Peggy Rigou
(She/Her)
Research Engineer in Analytical Chemistry Sciences For Oenology Unit, TRANSFORM Department, National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE). French living in Montpellier, France.
Peggy’s research work in the field of oenology aims to assess the impact of abiotic factors and oenological processes on the expression of aromas in grapes and wines. The impact of global warming on the oenological sector is a major issue in the research projects she is involved in. Since recently, she is also involved in a project for the valorization of the maritime pine forests of the Cévennes National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site, through the production of essential oil of turpentine and rosin.
One of its major concerns is to reduce the ecological footprint of its research work, and she works on the development of more environmentally friendly methods of chemical analysis. She also acts within the sustainable development group of actions of her institution INRAE and within the national scientific think tank Labo1point5.
Peggy is passionate about empowering women and bridging the gender gap still prevailing in many scientific sectors. She coordinates the equality and diversity issues within the INRAE center of Montpellier and participates in the Femmes et Sciences association for educational programs for the advance of gender equity and the promotion of science and engineering as a career of choice for girls.Originally from the Basque Country, at the foot of the Pyrenees, Peggy hikes, climbs and has climbed the highest peaks of these moutains. She has always been very connected to the mountain environment, and it is there that she returns to draw inspiration and energy. Witnessing the impact of global warming on the mountain environment: glacial retreat, collapse in the high mountains,water shortage in the rivers, she wishes to commit herself to the future of our planet.
