Breaking boundaries: Anahita Le Bourdiec on neuroscience, animal communication, and the power of Women in Science
At Ceva, we believe that science is more than just knowledge—it’s a journey of discovery, collaboration, and innovation. To celebrate 2025 Women and Girls in Science Day, we are proud to spotlight Anahita Le Bourdiec, a scientist whose unconventional path—from philosophy to veterinary medicine to neuroscience—is shaping the future of how we understand and care for animals.
From philosophy to veterinary medicine
“I started in philosophy, totally obsessed with how we actually build knowledge and how we can use it to make the world better,” Anahita shares. But for her, thinking wasn’t enough—she wanted to act. This drive led her to become a veterinarian, passionate about understanding the living world on a deeper level.
But her curiosity didn’t stop there. Neuroscience soon captured her imagination, allowing her to explore the intricate ways animals perceive, communicate, and interact with their environment.
How neuroscience is transforming animal health
Anahita’s work delves into animal cognition and communication, uncovering insights that could transform veterinary medicine and deepen our connection with the natural world. “When we use AI to decode animal sounds, we’re not just recording data—we’re uncovering new manifestations of consciousness,” she explains.
Her research also challenges conventional thinking about intelligence and perception. “Take bees, for instance. We often think of them as ‘just insects,’ but their hive functions like another kind of brain. There’s an entire world of communication happening that we’re only beginning to understand.”
Collaboration over competition: the power of women in science
Throughout her career, Anahita has championed a collaborative and holistic approach to science. “As women in science, we bring something special—empathy, the ability to see connections others miss, and a deep curiosity about the bigger picture.”
Her vision extends beyond just animal health—it’s about redefining how we, as humans, see ourselves in relation to nature. “Understanding animal cognition isn’t just about them—it’s about us. It changes how we think, how we innovate, and even how we care for our pets.”
For Anahita, science isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about curiosity, joy, and discovery. “When diverse teams work together with respect and openness, magic happens. We solve problems nobody thought were solvable.”
Her message is clear: “Let’s be curious. Let’s be brave. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Because science isn’t just about facts—it’s about wonder.”
(FULL INTERVIEW VIDEO)