“Artificial intelligence, central to our research and teaching, is not intended to replace human intelligence, but to enhance, extend and make it more accessible. It becomes a tool to stimulate creativity, support innovation and drive social progress.”
— Lucie Jacquet-Malo, Coordinator of the AI Program at IMT
From October 3 to 13, the eight Technological Universities of IMT came together to celebrate the 35th edition of Fête de la Science, themed this year around “Intelligence(s)”.
Launched in 1991 by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Fête de la Science invites curious minds to discover the world of science through conferences, workshops, exhibitions, performances and open days — throughout France.
Ten Days of Discovery: Exploring Intelligence(s)
Across IMT campuses and laboratories, a wide range of formats—hands-on workshops, talks, exhibitions and demos—brought science to life. These initiatives aimed to spark curiosity, foster dialogue, and showcase how diverse forms of intelligence contribute to science and society alike.
Immersive Workshops: Learning by Doing
From powders to algorithms, 3D printing to virtual reality, the experiential approach prevailed—empowering participants, especially young learners, to simulate, model, and experiment.
- IMT Nord Europe welcomed middle and high school students to explore AI as a driver of human progress through six hands-on workshops: from generative design and fluid dynamics to pollution detection, robotics, connected insoles, and autonomous rail safety via the Ecotrain project—alongside VR and serious games promoting learning by immersion.
- IMT Mines Albi emphasized materials and experimentation: pharmaceutical powders, liquid nitrogen, mathematical algorithms—inviting students to observe phenomena and understand how research leads to real-world innovation.
- IMT Atlantique introduced children to acoustics using the MERITE “wild lutherie” toolkit, and to algorithms via the Cubetto robot.
- IMT Mines Alès explored computer vs. human vision and daily-use minerals. A Halloween-themed algorithmic challenge, led by PhD students, tasked students with optimizing trick-or-treat routes for maximum candy!
Reaching Out: Science for Everyone
The Fête de la Science was also an opportunity to strengthen local connections. Whether welcoming school groups or visiting classrooms, IMT’s Technological Universities shared the spirit of science across their territories.
- IMT Mines Alès’ Science Campus hosted nearly 600 students—from primary to high school—for 20+ themed workshops.
- IMT Mines Albi welcomed over 300 students throughout the week for firsthand experiences of research in action.
- IMT Atlantique brought science into schools, including a class session on air pollution for a group of 5th-graders.
Giving Science a Voice: Meeting the People Behind It
Science thrives through exchange and curiosity. IMT’s schools created meaningful encounters between researchers and the public:
- At Brest’s European Researchers’ Night, IMT Atlantique hosted debates and direct conversations with scientists.
- At IMT Nord Europe, each AI workshop became an open dialogue where technical explanation met childlike wonder.
- At Télécom SudParis, student members of the INTech robotics club led the “Fake Intelligences” workshop during “FabLabs en fête” in Évry, introducing students to robotics and autonomous vehicles.
- On the Saclay Plateau, Télécom Paris joined the Paris-Saclay Science Village, hosted at École polytechnique—offering a shared showcase of campus-wide science experiences.
Sharing Ideas, Sparking Debate
Some schools extended the conversation with participatory formats and thought-provoking content:
- IMT Mines Alès hosted a multidisciplinary talk, “The Alchemy of AI,” blending science, history and imagination.
- IMT Atlantique offered an interactive timeline on its evolution, and “speed searching” events connecting AI to intercultural themes.
- IMT Mines Albi emphasized the porous boundaries between research, society and innovation.
- At Mines Saint-Étienne, the school’s science culture center La Rotonde led a rich, department-wide program of workshops, exhibitions and performances under the banner “Intelligence(s)”.
Celebrating Science, Highlighting Engineering
These initiatives illustrate the richness of the engineering mindset at IMT: creative and ethical thinking, environmental awareness, and technological innovation—all in close relationship with society.
They also echo the spirit of France’s “Year of Engineering,” spotlighting the commitment, scientific rigor and creativity of tomorrow’s engineers.
At IMT, we train the changemakers of a sustainable future.
By blending engineering, research and management, our Technological Universities prepare experts who design responsible, human-centered technologies.
Because intelligence also means knowing how to collaborate, share knowledge, and innovate together to meet the world’s major challenges.
