What if self-doubt were also part of the scientific journey?
Yaëlle Wormser, a PhD student in microbiology at the Institut Pasteur and artist performing under the name Lady Pipette, has released Impostor, her fourth music project combining science and music, following Tuberkiller, Cryo-Flow AND Mathilda.
With this new song, Yaëlle explores a topic that reaches far beyond the scientific community: impostor syndrome. Through her lyrics, she gives voice to feelings experienced by many people throughout their academic and professional journeys, including self-doubt, fear of not being legitimate, and difficulty acknowledging their own achievements.
When music becomes a science communication tool
Yaëlle has used music as an original way to share science and tell research stories differently. Her previous songs explored topics such as tuberculosis, cryo-electron microscopy, and gender inequalities in science. With Impostor, she turns to a more personal aspect of the research experience.
The song reminds us that behind publications, experiments and discoveries are individuals who may also experience uncertainty, vulnerability and the challenge of building self-confidence.
As she stated during the final of the French science communication competition Ma Thèse en 180 secondes (My Thesis in 180 seconds), where she won first prize:
To everyone who feels they are not legitimate: go for it! We need diverse, atypical, sensitive and unique profiles.
Opening the discussion on mental health
Impostor syndrome is not limited to academia. It can affect people from all backgrounds and at different stages of their personal and professional lives. By addressing these feelings through music, Impostor helps foster conversations around mental health and well-being in academic and professional careers.
At the Institut Pasteur, PhD students can benefit from several support mechanisms throughout their doctoral journey, including the Doctoral Student Office, which provides scientific and administrative support, mentoring opportunities, and a team available to listen and help when needed.
Watch the video (mostly in French)
Support the initiative
Did you enjoy Impostor? Help keep the conversation going around impostor syndrome and mental health in academic and professional journeys.
Watch and share the video through Pasteur Education's social media channels:
Every share helps highlight the human side of research and supports science communication initiatives led by PhD students.
Credits
Impostor – Lady Pipette
Prod/Beatmaker: @elrohanito - Rohan Mariaye Mix and Mastering : @bennysilverr - Benny Silver