France launches campaign for the advancement of science and technology
Claudie Haigneré, the French Minister for Research and New Technologies, together with Jean-Jacques Aillagon, Minister for Culture and Communications, presented a national plan for the advancement of science and technology to the French Council of Ministers on 25 February. The plan, which had been requested in January by Jacques Chirac, the French President, aims to multiply and stimulate the interfaces between the scientific world and the general public. 'Research and innovation are vital,' stated Mr Chirac. 'They must be encouraged and supported. Our future depends on it. Investment in research is one of the conditions for the economic and technological influence of our country.' One of the aims of the plan is to give everyone - and particularly the young - an interest in science and technology, as well as to promote scientific careers. The two ministers also explained that in a world more and more defined by science and technology it is necessary to give the general public better points of references. The plan presented a number of measures, which will be taken over the next year to broaden the appeal of science and technology. Various schemes will be initiated across France to increase the appeal of science courses in schools and universities. French radio and television stations will be encouraged to offer more programmes promoting science and technology. 'Internet Days', which will take place from 29 March to 4 April, will be dedicated to the promotion of science on the Internet with the launch of a new web portal intended for the general public. Similarly, Heritage Days on 18 and 19 September, which attract eleven million visitors every year, will revolve around the theme of 'Heritage, Science and Technology'. France will also participate in the 2005 Year of Physics. Several initiatives will be launched in the field of scientific publishing. A Jules Verne fund will be created with an annual budget of 100,000 euro to facilitate the publication and popularisation works on science and technology. Furthermore, the 'centre national du livre' (national centre of the book) will increase its help to libraries across the country by doubling its loans from 300,000 to 600,000 euro. To complete this series of measures, a foundation for science and technology will be created in 2004. The aim of the foundation will be to federate the initiatives of scientists, industry and associations and will be financed by both the private and the public sectors.
Countries
France