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LE MOT DU PRÉSIDENT
A Word from the President
As the 350
th
anniversary of the Académie approaches, to be celebrated
in 2016, it is worth recalling the role of an academy and its operating
principles. As early as 1666, the year of its creation, the Académie was
formed by empanelling personalities of high repute in their respective
fields. This has remained the hallmark of a founding principle of our
institution.Anacademy should be an assembly of very high level scientists
in their own disciplines, thus allowing them to work together on topics
whose consideration require strong skills. Interaction between disciplines
takes place from the moment it is necessary. The interactions between
disciplinary fields should not be passively lived through, as the same
old song heard over again, but should take place on a voluntary basis,
bringing together one another’s skills to venture off into new horizons.
Such a conception is clearly expressed in the very first page of the archives
of the Académie: “
On this 22 December 1666, it has been settled in the
company that it would meet twice a week, onWednesdays and Saturdays.
[...] On Wednesdays, one shall deal with mathematics, on Saturdays, one
shall work on physics. As there is great connection between these two
sciences, it has been deemed appropriate that the company did not divide
and that all should gather at the assembly on the same days
”, end of quote.
What mission is there for an academy of science to fulfil? All is said
from the very first page of the history of the Académie des Sciences
written by Bernard de Fontenelle. Let me quote: “
The reign of words
and expressions has passed, one wants things. One establishes
principles that one understands, one follows them, and hence one
advances. Authority has ceased to bear more weight than reason,
what was received without contradiction because it had been so for a
long time is now being re-examined and often rejected
”.
Today, many doubt the value of scientific progress. Is this any reason to
minimize the role of scientific creation? We do not hold fond memories of
the countries that,at some point in their history,tried to get rid of science and
scientists. It is always preferable to try science than to maintain ignorance.
Bernard Meunier
President of the Académie des Sciences
CONTENTS
THE ACADÉMIE: ALWAYS IN TUNE WITH ITS TIME
Adapting to the Evolution of Science
5
Five Missions to Foster the Progress of Science
6
2015: One year to Prepare for the 350th Anniversary!
7
ENCOURAGING THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY
Colloquia by and for the Scientific Community
10
Awards and Medals
15
The
Comptes Rendus
de l’Académie des Sciences
18
PROMOTING SCIENCE TEACHING
Conferences Intended for High School Students
21
Colloquia on Science Education
22
Museums with Educational Purposes
23
TRANSMITTING KNOWLEDGE
Public Sessions, Civic Culture
26
Information Resources Specifically Designed for the Public
27
Adding Value to a Scientific Heritage
29
The Académie des Sciences and Key Opinion Informers
30
FOSTERING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
An advisory Role on a Global Scale
34
Bilateral Cooperation Relationships
35
PERFORMING THE ROLE OF AN EXPERT AND ADVISOR
Experts Committees: to Reflect and Propose
40
Advice Notes and Reports
42
©DR