In an opinion piece published in French newspaper, Le Monde on September 9, a group of fifty leaders from higher education, research, business and civil society are calling for a strengthening of scientific and technical education across all fields and throughout compulsory education. Cécile Dubarry, IMT Executive President, along with the Deans of IMT Technological Universities, are among the signatories.
‘In the face of technological pressures, mass education in science and technology is a crucial issue. As negative signals about scientific education in our country continue to mount, it is time to take action. Solutions are available: let us support the ambition for science.’
While the PISA results once again highlight the decline in scientific skills, the issue goes far beyond the educational field: what place do we want to give to science and technology in our society?
This is the question raised by the ‘Let’s build a national consensus around science and technology!’ editorial published in Le Monde on 9 September 2026, initiated by the Maths&Sciences Collective and the heads of engineering universities.
The signatories of the editorial also point out the decline in the number of scientific profiles among general education high school graduates and the first repercussions of this trend in higher education and engineering schools. They also highlight the growing need for scientific and technical skills in strategic sectors such as energy, transport, telecommunications, agriculture and healthcare.
A challenge that directly concerns IMT
In the age of digital, industrial and ecological transitions, IMT is contributing to the training of engineers and experts who are capable of designing and mastering the technologies that are transforming our society.
But this ambition requires a solid continuum of scientific training, from school to higher education. The tribune is therefore calling for all students to be guaranteed a broad scientific, technical and manual foundation up to the end of secondary school: the ability to calculate and estimate, to reason and design, but also to code, build, manufacture or repair. These learning experiences should also contribute to the development of critical thinking about technology and digital tools.
‘Let’s unite the nation around science and technology’
IMT, represented by its Executive President, Cécile Dubarry, and its technological universities Deans, is joining this call: Herbert Castéran (Institut Mines-Télécom Business School), François Dellacherie (Télécom SudParis), Céline Fasulo (IMT Nord Europe), Jacques Fayolle (Mines Saint-Étienne), David Gesbert (EURECOM), Christophe Lerouge (IMT Atlantique), Lionel Luquin (IMT Mines Albi), Patrick Olivier (Télécom Paris) and Assia Tria (IMT Mines Alès).
A collective mobilisation based on a conviction: France’s ability to understand, develop and master technology is also a condition for its ability to choose its own future. The tribune is therefore calling for the strengthening of scientific and technical education in all fields to be made a national priority.
