Danièle Brun: A Scholar and Psychologist
Danièle Brun, a distinguished figure in the fields of academia and psychology, left an indelible mark on the French intellectual landscape. Born on July 6, 1938, and passing away on January 3, 2023, she was renowned for her contributions to psychology and her association with the Espace analytique.
Early Years and Education
Danièle Brun’s academic journey was marked by intellectual curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. She initially delved into the study of English and German at the University of Paris. However, her academic pursuits soon led her to the realm of psychology. She completed her studies in psychology at both Paris Diderot University and the University of Vincennes, with an additional enrollment at Paris Descartes University.
A Scholar and Educator
Brun’s career in academia and psychology was characterized by a deep commitment to learning and teaching. She embarked on her teaching journey as a lecturer at the New Sorbonne University, where she instructed students on the intricacies of psychological assessments such as the Rorschach test and the thematic apperception test. Her mentor and guiding force during this phase was Juliette Favez-Boutonnier.
In 1989, Danièle Brun achieved a significant milestone by defending her thesis titled “Psychopathologie de la guérison à propos de la guérison chez l’enfant” (Psychopathology of Healing: A Study on Healing in Children). This marked a pivotal moment in her academic career.
Brun’s engagement with psychoanalysis led her to become a member of the board of directors at the Paris Psychoanalytic Society. Additionally, from 1988 to 1998, she served as a psychoanalyst at the Centre Édouard Claparède in Neuilly-sur-Seine.
A Multifaceted Career
Danièle Brun’s expertise extended to various domains within the field of psychology. She managed a clinical practice specializing in child psychiatry at the Hôpital Saint-Vincent de Paul and adult psychiatry at the Hôpital Paul Brousse. Her dedication also led her to work as a psychologist in adult hematology at the Hôtel-Dieu in Paris and in child oncology at the renowned Institut Gustave Roussy.
In 2001, she played a pivotal role in founding the Centre de recherches psychanalyse et médecine and, a year prior, the Société de médecine et psychanalyse.
Legacy and Contributions
In 2011, Danièle Brun organized a seminar focusing on the status of women in medicine, a testament to her commitment to addressing important societal issues. The lectures from this seminar were published by the Institut Émilie-du-Châtelet.
Her scholarly contributions extended beyond the classroom and into literature. She was a valued contributor to the Dictionnaire international de psychanalyse, directed by Alain de Mijolla.
Farewell to a Remarkable Mind
On January 3, 2023, the world bid adieu to Danièle Brun, who passed away at the age of 84. Her life’s work, dedication to psychology, and commitment to the advancement of knowledge continue to inspire and shape the fields she held dear. Danièle Brun’s legacy as a scholar and psychologist endures through her contributions and the impact she had on generations of students and colleagues.
