Rim-Sarah Alouane, Ph.D.

I was pleased to take part in two panel discussions at this year's Bradford Literature Festival. The first, 9/11 and the World It Created, brought together Saeed Khan, Shahed Amanullah, Ebrahim Rasool and Paul Rogers to reflect on the ongoing impact of 9/11 on global politics, security, public discourse and international relations. Twenty-five years on, it was an opportunity to discuss not only the legacy of the War on Terror, but also the ways in which its consequences continue to shape our societies. The second panel, Feminism, Power and Political Narratives, with Tasneem Chopra OAM , Naz Shah MP and Rosieda Shabodien, explored whose voices are amplified, whose experiences are overlooked, and how media, politics and power influence contemporary feminist discourse. It was a thoughtful conversation about the importance of consistency, accountability and a more globally conscious approach to solidarity. I am grateful to Bradford Literature Festival for the invitation, to my fellow panelists for such deep and thoughtful discussions, and to everyone who joined us and contributed with their questions and reflections. These are not easy conversations, but they are necessary ones.

I joined Al Jazeera’s Inside Story to discuss the recent French court ruling concerning Marine Le Pen and what it could mean for the future of France’s 2027 presidential election. We talked about the implications of her possible candidacy in the light of her condemnation for embezzelement, the challenges facing the National Rally, and whether voters opposed to her policies will once again unite around a common alternative.

I had the pleasure to give a seminar on “Generative AI and Open Science: tension or complementarity?” at the University of Bordeaux; The discussion focused on the growing role of generative AI in scientific work, the principles of open science (knowledge sharing, methodological transparency, and accessibility of research outputs), as well as the conditions needed to reconcile technological innovation, scientific integrity, and the legal framework. I tried to emphasize the legal issues raised by the use of AI in research: transparency, responsibility, copyright, data protection, risks of discrimination, biases and the reliability of scientific outputs. Many thanks to everyone who attended for their engagement and thoughtful contributions throughout the discussion. Special thanks as well to the organizing committee for their trust and support: Karine Onfroy, Claire Kersuzan, Olha Nahorn, the CHANGES Research Department (Département de recherche CHANGES, GIS Urfist de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Sciences Economiques, and the PUD of Bordeaux (Maison des Sciences Humaines de Bordeaux (MSHBx). It was a pleasure to contribute to this collective reflection on the ongoing transformations in research in the age of AI. #AI #OpenScience #Research #Law #GenerativeAI

I was interviewed and quoted by Sophie Stuber for Al Jazeera English in this piece on the 2026 French municipal elections. The article touches on the question of potential far-right gains in several cities, as well as the role of alliances and the uncertainties around upcoming results.

I was quoted in this article by Phineas Rueckert on the killing of a French far-right activist and the consequences on municipal elections.

Following a seminar I gave on the Callisto platform, I was quoted in Institut Pasteur's Open Science blog post, discussing the relationship between artificial intelligence and open science.

I shared some insights with AFP on France's ongoing move to restrict the wearing of religious symbols—specifically targeting the Islamic headscarf worn by Muslim female athletes —in sports competitions. I find this development deeply concerning. Framing neutrality through restrictive dress codes often leads to the exclusion of already marginalized groups. Such policies not only challenge the principles of inclusion, equality and human rights but also contradict global efforts to make sport a more fair and accessible space.

I was delighted to take part in the seminar “Does AI Threaten Open Science?”, held as part of the Open Science Week organized by the Toul'AO network (Toulouse Open Archives). My presentation focused on a fundamental question: Is AI a driving force for open science, or does it pose an existential threat to its core principles? AI is revolutionizing research, but not without risks. Hallucinated results, opaque methodologies, and growing disparities between institutions challenge the very foundations of scientific integrity. Without proper safeguards, AI could distort knowledge, concentrate power, and weaken trust in academia—ultimately jeopardizing not just science, but democracy itself. A big thank you to the organizers and my fellow panelists for the insightful discussions!

I am honored to share that I have successfully defended my PhD thesis titled "The Notion of Reasonable Accommodation in Religious Matters: A Comparative Study Between France and Canada" at the Université Toulouse 1 Capitole This achievement marks the culmination of years of research, perseverance, and intellectual exploration, and I am deeply grateful to those who have supported me along the way. I extend my profound gratitude to my supervisor, professor Sébastien Saunier, whose guidance, expertise, and encouragement have been pivotal throughout this journey. Your unwavering commitment to my growth as a scholar has been truly inspiring. I am equally grateful to my committee members, Professor Gwénaële Calvès, Professor Olivia Bui-Xuan, Professor Jean-François Gaudreault-DesBiens & Professor Isabelle Desbarats for their thoughtful feedback, challenging questions, and invaluable insights that have enriched my work. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the steadfast support of my family, friends, and colleagues. Your belief in me has been a source of strength and motivation throughout this process. As I reflect on this significant milestone, I am excited to continue contributing to the field of law, pursuing meaningful research, and engaging with new opportunities to make a lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.

In my latest piece for the Society for the Study of French History, I tried to explore the implications of France's decision to ban the Islamic headscarf for its athletes at the 2024 Olympic Games. I explore how these headscarf bans intersect with broader issues of identity, gender, and religious freedom.

In this episode, titled "What Americans Need To Learn From France's Election: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," we explored the implications of the Left-wing New Popular Front's victory and what it means for France and Western countries facing a concerning surge of the far-right.

My appearance on Zeteo where I shared my insights on the results of the French legislative snap elections.

I shared some thoughts with The Local France on the French far-right.

Here is my latest article: "France's Far-Right Renaissance: A New Era of Political Upheaval in Europe" published in Friends of Europe's online policy magazine #CriticalThinking. In it, I delve into the troubling outcomes of the recent French legislative elections and the alarming surge of the far-right. I tried to analyze the various factors driving this shift and discuss its broader implications for European unity, human rights, and the urgent need for decisive action from policymakers. This is a pivotal moment for our democracies, and it is essential that we confront these challenges with the gravity they deserve.

I recently spoke with Al Jazeera about the far-right's agenda and policies. We're already facing far-right policies under Macron, especially aimed at Muslims and other marginalized groups. However, if you think that's concerning (and it certainly is), imagine what it will be like when the far-right implements them as they've always envisioned (yes, it would resemble a return to the 1930s).