From PhD to Professor: Quentin Lété’s journey in energy research

From electricity markets to academic research
The journey of Quentin Lété

For Quentin Lété, the decision to pursue a PhD came from a growing fascination for mathematical optimization and its applications to electricity systems. During his studies in Applied Mathematics, he discovered how mathematical optimization helps address key questions in electricity markets, combining rigorous modelling with real-world impact.

What initially attracted him was the combination of mathematical optimization, energy questions, and real-world impact. But the more he learned, the more he realized that the courses only revealed part of the picture. Pursuing a doctorate became a way to explore these questions in much greater depth.

Choosing UCLouvain and LIDAM was a natural step. The institute's strong connections between operations research and economics offered the ideal environment to conduct research on electricity markets and energy systems.

A humbling and transformative experience

Quentin describes the PhD years as intellectually stimulating, but also deeply humbling.

One lesson stood out above all: the more you learn during a PhD, the more you realize how much remains to be understood. This realization gradually changed his understanding of research itself.

For him, research is not simply about producing results. It is about developing a deep understanding of a topic, connecting ideas that may initially seem unrelated, and learning how to communicate complex concepts clearly.

Over the years, the doctorate also taught him patience, critical thinking, and intellectual independence, skills that continue to shape the way he approaches problems today.

The more you learn during a PhD, the more you realize how much remains to be understood.

Broadening perspectives through international experiences

During his academic journey, Quentin also had the opportunity to work in international research environments, notably as a visiting student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and as a visiting researcher at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

These experiences exposed him to different research cultures and ways of thinking about scientific questions. Looking back, he considers international exposure one of the most valuable aspects of an academic career.

If he were to start over, he says he would probably seek these opportunities even earlier in his journey.

International experiences broaden the way you approach research and collaboration.

From PhD researcher to professor

After completing his doctorate, Quentin joined ETH Zürich as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Power Systems Laboratory under the supervision of Gabriela Hug, before returning to UCLouvain as Assistant Professor.

While the transition remained relatively smooth because he stayed in academia, his responsibilities evolved significantly. During the PhD, research was the central focus. Today, his work combines research, teaching, mentoring, and supervision.

He develops research projects in electricity markets, supervises PhD students and master's theses, teaches courses, and collaborates with companies in the energy sector.

The skills developed during the doctorate — defining research questions, managing uncertainty, and communicating findings effectively — remain central to his daily work.

A PhD teaches you how to think critically about problems that do not yet have clear answers.

Advice for future PhD candidates

For Quentin, motivation is essential before starting a PhD.

A doctorate requires curiosity, independence, and long-term commitment. While it can create many professional opportunities, he believes that genuine intellectual interest in a subject is what truly sustains the experience over several years.

Looking back, he would absolutely choose to do a PhD again.

Curiosity is what sustains you through the long-term challenges of a PhD.