The French Science Festival is a major annual French scientific culture event held in France and around the world. It aims to promote science and encourage the general public to engage in discussions about scientific topics. This year, in line with the theme of “Oceans of Knowledge”, the Science Promotion Unit of the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau will collaborate to present a series of feature programmes at the Hong Kong Science Museum from 4 to 14 October. These programmes will include an inaugural conference, an exhibition titled  “Oceans: A New Mining Treasure Trove?”, a virtual reality experience of “Dolphin Man” and a film screening of “The Odyssey”.

For a complete list of exciting events, please visit the website of the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau!

“Oceans: A New Mining Treasure Trove?” Exhibition

There is growing concern among the international community about deep-sea mining exploration projects being undertaken by various countries, particularly in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific. The primary objective of these projects is to search for metals like nickel, copper, manganese, and cobalt, which are essential for battery production. Many countries are calling for a pause to seabed mining until the scientific community has had the opportunity to properly assess the risks. This exhibition will explore what we know about the deep sea, why it is so fascinating, and the potential risks of seabed mining.

Exhibition Period: 4 – 14.10.2024
Opening Hours:
10:00am – 7:00pm for Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays
10:00am – 9:00pm for Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
Venue: G/F Exhibition Hall, Hong Kong Science Museum
Suitable for: Public
Fee: Free admission for museum visitors, full-time students and holders of valid Museum Pass

Virtual Reality Experience of "Dolphin Man"

“Dolphin Man” is a virtual reality (VR) experience to be presented together with “Oceans: A New Mining Treasure Trove?” exhibition. It is a co-production of SEPPIA, ARTE and WOWOW, directed by Benoit Lichté.

“Dolphin Man” immerses participants in three 360° VR experiences that follow the footsteps of free divers. Each video is around 6 minutes and focuses on a specific aspect of free diving: dive, search and breathe. Participants will get to share the protagonists’ sensory perception in the underwater world.

Exhibition Period: 4 – 14.10.2024
Opening Hours:
10:00am – 7:00pm for Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays
10:00am – 9:00pm for Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
Venue: G/F Exhibition Hall, Hong Kong Science Museum
Suitable for: Aged 13 and up
Language: English
Fee: Free admission for museum visitors, full-time students and holders of valid Museum Pass

Inaugural Conference on the Preservation of Oceans and Marine Resources

Oceans cover over 70% of our planet's surface and are currently facing threats from the effects of climate change, pollution and overexploitation of marine resources. Despite the crucial role that oceans play in regulating environmental balance and climate change, they are too often pushed to the sidelines of international discussions on climate and biodiversity.

This inaugural conference marks the beginning of the French Science Festival in Hong Kong. We have invited two ambassadors for the French Science Festival 2024, Ms. Hidy Yu, Founder of the Bling Bling Ocean Foundation, and Mr. Romain Troublé, Executive Director of the Tara Ocean Foundation. They will join our moderator, Prof. Joost Schokkenbroek from the University of Hong Kong, to discuss the importance of marine conservation and explore ways to raise public awareness.

Speakers:
Ms. Hidy Yu (Founder, Bling Bling Ocean Foundation)
Mr. Romain Troublé (Executive Director, Tara Ocean Foundation)^#

Moderator:
Prof. Joost Schokkenbroek (Professor, Museum Studies, The University of Hong Kong)

Date: 4.10.2024 (Fri)
Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm (Inaugural Conference), 7:30 – 8:30pm (Cocktail*)
Venue: Lecture Hall, 1/F, Hong Kong Science Museum
Suitable for: Public
Language: English
Capacity: 200
Fee: Free
Enrolment method: On-line registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here for registration

# Online participation
*Cocktail reception by invitation only

Film Screening of "The Odyssey"

"The Odyssey" (2016) Synopsis

"The Odyssey" is a 2016 French-Belgian biographical adventure film that follows the life and adventures of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a French ocean-going adventurer, biologist, and filmmaker. The film, based on the non-fiction book "Capitaine de La Calypso", documents Cousteau's aquatic adventures over thirty years, from his early naval career to his role as a pioneering environmentalist who raised global awareness of the need to protect the oceans. (Duration: around 122 minutes)

Date: 13.10.2024 (Sun)
Time: 3:00 – 5:15pm
Venue: Lecture Hall, 1/F, Hong Kong Science Museum
Suitable for: Public
Language: French narration with English subtitles
Capacity: 270
Fee: Free
Enrolment method: On-line registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here for registration