Live my life as a CNRS researcher in Rennes and use a LiDAR like geologists

Until Monday October 14, the CNRS opens its doors to the public and offers unusual visitsto discover the reality of science and research. In all, 87 unusual visits are offered this year in France, notably in Rennes, where around ten people who had previously registered were selected to slip into the shoes of a geologist. All morning, they carried out 3D topographical surveys on the Beaulieu campus and then discovered the data on a computer.

It was Paul Leroy who gave them a taste of his life as a scientist. A CNRS research engineer, he deals with 3D data processing at the Observatory of Sciences of the Universe in Rennes (OSUR). In particular, he uses LiDAR, a technique that allows distances to be measured using lightlike radar uses electromagnetic waves or sonar uses acoustic waves.

The ten lucky people selected were therefore able to use the device outdoors to take measurements. They then edited the data on a computer. An experience that fascinated Solenn who “watched a lot of archeology documentaries” where LiDAR was used. Mordrien also appreciated it. This computer engineer took a day off and drove three hours from Pays Bigouden to discover LiDAR, for “see it for real at least once, especially with the explanations”.

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Meet the scientists, show the daily life of researchersthis is the objective of such an unusual visit. But it is also, “demystify science a little”recognizes explains Mégane Vlaminck, CNRS communications manager in Brittany. Show that it is not “not something dark, not something scary”. The objective is also toattract young people to science. Paul Leroy notes a “disaffection for scientific and technical professions”. No doubt because of the “wages”he said, “perhaps it also seems a little daunting and discourages some”.

The best orientation fair

In fact, among the dozen curious people who took measurements with LiDAR, there is Simon, 14 years old, in 2nd year in Rennes, and pleasantly surprised. “When we imagine scientists, in laboratories, locked up”. Being around them outdoors delights him, as does his mother Julie, who admits that her son has “They don’t necessarily want to stay behind a computer all day. It shows them that there are also jobs that allow them to do research in the great outdoors. It’s the best orientation fair to introduce them to professions directly on site”.

If parents and high school students find what they are looking for, so do the CNRS researcher, happy to interact with visitors who have not “not at all the same questions as colleagues who have been in geomorphology for ten or 20 years”.

The unusual CNRS visits began in 2020. In Rennes, see you in 2025 for the 6th edition.