2021 : First Fête de la Science in Canada
From November 5 to 22, 2021, around the theme "The thrill of discovery", many events are organized throughout Canada to bring together scientists, mediators and the general public around the pleasure of knowing and sharing science.
Participants will discover science and the world of research through conferences, exchanges, exhibitions and workshops. Canadian and French researchers will share their work and discoveries, but also their passion, their daily life and their anecdotes during in-person or online events.
Among the highlights of the Canadian edition
- A series of conferences on the discovery of space at the Alliance française de Toronto with Dr. Etienne Klein and Dr. Claudie Haigneré. These events in French will take place online on November 10 and 23.
- Let’s Sport, a series of lectures in French and English on discovering science in sports, with SciXChange from Ryerson University and Let’s Talk Science.
- Science North, a science museum in Sudbury, will present an online exhibit on Aboriginal science and lectures on November 10 in bilingual format.
- A science photography exhibit at the Alliance Française de Toronto from November 8 to December 17 with photographs submitted by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Association canadienne-française pour l’avancement des sciences (ACFAS) as part of the Science Exposed competition.
- Workshops for schools on the impact of climate change on the lack of food in the world with Action contre la Faim.
- A photographic exhibition "l’Emotion de la découverte" in Manitoba with the Alliance Française du Manitoba and the University of Manitoba, as well as an online video from Manitoban researchers sharing their thoughts.
- An exhibition of scientific photographs on a virtual reality space developed by the Alliance Française de Vancouver that will be available worldwide. On November 20th, different Alliances Françaises will provide access to VR headsets to immerse yourself in this virtual museum.
- An event allowing you to follow Grizzly bears and wolves in Banff National Park organized by Explore by the Seat of Your Pants.
All Fête de la science events in Canada are listed on the Fête de la science website.
Prof. Emily Agard, Ambassador for the 2021 edition in Canada
Professor Emily Agard, Director of SciXchange at Ryerson University, has agreed to be the Canadian Fête de la science Ambassador. PhD. in Immunology from the University of Toronto, Professor Agard strives to make science accessible, engaging and inclusive for all. She works with youth from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, with a particular focus on those from vulnerable communities. As a standard-bearer for the dissemination of knowledge and the sharing of science, Pr. Agard will be keen to help everyone discover the world surrounding us.
The Fête de la science, a not-to-be-missed event in France for 30 years
Organized by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation since 1991, the Fête de la science consists of thousands of free, inventive and fun events open to all. It’s an opportunity to meet scientists, discover the work of researchers, share knowledge, explore new knowledge and question the major issues of the 21st century.
By connecting researchers and the general public, passion and curiosity, the Fête de la science allows citizens of all ages to discover science in a new light, through images, debates, actions and emotions. Celebrating science is a way to share a common scientific culture, to develop critical thinking, but also to value the spirit of reason, methodical doubt and experimentation that are at the heart of the scientific process.