“Here, we can imagine that the server is a researcher!” jokes Diego Jarak, teacher-researcher and vice-president of culture, science and society at La Rochelle University. In any case, this is the spirit of the Comm'on lab, a new scientific place opened in La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime) since July 4. Located within the Encan, in the former premises of the Puces de mer and near the Aquarium, this place designed by local academics is free and open to all.
“There is a lack of connection between science and civil society. Some people in La Rochelle are unaware that we do research. We also wanted to make the university more open and accessible to citizens,” describes Marie Pons, head of the science and society unit at La Rochelle University, who initiated this project with, among others, Diego Jarak. The City is a partner.
“It aims to change the relationship between science and society. It's not just about transmitting knowledge, we also want to co-construct with the inhabitants,” adds the vice-president, emphasizing the collaborative aspect of the place. A selection of works by the university's scientists is available in the café-boutique, located right next to the “NANOmusée”, a space dedicated to exhibitions on the theme of Sustainable and Intelligent Urban Coastline (LUDI), a specialization of the La Rochelle establishment.
“A good start”
The activities of Pelagis, the marine mammal and bird observatory, are presented in a fun way. Pierre, 8, carefully places a dolphin figurine on a support connected to a screen, which scans all the information about the animal for him. “It's fun and you learn at the same time,” smiles the little tourist passing by.
A manufacturing space completes the place, with a “medialab” and a “fablab” equipped with 3D printer, laser cutter, digital embroidery machine, etc. Since July 4, 1,500 people have passed through the door of the Comm'on lab. “Having done very little communication, it's a good start,” says Marie Pons.
Practical : The Comm'on Lab is located at 2, place Bernard Moitessier in La Rochelle. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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