From 2 to 12 October 2026, the University of French Guiana will host two key events as part of the 2026 French Guiana Science Festival, centred on the theme «Saveurs Savantes»: a series of talks and the Science Village, designed to bring together researchers, members of the public and the region’s food-related challenges.
A major national event for science communication
The Fête de la Science is a major national event promoting science communication. Every year, it brings researchers and members of the public together to discuss and share knowledge. In 2026, it will take place from 2 to 12 October, with the theme «Saveurs Savantes».
For over 30 years, the event has brought together thousands of organisations involved in science communication across France. Schools, secondary schools, businesses, research laboratories and associations organise activities or take part in events aimed at the general public.
In French Guiana, the event is being organised for the 15th consecutive year by La Canopée des Sciences, a centre for scientific, technical and industrial culture (CCSTI). The 2026 French Guiana Science Festival will therefore once again bring scientific research closer to the public.
Two highlights at the University of French Guiana
The University of French Guiana will host two flagship events as part of this year’s programme. The first will be the inaugural series of lectures, taking place on Friday 2 October. The second will be the Science Village, scheduled for Saturday 3 October on the Troubiran campus.
These events will offer visitors the chance to discover science through discussions, experiments, tastings, tours and interactive activities. Food will serve as the central theme for exploring a wide range of scientific disciplines.
«Saveurs Savantes», a theme at the crossroads of science, food and culture
This year, the «Saveurs Savantes» theme highlights food and gastronomy, as well as innovation, science and culture. It will provide an opportunity to explore a variety of subjects, such as chemistry, biology, microbiology, the humanities and culture.
This edition will also provide an opportunity to examine several major contemporary issues facing French Guiana. These include sustainable food systems, the preservation of biodiversity, food security and access to high-quality food.
Promoting local produce and traditional knowledge will also play a key role. The event will therefore bring together scientific knowledge, the region’s resources and French Guiana’s culinary heritage.
An inaugural series of lectures on Friday 2 October
The inaugural series of lectures will take place on Friday 2 October, between 3.00 pm and 8.00 pm, in Lecture Theatre A at the University of French Guiana. Scientists, entrepreneurs and food connoisseurs will be speaking at this event.
The participants will offer different perspectives on Guyanese flavours and the issues associated with them. This series of events will therefore provide an opportunity to bring together different viewpoints and insights on food, gastronomy and the region.
The Science Village on the Troubiran campus
The University of French Guiana’s Science Village will take place on Saturday 3 October, from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, in the lobby of the INSPE building on the Troubiran campus. Around twenty stands will be set up to explore the theme of food from various angles.
Visitors will be able to explore approaches relating to physics and chemistry, biology and microbiology, neuroscience, environmental sciences, and the humanities and social sciences.
The Village des Sciences will also be showcasing local produce and traditional knowledge. Visitors will be able to discover or rediscover several foods that are emblematic of Guyana’s culinary heritage, including cocoa, waissaï, awara and cassava.
Science experiments for young and old alike
The morning will feature a wide range of activities suitable for young and old alike. Visitors will, in particular, be able to explore laboratories and sample pre-Columbian dishes. They will also have the chance to take part in interactive games.
Other activities will help visitors understand the food chains of the jaguar and extinct animals. Participants will also be able to discover what stars and asteroids taste like.
This morning will therefore provide a key opportunity to engage directly with researchers. It will also offer the chance to explore gastronomy and food through the region’s latest scientific advances.
View the programme for the Science Festival
The programme for the 2026 Science Village in French Guiana is available online. To find out about the activities and plan your visit, please consult the official programme on the Fête de la Science website: Science Village 2026 in French Guiana.
The 2026 Science Festival in French Guiana will place the region’s food, gastronomy and knowledge at the heart of the discussions. At the University of French Guiana, the series of talks on 2 October and the Science Village on 3 October will offer the chance to meet researchers, entrepreneurs and gastronomes whilst discovering a wide range of disciplines. Check the official programme now to find out about the events on offer and plan your visit.
FAQ
When will the 2026 Science Festival in French Guiana take place?
The Science Festival will take place from 2 to 12 October 2026. The University of French Guiana will host two key events on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October.
What is the theme of the 2026 Science Festival?
The theme of this year’s event is «Saveurs Savantes». It brings together food, gastronomy, innovation, science and culture, whilst addressing several key issues for the French Guiana region.
When will the inaugural series of lectures take place?
The inaugural event will take place on Friday 2 October, from 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm, in Lecture Theatre A at the University of French Guiana. Scientists, entrepreneurs and food connoisseurs will present different perspectives on the flavours of French Guiana and the issues surrounding them.
Where and when will the University of French Guiana’s Science Village take place?
The Science Village will take place on Saturday 3 October, from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, in the lobby of the INSPE building on the Troubiran campus. Around twenty stands will be open to the public.
What activities will be on offer at the Science Village?
Visitors will be able to explore laboratories, sample pre-Columbian dishes and take part in interactive games. They will also be able to explore the food chains of the jaguar and extinct animals, or discover what stars and asteroids taste like.
Which products from French Guiana will be in the spotlight?
The Science Village will showcase local produce and traditional knowledge. Cocoa, waissaï, awara and cassava will be among the iconic foods representing Guyana’s culinary heritage that will be presented to the public.
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