Science, Education and Local Communities in French Guiana: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Schools

A first encounter between science, education and the French Guiana region

On Monday 12 October, the University of French Guiana organised the first «Science, Education and Territory» day. This event marked the close of the Science Festival. It was supported by the AIBSI project, which focuses on biodiversity and sustainable innovation.

This ‘Science, Education and Territory’ conference in French Guiana brought together a number of stakeholders from the worlds of education and science. Among them were senior officials from the regional education authority, including the regional director, Mr Guillaume Gelle, as well as academics and researchers.

Their shared aim was to strengthen the links between scientific research and education. The participants therefore explored new ways of bringing scientific knowledge closer to the realities of French Guiana.

Christiane Taubira opens the discussion on the challenges facing knowledge

The day began with an opening address by Christiane Taubira, former Minister for Justice and the event’s Guest of Honour. Her speech marked the start of this conference, which focused on the relationship between science, education and the local area.

Ms Sébéloué, the interim administrator of the University of French Guiana, also addressed the gathering. She emphasised the importance of giving young people a better understanding of their region.

She also emphasised the need to prepare future generations of researchers in French Guiana. This ambition is a key challenge for the development of local scientific research.

Science workshops rooted in the realities of French Guiana

Following the presentations, a number of themed workshops were held, bringing together senior officials from the regional education authority, headteachers and researchers. These discussions focused on topics of genuine educational interest to secondary school pupils.

Participants discussed, amongst other things, the bioeconomy, health in the Amazon, and energy self-sufficiency and resilience. Another topic concerned the relationship between traditional knowledge and academic research.

These themes illustrate the links between the challenges facing French Guiana and scientific knowledge. They also offer ways of enriching teaching by drawing on local contexts.

The participants therefore considered the role of local knowledge in teaching practices. They also examined how best to integrate researchers’ work and the specific characteristics of French Guiana into the learning process.

Finally, these workshops have helped to foster new opportunities for collaboration between teaching staff and the research community.

Seven young female researchers honoured

The day also gave visitors the chance to explore an exhibition dedicated to seven young female researchers from the University of French Guiana. These scientists have received several local and international awards in recent years. The exhibition therefore served to celebrate their careers and highlight their talent.

This initiative also highlighted the role of women in scientific research. One of its main aims was to inspire young people in French Guiana – particularly young girls – to pursue careers in this field.

The AIBSI project supports the region’s scientific ambitions

The «Science, Education and Territory» Day in French Guiana forms part of the objectives of the AIBSI project, which stands for ‘Amazonian Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainable Innovation’, also known as the Amazonian Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainable Innovation.

One of the main aims of this project is to provide high-quality training in the fields of biodiversity and sustainable innovation in French Guiana.

It also aims to encourage pupils to continue their studies in higher education. In the longer term, this initiative should encourage them to consider undertaking a PhD at the University of French Guiana.

As such, the collaboration between schools and research teams provides a means of introducing pupils to careers in science.

New partnerships to bring researchers and pupils closer together

A number of practical ideas emerged from the discussions. These include the establishment of partnerships between schools and researchers.

Another development concerns Clarisse Ansoe-Tareau, a PhD student at the University of French Guiana and recipient of an AIBSI scholarship. School heads have appointed her as «Science, Education and Territories» Ambassador.

As part of this initiative, she will visit schools to promote scientific research. In particular, she will present research that showcases Guyanese knowledge and heritage.

His talks will also help pupils discover careers in science. Particular attention will be paid to young girls, to encourage them to consider a career in research.

Real prospects for research and education in French Guiana

This first ‘Science, Education and the Region’ event in French Guiana laid the foundations for closer dialogue between researchers and those working in education. Thanks to the support of the AIBSI project, it highlighted local knowledge, scientific careers and the challenges facing the region.

Future school partnerships and initiatives led by Clarisse Ansoe-Tareau will help to build on this momentum. Schools, teachers and researchers are therefore invited to develop their collaborations in order to introduce young people in French Guiana to research and encourage them to pursue careers in science.