Experimentarium: an introduction to scientific mediation

Since January 2025, Inalco has been part of the Experimentarium network, a nationwide program of scientific outreach for doctoral students, which began in Burgundy twenty years ago and is now booming. The program invites young researchers to go beyond the academic realm to meet a variety of audiences and share their scientific approach in a simple, lively and interactive way.
Yellow, red and green Post_it on which comments are written
Colorful post-it notes testify to the impressions left on students by the Experimentarium workshop. © Lionel Maillot‎

A training-action in mediation

The program takes place in two stages:

  • a training session supervised by scientific mediators, to work on oral expression, clarify the object of research, question one's posture and practice making one's subject accessible to non-specialists;
  • meetings with the public, in an original format of 20 minutes around a table, with small groups (eight people maximum), most often students aged 12 to 18, but also adults, seniors or a family audience.

Various audiences, multiple formats

Restitutions take place in schools, associations, media libraries, or even retirement homes, in partnership with the 13ᵉ arrondissement town hall. They can also be part of the Cordées de la Réussite.

While the so-called classic format remains the staple, Inalco is also keen to develop new arrangements such as:

  • the speed searching: quick meetings lasting 5 to 10 minutes,
  • the rencontres au fil de l'eau in public or cultural venues,
  • the "Un chercheur, une œuvre" project, devised with the museums of Paris.

Two sessions planned for 2025-2026

Two new sessions are planned at Inalco during the university vacations:

  • autumn 2025: October 27-31

Registrations will open at the start of the academic year.

The program is coordinated at Inalco by Sylvain Audet, scientific and cultural mediator, in collaboration with Albane Molinier, also a scientific and cultural mediator. For questions or registration, please contact Sylvain Audet: Click here to show mail address

For more information

For more information about the réseau Experimentarium, see the official website

Our news selection

See all news