Fête de la science 2021

Created in 1991, the Fête de la science is organized every year by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, to give everyone the chance to discover the world of science and meet the men and women who make today's science possible.

This year, researchers from the ChaDoCs association (Chercheurs Associés et Doctorants du Collège de France) will be organizing online conferences from Monday October 4 to Friday October 8, and face-to-face activities on October 9, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

From your home, Monday October 4 to Friday October 8

From October 4 to 8, a series of videoconferences highlighting research work carried out at the Collège de France will be offered daily at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

Monday: Neurobiology

Rachel Breton

The role of astrocytes in brain development

Tuesday: oncology

Pierre Bercier

Arsenic against leukemia

Wednesday: papyrology

Valérie Schram

Forests in Egypt? Reconstructing ancient Egyptian landscapes from Greek papyri

Thursday: neurobiology

Maëla Paul

The construction of the brain, an equation with 100 billion neurons?

Friday: biochemistry & anthropology

Cyrille Jeancolas

How to approach the origins of life

Saturday, October 9 at Collège de France

Workshops

We offer workshops on neurology, molecular biology, quantum physics and anthropology.

Neuro-control

Come and discover neuro-control, a man-machine interface for transmitting nervous information between two people, and learn about the foundations of motor control. Come and chat with students about neuroscience: the discipline that studies the nervous system!

DNA: decoding life and better understanding disease

The study of DNA has led to major advances in many fields of research. Discover how this strange molecule is helping to advance research into neuropathies.

Bacteria: the invisible world around us!

Bacteria are often perceived as unfriendly, yet they are indispensable in the manufacture of our food and in protecting our skin. Come and take a closer look at these micro-organisms in all their forms.

The cerebellum, a little brain within our brain?

Although the cerebellum represents only 10% of the brain's volume, it contains 50% of its neurons! If you'd like to understand why, and what role it plays in your daily life, come and meet us!

Arsenic against leukemia

APL (acute promyelocytic leukemia) is the first example of leukemia cured by targeted therapy. Come and discover the story behind the development of the therapy that has now made it possible to eradicate this pathology, and its applications to new cancers!

When our bodies are in osmosis

Imagine you've just come back from a good running session, you feel thirsty and drink water to quench your thirst. But do you know how your body absorbs this liquid? Your body uses a phenomenon known as osmosis, which enables the majority of exchanges in our organism. Let's take a look at how osmosis works, and why it's both essential and sometimes harmful to our bodies!

Astrocytes, the stars of the brain

Less well known than neurons, astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the brain. They take the form of magnificent star-shaped cells. Come and observe them in different brain regions with our microscopes!

The mechanics of egg cells

The egg cell is the basis of life. If an organism produces an egg that is too soft or too hard, it will experience fertility problems. But how can we measure the mechanical properties of these tiny objects? Come and discover the advances made in egg research, from fundamental discoveries to medical applications.

Acoustic levitation

The study of quantum physics, from cosmic particles to the manipulation of atoms, makes it possible to recreate many astonishing phenomena. Come and discover how it's possible to levitate various objects using sound!

Anthropology of life

What are the origins of life? This question has fascinated and divided scientists for hundreds of years. Come and discover the work carried out by the Social Anthropology Laboratory, whose researchers are trying to better understand the origins of life.

Guided tours

A cancer research laboratory

The Collège de France opens the doors of one of its research laboratories. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the day-to-day life of a researcher, and to discover this profession in an unusual way, face-to-face with young researchers! These visits are available on reservation via the following link:

Papyrus in all its states, from Cleopatra to Clovis

Free of charge and open to all, this exhibition in the grand foyer of the Collège de France features some sixty items dating from ancient Egypt to the early Middle Ages, presenting the history of papyrus, which for several millennia was the essential medium for writing throughout the Mediterranean region. Accessible on reservation.