This project aims to bring together elementary schools in Quebec, France, and the French-speaking world in general, to introduce them to the various aspects of oceanography and other maritime-related fields through a week of tailored webinars led by young professionals and researchers specializing in ocean-related disciplines. These professionals will share the paths that led them to work in oceanography or their current fields, their research or daily activities, as well as their personal experiences. This is a unique opportunity to bring together the young community of Francophone researchers and professionals with the next generation. To equip participants to engage with schoolchildren, several training sessions on the topic of science communication are offered.
The webinar week takes place around World Oceans Day (June 8), thereby highlighting the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). Entirely online and in French, many classes can participate in several webinars per day, have the opportunity to ask questions live to our speakers, watch the webinars again later (on our website), and submit questions via email.
In addition, this year there are several in-person activities:
- Are you based in Quebec City?
In collaboration with La boîte à Science, invite young researchers and professionals to speak in your classrooms on Wednesday, June 3, in person.
- Are you based in the Lower St. Lawrence region?
On the agenda:
- Meetings with young scientists and professionals in marine-related fields
- Interactive booths
- Presentations open to everyone
- Explorations of ocean-related sciences and careers
🎓 For schools
Access to the park and the activity is free for school groups.
Would you like to bring your students to the heart of the park?
📧 Contact: groupes.bic@sepaq.com
Event: June 1–5, 2026
Registration: Starting May 1 – Stay informed (Here or Here).
Full details on our website: https://oceanoclasse.wixsite.com/semaineocean/
Partners:
L’institut France-Québec pour la coopération scientifique en appui au secteur maritime (IFQM) ; La Chaire en éducation à l’environnement et au développement durable UQAR-Desjardins ; L’institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski (ISMER) ; Technoscience et Technoscience Est-Du-Québec et la Boîte à Science ; Ressources Aquatiques Québec (RAQ) ; Québec-Océan ; École en Réseau (ÉER) ; le Comité National Français de l’Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS-France) ; Musée du Fjord ; Amundsen Science ; Nausicaá et le Parc National du Bic