93e Congrès de l’Acfas à Trois-Rivières: 260 colloques pour explorer les sciences sans frontières
From May 11 to 15, 2026, the city of Trois-Rivières in Quebec will host the 93rd edition of the Congrès de l’Acfas, one of the largest gatherings of francophone scientists and researchers in North America. Organized by the Association francophone pour le savoir (Acfas), the event is expected to draw over 6,000 participants, including academics, students, and professionals from diverse scientific disciplines. The congress will feature more than 260 colloquia covering a wide range of topics, from environmental science and education to artificial intelligence and health research.
This year’s theme, “Les sciences sans frontières” (Science without borders), emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and the breaking down of traditional academic silos. Events will seize place both in person at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) campus and online, allowing broader access for international attendees. The hybrid format reflects a growing trend in academic conferences to increase inclusivity and reduce barriers to participation, particularly for researchers from remote or under-resourced regions.
The Acfas congress has been held annually since 1933, making it a cornerstone of scientific discourse in the Francophone world. Over the decades, it has served as a platform for presenting cutting-edge research, fostering international partnerships, and promoting science literacy among the public. In addition to specialized symposia, the program includes public lectures, science outreach activities, and career development workshops aimed at early-career researchers.
Spotlight on Educational Innovation: A Quebec-Led Initiative
Among the featured presentations is a collaborative project led by Naomi Fournier Dubé, a professor at the Université de Montréal, and three sixth-grade teachers from École Eurêka, part of the Centre de services scolaire de Laval (CSS de Laval). Their initiative explores how assessment practices in elementary education can be transformed from administrative burdens into meaningful learning tools. By aligning university research with classroom needs, the team aims to develop evaluation strategies that support student engagement and long-term academic growth.
This partnership exemplifies the congress’s emphasis on bridging theory and practice. Rather than treating evaluation as a mere grading exercise, the project investigates how feedback, self-assessment, and peer review can be integrated into daily instruction to foster metacognitive skills. Early findings suggest that when students understand the purpose behind assessments, they are more likely to view them as opportunities for improvement rather than sources of anxiety.
The collaboration between the Université de Montréal and CSS de Laval highlights a growing movement in Quebec to strengthen ties between higher education institutions and K-12 schools. Such partnerships are seen as vital for ensuring that educational research remains grounded in real-world classroom challenges and that innovations are both practical and scalable.
Public Engagement and Science Outreach
Beyond academic sessions, the 93e Congrès de l’Acfas includes numerous activities designed to engage the general public. Science cafés, interactive exhibits, and hands-on workshops will be held in public spaces across Trois-Rivières, inviting citizens of all ages to explore scientific concepts in accessible ways. These efforts align with Acfas’s broader mission to promote scientific literacy and demonstrate the relevance of research to everyday life.
Organizers have partnered with local museums, libraries, and cultural centers to expand the reach of the event. Special programming for youth includes science fairs, coding bootcamps, and guided laboratory tours, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. By opening its doors to the community, the congress seeks to counteract misinformation and build public trust in science through transparency and dialogue.
Logistics and Accessibility
Accommodation and transportation options have been coordinated with local authorities to support attendees. Trois-Rivières, located approximately halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, is accessible via Highway 40 and regional rail services. The city has prepared for an influx of visitors by working with hotels and universities to provide lodging, including discounted rates for students and presenters.
For those unable to attend in person, live streaming and recorded sessions will be available through the Acfas virtual platform. Technical support will be offered to ensure smooth access for international participants, particularly those in different time zones. All online content will be accessible in French, with select sessions offering English subtitles or interpretation to accommodate a global audience.
Registration for the 93e Congrès de l’Acfas remains open until April 30, 2026, with early-bird rates available for members of Acfas and affiliated institutions. Detailed information about the program, registration fees, and accessibility accommodations can be found on the official Acfas website.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Francophone Science in Global Discourse
As scientific challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and AI ethics grow increasingly complex, forums like the Congrès de l’Acfas play a vital role in fostering multilingual and multicultural dialogue. By conducting discussions primarily in French, the event ensures that Francophone perspectives are not only included but centered in global scientific conversations.
Experts note that language inclusivity in science helps preserve diverse epistemological traditions and prevents the dominance of any single linguistic or cultural framework. Events like this one contribute to a more equitable knowledge ecosystem where researchers from all backgrounds can contribute meaningfully to shared goals.
The 93e Congrès de l’Acfas stands as a testament to the enduring importance of international collaboration in advancing human understanding. As Trois-Rivières prepares to welcome thousands of scholars in May 2026, the event promises not only to showcase cutting-edge research but to model how science can be both rigorous and deeply human.
For updates on the program, speaker announcements, and registration details, visit the official Congrès de l’Acfas website. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below and to spread the word about this important gathering of minds.