Since 2008, the Experimentarium has expanded in the Lorraine region. Gregory Van der Heijeden, a Nancy INRA doctoral student was thrilled by this mechanism. His account.

"Researchers, discover yourselves !" This invitation alone summarizes the Experimentarium. Designed by the University of Burgundy, this mechanism encourages and assists young researchers in explaining their work to the greater public. Supported by the Burgundy team, the Experimentarium was implemented over the last 2 years in the Lorraine region thanks to the INRA and the "Waters and Men" association’s actions. Gregory Van der Heijeden, a young researcher at the Biogeochemistry of Forest Ecosystems (BFE) unit of the Nancy INRA, participated in this program last December. He presented before the Bains-les-Bains (88) elementary school children : "I participated in the science fair last year and appreciated how it popularizes science. We need to create ties between research and society."

But, prior to confronting this young public, Gregory and 6 other Lorraine region researchers benefited from training offered by the Experimentarium organizers. The goal was to discover teaching and communication techniques, learn to "culturize" your research activity. At the Forest Ecosystems Bio-geochemistry Unit, Gregory is interested in nutrient flux (calcium, magnesium or nitrogen) in forests : "We try to understand how trees are able to feed themselves from very poor soils." To discover this, he uses isotopic tracing methods that he will need to explain to children. During his training, the Experimentarium organizers suggest that Gregory compare isotopes to "chemical spies" and his work as a researcher to that of TV series' "experts". "They helped us get some distance from our research and make it more accessible."

The high point of the Experimentarium is meeting the public in "workshop-discussions". For 20 minutes, each one of the Lorraine region scientists meets with groups of 8 students. The exercise was both fascinating and demanding : "It calls your bluff when you see that they already know tons of things about climate change. It's far more difficult to speak before children than before researchers." Enriching for the students, the operation is also for the researchers because "it really trains you, Gregory says. Now I feel far more at ease about speaking in public."

Biogeochemistry of Forest Ecosystems The UR-BEF has for objectives : - To improve knowledge and formalization in models, of the biogeochemical functioning of forest ecosystems in its qualitative aspects (process identification) and quantitative (drawing up of fertility reports) - To comprehend and predict their dynamic during the development of stands under the influence of diverse constraints; - To identify the impact of forests on the environment: soil and surface water quality, functional biodiversity.

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• www.amcsti.fr
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