Sherbrooke to host most important francophone science event in 2020 88th Congrès de l’Acfas

Thousands of scientists will gather in Sherbrooke from May 4 to 8, 2020, to take part in the 88th edition of the Congrès annuel de l’Association francophone pour le savoir (Acfas), a marquee event which will be jointly hosted by the Université de Sherbrooke and Bishop’s University.

Under the theme « Du jamais su », the Université de Sherbrooke and Bishop’s University invite the university community and the greater public to discover the latest scientific discoveries in every field of study: from health sciences, natural sciences, engineering and mathematics to arts, literature and humanities, the social sciences and education.

Over five days, many presentations and activities will take place, whether as free presentations, symposia, but also at formal events, ceremonies and evening activities. Moreover, free activities for the general public, including workshops ad exhibitions, are also scheduled.

A true occasion for knowledge sharing and discovery, the Congrès de l’Acfas offers the scientific community an unrivalled opportunity to be at the leading edge of major advances in research and to debate current issues. The event is also a great venue to present new research and network with peers.

Thousands of delegates and hundreds of activities

Over 5,000 delegates from over 40 countries are expected for the event, which is often described as the largest multidisciplinary research knowledge gathering in the Francophonie.

Jean-Pierre Perreault, Co-President of the Congrès and Vice-Rector for Research and higher studies of the Université de Sherbrooke, this event perfectly reflects the interdisciplinary and innovation values of the institution: “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to host this important Congrès in Sherbrooke, where research is particularly thriving and diversified. The Université de Sherbrooke has developed an excellent reputation for its multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to research, which makes it an ideal venue for the 2020 Congrès de l’Acfas.”

For his part, Congrès Co-President Miles Turnbull, Vice-Principal, Academic at Bishop’s University, sees very positive outcomes to this event for the institution and the greater scientific community: “Bishop’s University’s researchers devote themselves to the advancement of knowledge to contribute to the socioeconomic development and well-being of our local and global communities, and this partnership with Acfas and the Université de Sherbrooke is an ideal opportunity to share their knowledge in a significant knowledge mobilization initiative. This event will surely be an important milestone in the quest for academic excellence that constantly drives our researchers and students.”

According to Acfas President Lyne Sauvageau, this partnership with the Université de Sherbrooke and Bishop’s University is very promising: “It’s a pleasure to return to Sherbrooke for the 8th time in the history of the Congrès, and for a second time in collaboration with Bishop’s University. It is our hope that, for an entire week, the Congrès will allow for discussion about research and innovation, in every field of study. That is the idea we wished to communicate in choosing Du jamais su as our theme. Indeed, we are all called upon by advances in the natural sciences, social sciences, and in the humanities. The debates taking place within the sphere of research and the discoveries being made spring from the world we live in and contribute to change it.”

Numbers about the Congrès de l’Acfas

Since its first edition in 1933, the Congrès de l’Acfas has become a reference within the francophone scientific community. On average, when the Congrès takes place in Montreal or Quebec City, the event features  :

• Over 5,000 delegates;
• Over 200 conferences covering all areas of research;
• Close to 4,000 scientific communications, including spoken and posters;
• Five to ten knowledge mobilization activities for the general public;
• 10,000 tweets;
• 40 participating countries
• Media coverage by 40 to 60 journalists

About Acfas

Association francophone pour le savoir (Acfas) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1923 and contributes to the advancement of science in Quebec and Canadian Francophonie. Our mission is to promote research and innovation in the Francophone scientific community, and to share and enhance scientific knowledge for a better quality of life in society.

About the Université de Sherbrooke

The Université de Sherbrooke lies at the center of one of Quebec’s three major research hubs. Recognized for its sense of innovation, the university is a key partner of senior and regional governments in promoting social, cultural, and economic development. Moreover, the university stands out because of the significant growth in its research activities in recent years, its technology-transfer successes, and its entrepreneurial and open-innovation initiatives in collaboration with industry and social communities.

About Bishop’s University

Bishop’s University is a predominantly residential, undergraduate university. Our primary concern is offering students a quality education in the fine arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business and education. The residential aspect of our small size (2,400 full-time students) encourages students to immerse themselves in the complete Bishop’s experience.

Additional information:

Congrès de l’Acfas

Research at Université de Sherbrooke

Research at Bishop’s University

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Inquiries:

Alexandre Jay, Professional – Congrès, communications et partenariat
Association francophone pour le savoir – Acfas
514-849-0045, ext. 225 | alexandre.jay@acfas.ca

Isabelle Huard, Media relations advisor
Service des communications | Université de Sherbrooke
819-821-8000, ext. 63395 | medias@USherbrooke.ca

Olivier Bouffard, Director of communications
Bishop’s University
819-822-9600, ext. 2840 | olivier.bouffard@ubishops.ca