4. Adopt the right method to read a thesis effectively

A thesis can be voluminous. For a quick read, or even automatic exploitation, here are the key elements to look for:

• a summary by the author, in French and English;

• the author's keywords, in French and English ;

• the jury (interesting for monitoring skills and networks);

• An introduction describing the approach, methodology, scientific environment and theoretical framework;

• the state of the art, i.e. a documentary synthesis of scientific progress in the field; this is sometimes the most important element of a thesis;

• a bibliography listing the resources used, the fruit of several years' research (another key element of the thesis); it provides a quick overview of the scientific...