Raising awareness of science through play
March 10 2025Interview with Corinne Martin
Corinne Martin, communications manager, took part in the 2025 International Agricultural Show (SIA) and shares her experience. She used a card game to test the public’s scientific knowledge while sparking curiosity and discussion. With this interactive activity, she was able to deconstruct preconceived ideas and highlight the scientific expertise of AgroParisTech.
Can you introduce yourself?
I am in charge of communication at the joint research unit Silva (AgroParisTech, INRAE and the University of Lorraine) which is located on the AgroParisTech campus in Nancy, and I am also the communication correspondent.
What did you propose at the SIA this year?
2025 marks the bicentenary of the École forestière de Nancy. It was therefore an opportunity to talk about our school, the courses and the research carried out on our campus. I suggested a card game to test the knowledge of the audience, both children and adults. The topics ranged from biodiversity to the environment, not forgetting the forest. For example, one of the questions asked was: “Is the hippopotamus a semi-aquatic animal that knows how to build dams in the water?” The answer is no. The only semi-aquatic animal that builds dams is the beaver!
Why do you think it is important for AgroParisTech to be present at the SIA?
Because although our school is well known to students wishing to train in our fields, it is less so to the general public. This is also the case with our research. Many visitors spontaneously associate it with agriculture, livestock farming and food. They are unaware that the environment, forestry and even cosmetics are part of our remit.
The world of forestry is not spontaneously linked to the world of agriculture, even though the “Forest and Timber Industries” sector is under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty. The theme of this year’s stand, “Waters and Forests”, was an opportunity to highlight our expertise.
Being at the SIA is very different from your daily life?
Indeed! The activity I proposed creates contact with the children, which is very unusual in my work, which is more related to the scientific community and students.
I have noticed that there are still many preconceived ideas in science. In the game, visitors have to answer statements with “true” or “false”. They sometimes find the right answer, but with the wrong explanation. It is interesting to observe these biases and to talk to them to set the scientific record straight.
What did you like most about this experience?
Of course, there are the contacts with the general public and the interactions with the students who are at the stand and who are not from the Nancy campus. But above all, there are the friendly exchanges with curious visitors, often accompanied by children. It’s very rewarding because they thank us for the knowledge we share with them.
Any message for your colleagues who might be hesitating to embark on the adventure of the SIA?
Come along, even if it’s just for the day! It’s a really interesting and enjoyable experience. The public are there, ready to come and talk to us, and it’s an opportunity to raise awareness of our work.