The regional delegation of the CNRS and 6 laboratories and sophipolitan partners hosted, from June 16 to 27, 2025, 14 secondary students from 10 different high schools. This shared internship of a new kind has exceeded the framework of simple observation, offering young people a concrete and enriching immersion in the world of scientific research, in rich and varied fields.
The trainees started their week with an immersion in the heart of the CNRS Côte d’Azur to discover its functioning and the diversity of scientific professions.
At the Research Center on Hetero -Epitaxia and its applications – CRHEA (CNRS/Unica), they have pierced the secrets of electronic components, including LEDs, and their manufacture.
HAS Mines Paris-PSLthe day was devoted to the solar resource and the observation of the earth by satellite, with the discovery of the sensors measuring solar radiation. They were able to handle during a cooking workshop with a solar oven, and learn to identify the real geographic North, exploring the concepts of terrestrial magnetic fields. The visit of the laboratories of the Materials Formatting Center – CEMEF (CNRS/MINES PARIS PSL) completed this exploration.
The Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology – IPMC (CNRS/Inserm/Unica) allowed them to participate in enriching experiences in the field of molecular pharmacology, notably by presenting the functioning of the brain and the heart starting from the animal to the genes.
HAS Géoazur (CNRS/IRD/OCA/Unica), Practical workshops in seismology, marine geosciences and sedimentology have fascinated young people, supplemented by mini-conferences on underwater landslides, advanced instrumentation and a captivating mission in Antarctica.
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| The morning was devoted to the presentation of Geoazur and to the visit of the workshops with Corinne Nicolas-Cabane (seismology, marine geosciences, sedimentology). In the afternoon, Sébastien Migeon, professor, shared his experience of campaigns at sea to study sedimentology and underwater landslides. Maurin Vidal, engineer, then offered a playful treasure hunt to discover scouting and make GNSS measurements on the field. The day ended with the captivating account of Guillaume Duclaux, teacher-researcher, on his scientific mission in Antarctica, making discover the unique issues and living conditions of researchers on this continent. |
The week ended at Numerical landwhere the trainees participated in workshops where they were able to manipulate and explore various research themes in digital sciences. Group projects on the search for geometric similarity in 3D molecular structures (for drugs), post-quantic cryptography, extraction of traces of events in biological networks (circadian clock), “phone impact”, fire modeling by cellular automaton, or even the theory of graphs stimulated their curiosity and their critical spirit. They asked many questions, showing a real interest in scientific procedures.
This unique experience has enabled students to explore new subjects and concretely discover scientific professions, while developing essential skills for the 21st century: team work, collaboration, communication and critical thinking. This immersion will certainly have created vocations and lasting passions!
Read the complete news of the CNRS DR20
News of June 30, 2025
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