The Fête de la Science is the perfect opportunity for children and adults alike to take part in fun activities and learn about biology, chemistry, archaeology and scientific investigation from professionals. For a whole week, you can take advantage of open doors at Parisian universities, science-related museums and other institutions to expand your knowledge.
Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades was founded in 1927, merging Hôpital Necker, dedicated to adults since 1778, and Hôpital des Enfants Malades, created in 1801 as the world's first pediatric hospital. Today, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades has 580 beds, mainly dedicated to pediatric care.
It is home to numerous research units whose excellence contributes to the Hospital's reputation and results, and which came together in 2014 to form the Imagine and INEM institutes, created to advance science and transform knowledge into solutions to healthcare challenges, particularly around pediatric cancers and genetic diseases.
The muscle in all its forms: living, beating, in color
From stem cell to muscle fiber: come see how we grow a muscle in our lab. Watch muscle contractions in real time under the microscope. Then explore its internal structure with high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, where each protein lights up in a different color.
Workshop led by: Reem Bou Akar, Lucie Da Silva, Takuto Hayashi, Philippos Mourikis
Participation requirements:
• Target audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and up
• Conditions: Free admission
Schedule: Saturday, October 10 — 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Researchers and doctors: a united front against childhood leukemias
Discover how scientific research and medical practice reinforce each other in everyday life: from lab experiments to hospital care. Through concrete, interactive discussions, learn how science improves patient care and why teamwork is essential to advancing medicine.
Workshop led by: Guillaume Andrieu, Paul Testard, Albane Wasselin
Participation requirements :
• Target audiences : 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and up
• Requirements : Free admission
Hours: Saturday, 10 October — 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A Tour of the Immune System
Our team studies immune-system cells and pursues fresh ideas to strengthen the body's defenses against cancer. You’ll discover the method we use to extract white blood cells from human blood to test a new cancer-fighting molecule on these cells. You’ll also see how we evaluate the potential therapy’s effectiveness.
Workshop led by: Elodie Segura, Mathieu Vetter, Mathilde Rieux-Laucat, Alessandra Rigamonti, Jade Vionnet
Participation conditions :
• Target audiences : 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and up
• Conditions : Free admission
Schedule: Saturday, October 10 — 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM
A journey to the heart of the cell: proteins in action
Discover how, in our laboratory, we use antibodies to analyze proteins and shed light on the cellular machinery. Proteins are biological molecules that perform a host of essential functions to keep our cells healthy. Join us to explore a technique that's used daily in our lab—one that lets us separate and study these proteins. This method relies on antibodies to reveal the mysteries of proteins, giving a detailed view of the cell’s machinery.
Workshop led by: Flavie Garampon, Dobrawa Amiri, Maribel Lara Corona, Myckaela Rouabah
Participation requirements:
• Target audiences: 6 - 11 years, 11 - 15 years, 15 - 18 years, 18 - 25 years, 25 years and up
• Conditions: Free admission
Hours: Saturday, October 10 — 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Who infected Colonel Mustard?
Come play Cluedo Microbio! Colonel Mustard is dead and the culprit is still on the loose. Suspect number one: a bacterium. But which one? With what weapon? And where did it strike? Don your lab coat, grab your clues, and crack this microscopic mystery.
Workshop led by: Morgane Wuckelt, Lison Reboul, Elif Uyar
Participation requirements:
• Target audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and older
• Conditions: Free admission
Hours: Saturday, October 10 — 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The immune system fights back!
We often hear about our immune system, but rarely about how it actually works. How do our cells defend themselves? How do they know who to fight—or not? How does this tiny army inside each of us organize itself? And why, from time to time, does it miss the target or misfire?! If you’re curious to learn more and to see with your own eyes what protects you every day, the answers are here!
Workshop led by: Paolo Van Endert, Justine Laulin
Participation conditions:
• Target audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and up
• Conditions: Free admission
Hours: Saturday, October 10 — 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
DNA, kidneys and disease: how genetics is guiding the investigation
Dive into the world of genetics! Join researchers studying chronic kidney disease to extract DNA. A hands-on activity that reveals the molecule shared by all living things and demonstrates how it helps us better study, diagnose, and treat kidney diseases.
Workshop led by: Corentin Ramauge Parra, Sonja Rehrl
Participation requirements:
• Target audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25+ years
• Conditions: Free admission
Hours: Saturday, October 10 — 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The hunt for aggressive cancer cells
We invite you to explore the mysteries of the cells at the origin of cancer. Where do they come from and how can they be eliminated? Dive into the heart of cancer research by observing, under the microscope, these very special cells.
Workshop led by: Emeline Pacreau, Adrien Bausson
Participation requirements:
• Target audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and up
• Conditions: Free admission
Hours: Saturday, October 10 — 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
NeuroMetro: brain–hormone connections.
Welcome aboard the NeuroMetro! Hop on and set off to discover the big lines that link our brain to the hormones. Through a matching game, identify the organ responsible for the secretion of each hormone and explore the role of these chemical messengers in our body, our emotions, and our behaviors. Ready to find the right match?
Workshop led by: Léa Vinel, Tala Tirani, Miranda Bueno Arribas, David Romeo Guitart, Angie Kim Torres Juacida
Participation requirements:
• Target audiences: 6–11, 11–15, 15–18, 18–25, 25 and up
• Conditions: Free admission
Hours: Saturday, October 10 — 10:00–16:30
Mission Rein Possible: the investigation that filters the truth
Welcome to our medical investigation workshop!
Today, we’re going to explore the case of Mr. Reinold Pasfuté, a fictional patient suffering from lower back pain, recurring fevers, and chronic fatigue, with a family history of polycystic kidney disease.
Workshop led by: Caterina GARGANO, Maho KANAI
Participation requirements:
• Target audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and up
• Requirements: Free admission
Hours: Saturday, October 10 — 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Dates and Opening Time
On October 10, 2026
Location
Institut Necker Enfants Malades
160 Rue de Vaugirard
75015 Paris 15
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
www.fetedelascience.fr
