reSEArch-EU - European University of the Seas

The Fête de la science is a national scientific and technical cultural event organised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR). This annual event provides an exceptional opportunity for scientists and the general public to meet. In 2023, the theme of the Fête de la Science was “Science and Sport”. Every year in early October, the Fête de la Science brings together a large number of events across France. The events range from science villages to conferences, workshops and exhibitions.

With this in mind, the Université de Bretagne Occidentale, the Faculty of Sport and Education Sciences and SEA-EU proposed organising a public event, in the form of speed searching, to showcase Brest’s doctoral and post-doctoral students. The aim was to give young researchers an opportunity to present their research work and talk to a diverse audience in a convivial setting.

The event took place at the Beaj Kafé : « Created in 2014 and located in the heart of Brest, BEAJ KAFE is a place for people of all ages and backgrounds to come and relax, enjoy leisure activities, work, talk and discover new things. Beaj”, which means “journey” in Breton, invites us to travel around Brittany and the world in search of the many cultures, recipes and flavours associated with the region (see “Our cuisine”). It also invites us to continue our inner journey by discovering and sharing ideas at conferences, readings, workshops, concerts, shows, screenings and exhibitions. »

Speed searching: presentation and organisation

Each doctoral and post-doctoral student sat at a table to talk about their research work with a group of no more than 5 people, using an object, a visual aid, a sound, etc. This element helped to initiate a conversation with the public, with each one then presenting their subject and answering questions from visitors about their work, their daily lives as young researchers at the UBO, etc.

After 7 minutes, the audience changes tables and each (post-)doctoral student receives a new group of visitors. In total, they receive 5 groups of visitors, for a total of 35 minutes of presentation and discussion.

The event is open to all: students, families, retired people… so the speakers have made sure they are clear and understandable to everyone.

The speed searching took place on Thursday 12 October 2023 at BEAJ Kafe (51 rue Branda in Brest), a café-restaurant in Brest city centre. They provided us with a room at the back of the café, which created a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The event attracted 40 participants between the two groups, out of a maximum capacity of 50. Both speakers and participants were delighted with the evening, both the format and the venue.