International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The scientific professions within our division are as varied as they are essential. They contribute directly to innovation, industrial performance and the development of sustainable solutions for the future of our industry.
Through their testimonials, several female employees share their professional journeys. These paths are sometimes atypical, often demanding, but always guided by curiosity, a desire to learn and a taste for challenge.
The Le Thillay laboratory is a hub of constant innovation, where diversity of tasks and continuous learning are at the heart of everyday life. Anaïs MATHIEU shares her journey in R&D, marked by professional growth.
“I have been working at Ajinomoto Foods Europe – Solutions & Ingredients Division for three years, joining the company as an Application Development Technician. After returning to education, I moved into the role of R&D Project Manager a year ago, a change in position made possible thanks to the company’s support for my career plans.
At the Le Thillay laboratory, my work in R&D is very varied and particularly stimulating. I am challenged on a daily basis, which makes every day different. It is this diversity that I enjoy the most and that gives me the feeling of having found a job that matches my aspirations.
In order to further my career, I decided to study food engineering at the CNAM (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts). This has given me practical tools that I can apply immediately in the workplace.
I am proud to have gone back to school and dared to evolve. The supportive guidance of the company, and especially my manager, has been essential. I want to tell women that they should dare to take the plunge. Scientific careers are exciting, varied and fully satisfy your curiosity.”
Anaïs MATHIEU – R&D Project Officer
Production roles require rigour, organisation and the ability to bring teams together. Amélie TINTILLIER looks back on a career built over time, which has led her to managerial positions.
“I have been working at Ajinomoto Foods Europe – Solutions & Ingredients Division for 16 years, joining the company in 2009 as an assistant engineer. I then moved to a process engineer position in 2013, before becoming speciality production manager in 2016. My career path illustrates a gradual progression, built on opportunities and field experience.
On a daily basis, my role is to ensure that production runs according to schedule, in compliance with quality, safety and environmental standards. My main tasks are to guarantee the smooth running of production, to support the teams by developing their skills, to anticipate training needs and to ensure the reliability of equipment in conjunction with maintenance.
Being a woman in production has never been a hindrance. Listening and dialogue have helped to build an efficient and respectful working environment. What makes me most proud today is seeing the development of my teams, their constant commitment and their ability to suggest improvements. My message to women is: dare to take on positions of responsibility, listen to others and never give up.”
Amélie TINTILLIER – Specialties Production Manager
Some careers are built over the long term, through projects and technological developments. Valérie CARON has more than 30 years of experience, marked by a diversity of assignments and continuous learning.
“I joined the company in 1992 for an end-of-studies internship after completing a technical degree in applied biology. I was initially hired on a fixed-term contract before becoming a permanent member of the team. My career path has allowed me to move from the biological control and strain production laboratory to bioprocess development, while maintaining a strong foothold in strain production.
I am passionate about my job because of its diversity: microbiology, strain production, fermentation, development projects and production support. Every day is unique and there is always something new to learn.
What motivates me most today are new projects and contributing to the future of the company. Working in a small team encourages versatility and a pleasant working atmosphere.
After more than 30 years in my career, I am happy to be doing a job I love. My message to women: dare to follow your dreams, in science as elsewhere. Fields related to biodiversity and bioenergy are booming; these are jobs with a future where you never get bored.”
Valérie CARON – Bio-process Development Technician
Quality and continuous improvement roles play a key role in product safety and process compliance. Aude BOULANGER shares her career change journey, marked by determination and internal progression.
“Currently working as a quality and continuous improvement coordinator, I joined Ajinomoto Foods Europe – Solutions & Ingredients Division (AFE-SID) in November 2022 after an unusual career path.
After several years as a petrol station attendant, I decided to switch to the QSE field, which meant going back to school. It wasn’t easy, and finding a work-study programme was a real challenge!
After completing my apprenticeship, I joined AFE SID on a fixed-term contract as a quality coordinator on the MSG line, before moving on to a permanent position as a quality technician and, more recently, to my current role. I work daily with the production and logistics teams to ensure compliance with standards, procedures and regulations, while ensuring food safety and product compliance.
This progression has allowed me to acquire new skills. I am proud of my career path and can say that I am exactly where I need to be. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is also an opportunity to remind ourselves that diversity in career paths and profiles is an asset for scientific and industrial professions. I encourage women to believe in themselves and not to hesitate to pursue this path.”
Aude BOULANGER – Quality and Continuous Improvement Coordinator
Through these authentic testimonials, Ajinomoto Foods Europe – Solutions & Ingredients Division reaffirms its commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities.
These career paths demonstrate that scientific professions are accessible, progressive and meaningful. They offer real opportunities for professional fulfilment.
Science is a career with a bright future, open to all those who dare to pursue it.
