Founded in 1923, the "Association francophone pour le savoir" (Acfas) aims at promoting the development of research and scientific culture while contributing to the dissemination and use of knowledge and scientific methods.Working with different organizations (universities, public and industrial sectors, etc.), its objectives are also:
- Promote and support young scientists;
- Defend the relevance of research and scientific activities within the society;
- Support the dialogue between science and society.
The 81st edition on "Knowledge without Borders" topic which was held at the Laval University in Quebec, from 6 to 10 May 2013, brought together more than 6,000 scientists, including 500 foreign researchers from forty countries (360 from France). 4,000 papers were presented over 350 seminars and disciplinary meetings. Particular attention was paid to young scientists with the participation of over 1,400 students. A French PhD student at the University of Lorraine, Camel Makhloufi thus won the first European award following his performance at the competition "Votre soutenance en 180 secondes" (Your thesis defense in 180 seconds). The video of his presentation is available (only in French) on the website of the Acfas. Furthermore, you can read his testimony in the BE Canada No. 423 of June 17, 2013. If to share his research with others was a pleasure, this competition was also for the happy winner, a personal challenge whose goal was to allow the greatest number of people to understand within 180 seconds, at least a part of what he put more than three years to produce.
For information, the 82nd Acfas Congress on the topic of "Research: convergence and creativity zones" will be held from May 12 to 16, 2014 at the Concordia University in Montreal.
Launch of the Call for Proposals: September 3, 2013.
Online registration: December 2013.