On March 17 and 18, 2026, the reConnect Institute hosted the second edition of Scientific Days, an annual event that has become a must-attend for all staff members. This event underscores the collective momentum driving the Institute a year and a half after it was designated a university hospital institute. Two days designed for dialogue, knowledge sharing, exchanging ideas, and shaping the next steps of the reConnect initiative.
A first day dedicated to sharing, raising awareness of projects, and fostering collaboration
The Institute’s Director, Anne-Lise Giraud, opened the meeting by highlighting the importance of this gathering: an opportunity to review the progress made over the past year, prepare key reports—including those for the ANR—and outline future goals. Under the day’s motto,“Mingle, reflect on the past year, and be bold for the future,”the sessions unfolded in a studious yet friendly atmosphere.
Each segment of the day’s program provided an opportunity to reflect on the highlights of the past year, including: the arrival of new researchers and contributors, the integration of new clinical teams, the opening of a renovated space at Lariboisière, and the preparation of annual and evaluation reports.
All project groups (Work Packages (WP) 1 through 11) presented their progress during concise and informative sessions, providing a detailed overview of the research structure.
WP1: New methods for the diagnosis and management of sudden or fluctuating hearing loss, including advances in innovative tympanometry and the implementation of a unified “umbrella” protocol.
WP2: Prevention and treatment of progressive hearing loss, including genetic research, cohort analyses, studies on acoustic trauma, and advances in gene therapy.
WP3: Characterization and treatment of auditory perception disorders, with a focus on hyperacusis and misophonia.
WP4: Exploring the links between hearing loss, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative diseases.
WP5: Advances in understanding disrupted audio-phonological networks.
WP6: New approaches to data science and advanced image analysis.
WP7 & WP10: A shared focus on connected research, innovation, and industrial partnerships.
WP8: Prevention, Ethics, and Society, with a focus on common conditions (tinnitus, hyperacusis, presbycusis, etc.).
WP9: Training and scientific communication, emphasizing the importance of knowledge transfer, structured training programs, and the dissemination of research findings.
This effort to explain how the Institute’s work is organized into project groups reflects its multidisciplinary approach to better understanding hearing, cognitive, and speech disorders.
A unifying poster session
A particularly well-received highlight was the poster session, which featured some fifteen projects that epitomized the past year. In a warm and interactive atmosphere, young researchers and more experienced researchers exchanged ideas on results, tools, methods, and future prospects. Many highlighted the collective energy of this session, a symbol of a scientific community in full swing.
Workshops to take it further
The afternoon featured several hands-on workshops, including sessions on advanced imaging tools, noise exposure measurement and its impacts, the challenges of communicating research findings, and career advice for early-career researchers.
These practical formats allowed for an in-depth exploration of technical topics while fostering discussion.
A second day dedicated to young researchers
March 18 was a day dedicated to the Institute’s young researchers. This specially designed event was aimed at strengthening the skills, confidence, and cohesion of the new reConnect scientific generation.
A highlight of the event was the session on synchrotron imaging and endoscopic middle ear surgery, featuring an exceptional masterclass led by Lukas Anschuetz. The participants, mostly students, had the opportunity to learn about research on the structural analysis of micro-movements in the middle ear, as well as their direct implications for otologic surgery.
Real-world scenarios in the research ecosystem
The immersive workshop focused on creating a mock funding proposal was a resounding success. Working in small groups, participants proposed, explained, and defended a scientific idea. Post-it notes piled up, questions flew, and the atmosphere was constructive and cohesive—true to the spirit of reConnect.
Building the community of tomorrow
Through quizzes, masterclasses, role-playing exercises, and informal discussions, the day provided an opportunity to forge new connections, encourage young researchers to gain confidence in their work, and facilitate the exchange of experiences with seasoned professionals. Another goal that was fully achieved was to gain a better understanding of the connections between research teams and research topics.
An event that strengthens the reConnect Institute’s shared identity
These two days have reaffirmed the Institute’s unique momentum: a committed, open community driven by a shared ambition. The 2026 Scientific Days and the Young Researchers’ Day provided an opportunity to highlight progress, strengthen collaboration across working groups, and foster the collective enthusiasm essential for tackling the scientific and medical challenges ahead.
