2023-12-07 15:02:15
Universcience, which brings together the Palais de la Découverte and the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Paris, aims to promote scientific and technical culture. From December 3 to 9, the fourth edition of the residency for young international scientific talents will be devoted – on the occasion of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – to the theme “sport and science”.
Published on: 07/12/2023 – 14:02
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How to improve the performance of high-level athletes? What are the effects of sport on health? How to define the societal issues of sport? For a very long time, science – in all fields – has tackled the problem of sport.
The place of sport as a theme of scientific mediation
Universcience is taking advantage of the organization of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024 to bring together young researchers from around twenty countries. This event, labeled Cultural Olympiad by Paris 2024, above all allows a meeting between researchers, academics and even engineers.
« Universcience is happy to bounce back from the Paris 2024 Olympics by offering a residency for young scientists who explore sport and science together, two fields that have a lot in common. We are convinced here of the place of sport as a theme of scientific mediation, as a tool for health, as a vector of gender equality – and I am delighted to welcome this predominantly female promotion – as a lever for development or even as initiator of sustainable impact projects », explains Bruno Maquart, president of Universcience.
Among the participants, a Japanese person works on the practice of sport among disabled people. A Malaysian woman was interested in the consequences on the quality of sleep among high-level competitors due to covid-19 and its confinement. Holder of a doctorate in biochemistry, a Jamaican dedicated himself to research between adiposity (accumulation of fat in subcutaneous cellular tissue) and lactate production (lactate is a major source of energy in the body). ‘effort). An Egyptian presents work on genetic influence and sports performance.
« It’s enriching to be there. We learn things, we exchange »
Elsie Uwamahoro, Burundian, former high-level swimmer who participated in the Olympic Games in Beijing, London and Rio, is focused on the post-career of high-level athletes. “ Athletes who are active do not think too much about their future, and I investigated the retraining of athletes in my country around the 18 federations. I therefore proposed support measures for them. Particularly with the resumption of studies “, she explains. In all countries of the world, without preparation, the athlete is often faced with a complicated end to his sporting career. “ This gathering brings me a lot, because I realize that many countries have the same challenge as us. I took the opportunity to discuss the solutions with other participants », said Elsie Uwamahoro.
For example, in France, a Center for the Study of National and International Athletes offers training, from baccalaureate to bac+5, around themes linked to sport, for athletes still in activity. The transition between sporting life and professional life is sometimes compared to a “little death” which can lead to depression. With solid support, the transition between the end of the career of high-level athletes should be experienced in a positive manner.
A ” occasion unique »
The Chadian Adam Netcho, holder of a doctorate in social sciences of sport, has carried out several studies linked to public policies around youth and sport in certain Sahel countries. “ It’s enriching to be there. We learn things, we exchange. Above all, we see how other countries manage inclusion through sport, an issue to which I am particularly attached. », he testifies.
« For Universcience, it is a unique opportunity to have this window open to the world. These young scientists provide us with an understanding of what is happening in their homes. It’s inspiring and rich in both senses », concludes Sophie Biecheler, director of institutional and international relations at Universcience.
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