Agnès Poulbot has become a leading figure in automotive research, redefining what it means to be a woman in the world of engineering—a field where women have often had to fight to be seen, let alone heard.
Born and raised in France, Agnès was drawn to mechanics from a young age. She spent hours in the family garage, watching her father take engines apart and put them back together. But while she admired his skill, she wanted to push further—beyond repair, toward innovation. She pursued mechanical engineering at one of France’s top universities, graduating with distinction and entering an industry that had yet to fully recognise the potential of women engineers.
She soon realised that while much attention was given to improving engines and fuel systems, tyres—crucial for both safety and efficiency—were often treated as an afterthought. Determined to change this, Agnès focused her research on tyre performance, safety, and sustainability. She led studies that explored new rubber compounds, tread designs, and the use of recycled materials, all with the goal of creating tyres that could adapt to different climates while reducing environmental impact.
Her breakthroughs include the development of all-weather tyres that maintain grip in rain, snow, and dry conditions, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. These innovations have influenced tyre standards across the industry and encouraged manufacturers to reconsider how road safety begins at ground level—literally, where the vehicle meets the road.
But Agnès’s impact goes beyond research and patents. Early in her career, she encountered dismissive attitudes, missed credit, and rooms where her ideas were ignored until repeated by others. Rather than step back, she became a vocal advocate for women in STEM. She has spoken at universities, industry panels, and international forums, addressing the need for structural change within engineering.
She also mentors young women entering the field, helping them navigate both technical challenges and the realities of being underestimated. Through her mentorship, she has created spaces where women can openly discuss their ambitions, setbacks, and successes without apology.
Away from the lab, Agnès speaks openly about the importance of balance. She has shared how difficult it was to build a career while managing expectations often placed on women outside of work. She credits her family for grounding her and admits that progress in engineering takes not only intelligence, but persistence and a willingness to keep pushing when solutions aren’t immediately clear.
Agnès Poulbot’s story is about reshaping an industry through innovation, integrity, and the belief that engineering is stronger when every voice is heard. Her legacy is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: she has changed the direction of the road beneath us, one revolution at a time.
