Take part in the dialog between scientists and high school students to build knowledge together

The "Declics" program (dialogs between scientists and high school students to develop an interest in knowledge-building) is an initiative to promote basic research among lycée students, with a fun "speed-meeting" format.

The event is one of the initiatives led by the Cercle FSER, composed of laureates of the Schlumberger Foundation for Education and Research (FSER), an organization set up to sponsor biomedical research. Each year, the FSER offers grants to young scientists to enable them to purchase equipment and recruit staff. Since 2007, a dozen Institut Pasteur scientists have benefited from this scheme in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the field of biomedical research. The members of the Cercle FSER are committed to defending and promoting basic research by focusing on two key drivers:

i) encouraging scientists to engage in dialog with the general public;

ii) promoting research and careers in research among young people, with the aim of bringing research closer to the general public.

The Declics program provides guidance and information about careers, an introduction to how research works and training for young people. It creates lasting links between the high school teachers and scientists involved in the program. The scheme is open to PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, second-year Master's students, technicians, engineers, research associates, laboratory directors, research platform staff, etc. The program is based around a system that can be easily introduced in high schools, in which speakers present their respective careers and the research they are carrying out. Then, in groups of five – a configuration that facilitates dialog –, the students chat to the scientists (the program's "ambassadors") in turn.

Since the program was first set up, more than 15 Institut Pasteur scientists have gone into high schools to meet students. The initiative is fully in line with the Institut Pasteur's 2019-2023 Strategic Plan in promoting the Institut Pasteur's engagement with the general public, including young people. Last year, 4,000 high school students in France were involved in the Declics program. With the support of the Schlumberger Foundation for Education and Research, the Institut Pasteur is keen to promote this scheme by encouraging its scientists to take part.

Find out more about the Declics program

If you would like to take part in the program, send a message to contact@declics2019.org