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I began my career in research and development, focusing on powder synthesis, formulation development, process optimisation and experimental work in industrial furnaces. This experience enabled me to develop a st

rong scientific approach and a detailed understanding of how processing conditions influence material properties. A significant part of my activity focused on powder processing and ceramic suspensions. These systems are very sensitive: small changes in raw materials or processing parameters can lead to significant differences in the final product. This highlights the importance of controlling not only the formulation, but also the entire process, to achieve consistent results.

One of the defining experiences of my early career in R&D was my involvement in a France 2030 project focused on the development of low-carbon alumina for ceramic matrix composite applications. This project aimed to reduce the environmental footprint of high-performance ceramics while maintaining their essential properties. Working on this initiative strengthened both my technical expertise in powder processing and my interest in industrial innovation addressing environmental challenges. This project reflects a broader shift in the industry: sustainability is no longer optional, but a central driver of innovation. It also illustrates the complexity of designing materials that meet both environmental and technical demands.

After several years in R&D, I chose to transition into a production environment to work more closely with industrial operations and manufacturing challenges. This shift provided a complementary perspective on materials engineering. In industrial environments, variability is inherent. Raw materials evolve, equipment behaviour changes, and operating conditions fluctuate. My current work focuses on continuous process improvement within this context. This includes variability analysis, root cause investigation, identifying opportunities for improvement and the implementation of practical and sustainable corrective actions, as well as the transfer and replication of products across furnaces in an industrial context. The goal is to improve process reliability, reproducibility, and efficiency, while integrating operator feedback and accounting for industrial constraints. This approach highlights the importance of bridging scientific understanding with operational realities and reinforces the value of close collaboration between development and production teams.

I particularly enjoy working in multidisciplinary environments where materials science expertise can directly support process efficiency and product quality. Looking ahead, I aim to further strengthen the link between development and industrial practice, with a focus on process optimisation and the development of powders that combine high performance with reduced environmental impact. The integration of scientific investigation, industrial implementation, and sustainability is what makes this field both challenging and meaningful.

"Overall, my background enables me to bridge laboratory-scale innovation and industrial-scale implementation. Working at this intersection between R&D and production has been incredibly rewarding, showing how research translates into tangible results and highlighting the importance of teamwork and real-world problem-solving. Today, the field is increasingly evolving toward more sustainable and efficient solutions, and as engineers, we have a key role to play in developing more sustainable materials and processes. Even small improvements in existing manufacturing routes can significantly reduce environmental impact. I encourage young engineers to engage with these challenges early in their careers."

Paola Demairy

Baikowski, France

E-mail: paola.demairy@baikowski.com

LinkedIn Profile: https://fr.linkedin.com/in/paola-demairy