A celebration of science in the Pays de Gex and at CERN

The “Fête de la science” runs from 16 to 22 November tis year and CERN will once again be taking part, in partnership with the Euroscience Léman Association. Throughout the week, science will be placed in the spotlight in the Pays de Gex, through a variety of presentations, exhibitions, lectures and workshops.
 

Every autumn, the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research organises the Fête de la Science. Events are organised across the country to bring science closer to the general public.

The festivities on offer in the Pays de Gex have been devised by the Euroscience Léman Association in partnership with CERN. The Globe of Science and Innovation will play host to a theatrical presentation, lectures and the Accelerating Science exhibition. Other events will be held in Divonne-les-Bains, including workshops, film shows and a Science Café.

The whole thing kicks off at the Globe where events will be organised three nights in a row. Monday 16th will see a performance of One zero show,  a poetic representation of mathematics by Denis Guedj, which is suitable for all. On Tuesday 17th, the public will get the chance to meet CERN scientists and journey into the dark with a lecture and debate entitled Voyage dans le noir. This is an opportunity to learn about the mysteries of black holes, dark matter, dark energy and antimatter. On Wednesday 18th, Galileo will takes centre stage. The focus moves to Divonne-les-Bains from Thursday 19th.

Two exhibitions will be on offer throughout the week. Discover what happened in the first moments of the Universe at the Accelerating Science exhibition in the Globe of Science and Innovation, while photographs taken with telescopes will be on display at the De la Terre à l’Univers exhibition in Divonne.

For Bernard Pellequer, who is in charge of event scheduling at the Globe of Science and Innovation, the Fête de la Science is a key scientific outreach event. “The aim is to get the local community involved and bring science closer to the general public,” he explains. “Public interest in this sort of thing is evident, as we have seen in previous years.” A large number of visitors can again be expected this year so to ensure you get seats for the various events, you are advised to book ahead.

by Antoine Cappelle