On Thursday 2 April 2026, CEREGE opened its doors to mark Printemps des Sciences, an event designed to bring the environmental sciences closer to the younger generation and give them a practical insight into research careers.
Building on the success of previous editions, this year's event has taken on a new dimension with an expanded format across the technology parks, welcoming secondary school students from the southern region to several sites.
Throughout the day, the Arbois technology park in Aix-en-Provence and the Château-Gombert technology park in Marseille were buzzing with scientific discoveries, welcoming a total of 240 students (183 at Arbois and around 60 at Château-Gombert).
Workshops to explore science in a different way
The heart of the day was a wide range of workshops and visits, led by researchers, teacher-researchers, engineers and technicians.
The workshops on offer included experiments on microplastics, hydrogeochemistry and data processing, seismic noise, diatoms, automated micropalaeontology, magnetism, mass spectrometry and innovative tools such as the augmented reality sandbox, MICADAS and ASTER.
Innovative companies from the technology park were also involved, illustrating the close links between research, innovation and the socio-economic fabric.
Meet the research and innovation professions
A highlight of the day was the speed-searching of careers, organised in collaboration with Les Éclaireuses (IRD). This dynamic format enabled students to talk directly to professionals and discover the diversity of careers in science and innovation.
A huge thank you to all the co-organisers, partners, funders and technology clusters, and to everyone involved in making the day a success.
Photos © Elea Ropiot - amU