Science as a tool for citizens

1Science is a culture, a way of looking at the world. It is in this spirit that, in 1999, IRD launched the “Youth Clubs for Research and Development” in France and in partner countries. These long-term projects involving close cooperation between a teacher and a researcher, led groups of pupils to conduct a scientific study, from the definition of the topic to the presentation of results one or two years later.

Interview conducted as part of the ePOP initiative, New Caledonia.

2There were 15 to 30 clubs operational worldwide each year, essentially within upper and lower secondary schools. The topics addressed varied greatly, depending on local issues. Young people covered themes such as insect pests, access to transport, migration, climate change, etc. Whenever possible, the results were presented to local decision-makers so that pupils could become aware of the civic-minded dimension of the knowledge gained.

Youth club in Niger as part of the “Closely Monitored Climate” scheme.

3In 2004, IRD was entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the coordination of scientific culture projects in Africa. This experience helped start a dialogue and establish a lasting relationship with African associations. Actions such as travelling exhibitions, conferences, scientific theatre or workshops were developed.

4Subsequently, projects aimed at students were implemented, e.g. ePOP, a collaborative initiative whereby young Pacific Islanders were invited to collect questions on their mobile phones from the local population regarding the effects of environmental changes and pass them on to scientists. Large gatherings of these young people were also regularly organised, for example in Morocco in 2016 during the COP22 in Marrakech, where 150 or so young people discussed and reflected on the issue of “Closely Monitored Climate”.