and environmental change are exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

Feedback from Doctoral Experiences

Three EUR LIVE doctoral students – Sri Kamini Soocheta, Malo Costes and Thomas Martinez – shared their respective research on health, environment and health economics. Their perspectives have enriched understanding of contemporary challenges related to vulnerability.

Vulnerability to the Trial of Exile

Florent Clouet, Coordinator of support for migrants of the French Red Cross, gave a poignant testimony on the vulnerability of migrants, illustrating the difficulties and resilience of this population who are often neglected during their journeys.

Participatory Constructive Experiences

Noëlle Resende presented participatory public health initiatives in Brazil, highlighting the importance of community engagement to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable populations.

Vulnerability as a Liminal Space

Felipe Koch concluded the interventions with a reflection on vulnerability as a liminal space, opening visions of the future for innovative and inclusive approaches.

Conclusion

The EUR LIVE Vulnerability Workshop opened an important space to understand and address contemporary vulnerabilities. The discussions were very rich and the connections established promised a fertil ground for future transdisciplinary research.