Transmettre les sciences

Scientific Immersion for students from Poincarré high school at the ENS Paris-Saclay

On the afternoon of Tuesday, May 13th, the ENS Paris-Saclay opened its doors to 17 high schoolers from Poincarré high school in Palaiseau—4 sophomores specialised in biotechnologies, and 13 seniors specialised in STL—and their teachers. This visit was part of the ENS’s mission to share knowledge and promote science among young students.

Published on 7 July 2025

One program, three workshops

The students, separated into three groups, took part in a program composed of three 30-minute workshops. They started with a guided tour of the School, during which they discovered its working spaces and the world of scientific research.
The high schoolers then met with ENS students preparing for the Agrégation competitive exam in biology, as well as the technical team. The students observed the manipulation of sterile hoods for cell-sampling, the centrifuge, and observed live and dead cells through microscopes. Meeting the technical team allowed the students, most of whom were aspiring lab technicians, to picture themselves doing this job, and to understand how varied the paths to this position are.

Lastly, the students worked on the scientific posters exposed along the hallways of the biology department, most of which came from the Science Fair and the Applied Biology and Pharmacology Laboratory. The chaperones had prepared a booklet containing questions, to which the students could answer based on information contained in the posters. This team activity contributed to developing their analysis skills and to make use of their knowledge on the world of scientific research.

A rich and rewarding experience

Sidonie Bourgoin, former biology student at the ENS Paris-Saclay (freshman year of 2021), shares her joy of taking part in this experience:

“It was a pleasure to introduce students to the challenging and fascinating world of biological research. The ENS Paris-Saclay is a prestigious school, accessible through many paths, and I am happy to provide guidance and broaden the horizons of future generations of scientists.”

Through this initiative, the ENS Paris-Saclay reaffirmed its commitment to helping future scientists discover research. Making current researchers and young students meet is an essential tool to spark a calling for science.

This program is made possible thanks to our donors’ generosity.
You too can support this program by making a donation.