Five-year Co-operation Agreement Signed by ACFAS and Espace pour la vie

MONTRÉAL, April 19, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Ville de Montréal has endorsed the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Association francophone pour le savoir (ACFAS) and Espace pour la vie to pool their respective expertise as a way of broadening and promoting scientific literacy. The five-year agreement provides for co-operation in their fields of activity and joint projects associated with science and research.

A natural partnership
The two organizations had already worked together for a first time back in 2017, with the La preuve par l'image exhibition and the Ma thèse en 180 secondes (three-minute thesis) contest, at the Biodôme.

This time, the La preuve par l'image exhibition will be presented at the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan from June 19, 2018 to January 28, 2019. It brings together 20 magnificent images from science research, revealing a world of unsuspected complexity and organization: a spectacular living universe transformed into true natural works of art. Visitors will be able to vote for their favourites on site at an interactive terminal or on the Radio-Canada website. The grand prize winners will be announced at the 74^th ACFAS gala, on November 13, 2018.

In addition to the exchanges that already allow the two organizations to enhance their respective programs, other collaborative projects are in the planning stages, including a special report to be published this fall in the ACFAS magazine, Découvrir.

Joint actions and complementary projects
ACFAS and Espace pour la vie, both highly reputed organizations, reach large and complementary communities. Their joint actions will lead to synergy that is sure to boost scientific literacy, encouraging access to a larger number of experts and a wider network for sharing scientific knowledge.

Quotes 
"This collaboration with ACFAS, an internationally recognized organization, is perfectly in line with our goals for the future. We are working to build strategic partnerships that will allow us to reach a wider audience, make even more people aware of the importance of biodiversity and environmental issues and, ultimately, encourage them to change their behaviour," says Espace pour la vie Director Charles-Mathieu Brunelle.

"Espace pour la vie comprises four science museums devoted to education, research and making science accessible. ACFAS, for its part, has recognized expertise in science communication, educational tools and training, to assist future leaders and the whole community of French-language researchers," says Lyne Sauvageau, the new ACFAS President. "So it's only natural for us to share our members' work and discoveries with the some 2 million visitors to Espace pour la vie. The more successful we are at giving young people a taste for science, the better it will be for all of us!"

About
Espace pour la vie is made up of four attractions on the same site: the Biodôme, Insectarium, Jardin botanique and Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan. These four prestigious municipal institutions form Canada's largest natural science museum complex. Together, they are launching a daring, creative urban movement, urging everyone to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.

ACFAS
The Association francophone pour le savoir, or ACFAS, was founded in 1923 to promote scientific activity, foster research and encourage the sharing of knowledge. The Quebec-based association brings together some 5,000 scientists in all fields.

SOURCE Espace pour la vie

For further information: Espace pour la vie : Nadine Fortin, Communications Co-ordinator, 514 868-3053, [e-mail]; ACFAS : Alexandre Jay, Communications and Partnerships Co-ordinator, 514 849-0045, ext. 225, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.espacepourlavie.ca/