Scientific mediation

The ThéMA research centre has been involved in ‘scientific mediation’ activities for many years now: projects and events that facilitate exchange between science and society and that start the conversation on the proper circumstances for producing scientific knowledge.

As the centre specializes in geography and development, its research topics (cities, the environment, mobility, climate, etc.) are particularly well suited to initiatives of this type.

In addition to conventional but nonetheless necessary scientific outreach initiatives, such as the Fête de la Science (Science Festival), the Nuit des chercheurs (Researchers’ Night) and the Ma thèse en 180 secondes (My PhD Thesis in 180 Seconds) competition, the ThéMA research centre is involved in three other types of initiative:

• Participatory research, which involves citizens as contributors to the research conducted within the centre. For example, the COVADEO project, which uses a serious online game to collectively digitize old maps and produce new ones.
• Exchanges with stakeholders in public decision-making, associations and economic circles in the context of joint research projects, e.g. the centre’s participation in several projects as part of the POPSU programme, which enables the co-construction of situated research (Dijon Métropole, Bordeaux Métropole, Communauté de Communes du Clunisois, Tournus).
  Research ‘in progress’. These actions enable discussion of how ongoing research is being constructed in order to engage with citizens beyond mere results, by placing greater emphasis on difficulties, uncertainties, errors, hesitations, surprises and successes.
• These actions enable research to be better embodied by those who conduct it on a daily basis. For example, with this in mind, some of the centre’s doctoral students participate in activities based on their everyday research experiences.

Contact in the laboratory : Damien Roy