2025 Zoom on Science

An Immersive Experience for Young Students

The morning was full of discoveries, as the students found themselves immersed in the world of scientific research. A presentation on the ENS Paris-Saclay and its missions started the day off, with an emphasis on the central role played by research, the driving force behind all of the school’s academic programs. The students were also introduced to the environmental goals of the School, as well as the varied student life on campus.

The students then visited several Teaching and Research Departments, as well as the House of Humanities.

Exploring Science Alongside Researchers

In the Nikola Tesla department, at the crossroads of fundamental sciences (physics, mathematics) and applied sciences (engineering), the students explored the world of electronics and visited lab rooms. They discovered how electricity can be created through concrete examples, such as the inner workings of hydraulic dams and the use of hydrogen as an energy source. They were fascinated by the safety equipment such as the emergency shower, used for quickly washing oneself after coming in contact with toxic products, or the chemistry and biology vents, a crucial system made to absorb toxins when handling dangerous substances.

Handling, Experimenting and Questioning

While visiting the chemistry department, the students took part in a scientific investigation in small groups. They handled elements and discovered fundamental notions such as the properties of chemical products and their reactions. Under the tutelage of graduate and PhD students, they had the opportunity to conduct experiments, observe real scientific phenomena, and understand how scientific progress is made through observation, experimentation and critical thinking.

This moment of discussion was also an opportunity for Agnès, a chaperone, to share her passion for scientific mediation: “Taking part in these cultural mediation events gives a real meaning to our research. It is rewarding to witness how interested these young students are in science, and maybe even to see them find their calling.”

Humanities: Understanding, Analyzing, Transmitting

Finally, the students visited the House of Humanities, an opportunity to explore the diversity of human sciences. They discovered a wide array of disciplines and learned how to create a research project and make it come to fruition. A PhD student, a publishing manager and a graphic designer guided them through every step of the creation of a scientific book, from an original idea to the final delivery. This presentation showcased the importance of collaboration between researchers and scientific communication professionals.

To wrap up the visit, a book on this subject, created thanks to a series of similar events over the course of several weeks, was offered to the students, as a symbol of the link between academic research and public transmission.

Fostering Callings, a Crucial Mission

Claire Lambard, advisor for diversity and inclusion at the ENS Paris-Saclay, explained how these events in collaboration with public schools are a priority: “Our goal is to open new doors for these students. With a real, immersive experience, we help them picture themselves pursuing a scientific career that would otherwise be seen as too complex or inaccessible. It is also a way to show that science is diverse, made possible by many different, passionate people, which they could become one day.”

A Sponsor Committed to Development

This collaboration with the ENGIE Foundation perfectly captures the dynamics between the ENS Paris-Saclay and its sponsors. Beyond financial support, this partnership embodies a shared vision: that of education made accessible, inclusive and innovative.

This kind of event is not limited to a single day. “Zoom on Science” is part of a wider strategy of transmission and diversification of talents, which aims at encouraging more young people - especially young girls - to pursue