Dr Berenice Darnault | Psycholinguistics and lifelong motivation | Best Researcher Award

Dr Berenice Darnault , Université Bretagne Sud  , France

Berenice Darnault , PhD, is an early-career researcher and accredited lecturer in applied linguistics at the University of South Brittany, France. Specializing in business English and communication, she holds a PhD in Cognitive Science and Language from the University of Barcelona. Her research emphasizes the psychology of language learning, narrative studies, and second language acquisition (SLA), with a focus on lifelong learning and motivational ecologies. An active contributor to the field, she engages in international conferences and workshops, showcasing her expertise through numerous publications. With experience in project management and strategic planning from roles in European institutions and the private sector, Bérénice combines strong administrative skills with a passion for teaching and research. Her ability to present complex ideas clearly and engage diverse audiences marks her as a dynamic academic and educator.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

1. Strong Research Background: Berenice’s  PhD thesis on lifelong learning motivational ecologies demonstrates deep engagement with complex, relevant issues in language learning. Her work is well-supported by a solid theoretical and empirical foundation, as evidenced by her forthcoming and published research.
2. Diverse Experience: Her experience spans academic, administrative, and communication roles, showcasing a broad skill set. This diversity is beneficial for understanding and contributing to interdisciplinary research.
3. Active Engagement: Her participation in international conferences and workshops, coupled with a significant number of publications, highlights her active contribution to the field of applied linguistics and SLA.
4. Teaching Excellence: Her accreditation as a lecturer and experience in various teaching contexts underscore her ability to effectively communicate and teach complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Research Impact: While her publications and conference presentations are impressive, further efforts could be made to enhance the impact of her research through collaboration with other researchers or institutions, which could amplify her work’s reach and application.
2. Grants and Funding: While she has received some funding, increasing the number and scope of grants could provide further validation of her research’s significance and potential impact.
3. Interdisciplinary Work: Although she is engaged in interdisciplinary research, she might benefit from further collaboration with researchers in other fields to broaden the scope and applicability of her work.

Education 

Berenice Darnault’s completed her PhD in Cognitive Science and Language at the University of Barcelona (2019-2023), where she investigated lifelong learning motivational ecologies through senior language users’ narratives. She earned an MA in Modern and Medieval Languages (Honours) from the University of Cambridge (2014), and an MA in European Studies with Distinction from King’s College London (2012-2013). Her undergraduate studies, also at the University of Cambridge, culminated in a BA in Modern and Medieval Languages (2:1) (2007-2011). Her education reflects a robust foundation in language and cognitive sciences, enriched by a diverse international academic background, which supports her current research and teaching endeavors.

Experience 

Berenice Darnault’s professional journey includes teaching roles and significant administrative experience. Since September 2024, she serves as a Research and Teaching Assistant at Université Bretagne Sud, delivering courses in business communication and translation. Previously, she worked as an English Teacher and Coach, providing tailored English instruction and mentoring at various educational levels (2015-2019). Her earlier experience includes teaching English and French at Escuela Virgen de Mirasierra in Madrid (2009-2010). In administrative roles, she managed operations at the Institut Arnault Tzanck in France (2019-2022) and handled communication for the European Commission’s DG CONNECT (2019-2022), demonstrating her versatility in both academic and organizational settings.

Research Focus 

Berenice Darnault’s research focuses on the psychology of language learning, particularly within the context of second language acquisition (SLA) and English language teaching (ELT). Her work explores motivational factors and lifelong learning, with an emphasis on how individual differences such as personality and emotions impact language acquisition. She investigates theoretical frameworks like dynamic systems theory and self-determination theory, as well as practical settings like CLIL and immersion environments. Her research is also concerned with age effects in SLA, particularly among senior learners, and she employs narrative inquiry to understand motivational ecologies across the lifespan. Through her publications and conference presentations, she contributes valuable insights into how motivational dynamics shape language learning experiences.

Publications Top Notes

• CONSOLI, S. and DARNAULT, B. (Forthcoming, 2025) Innovative Use of Narrative Inquiry for Motivation Research. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, Special Issue. 📚
• DARNAULT, B. (Forthcoming, 2025) Lifelong Motivation and Foreign Language Learning: Perspectives from Later Life. Bristol: Multilingual Matters. 📖
• DARNAULT, B. (Forthcoming, 2024) Motivation et bien-être dans l’apprentissage des langues chez les seniors. Les Langues Modernes. 📘
• DARNAULT, B., TRAGANT, E., and LASAGABASTER, D. (2024). Tracing the dynamics of motivational self-constructs across the lifespan: Tales from senior learners of English. System, 126, 103487. 🔍

Conclusion

Berenice Darnault is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her robust academic background, significant contributions to the field of applied linguistics, and effective teaching and administrative roles position her as a distinguished early-career researcher. Her proactive involvement in international research forums and her published work reflect her dedication and potential for making a substantial impact in her field. Addressing the areas for improvement could further enhance her candidacy and broaden her research’s influence.