Création d’étincelles Project

Background

In order to support businesses and research institutions, PRIMA Québec proposed a project to help resolve a problem they have in common, namely the labour shortage.  

In response to this problem, PRIMA Québec proposes to design and deploy an initiative with a twofold objective: to encourage future talent to careers in STEM and to introduce them to the possibilities offered by the field of advanced materials. 

The advanced materials sector is an area with a bright future. Playing a strategic role, advanced materials are used in a wide range of products and processes, such as batteries for electric cars, smart phones, renewable energies and more. Above all, it is a growing field that offers multiple job opportunities in different application sectors. 

Création d’étincelles Project

In March 2023, the Board of Directors approved the implementation of the Création d’étincelles structuring project[1].

A steering committee was formed with experts to validate the relevance of the proposed initiative, as well as the overall feasibility of the Création d’étincelles project.

It consists of:

• Patrice Potvin, Professor of Science and Technology Teaching at the Faculty of Education at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM), Holder of the Research Chair on Young People’s Interest in Science and Technology (CRIJEST) and Director of the Research Team in Science and Technology Education (EREST)
• Jean-Philippe Bolduc, High school teacher at Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM), private high school for girls
• Abida Ouyed, Director of programs and partnerships au Fonds de recherche du Québec – secteur Nature et technologies
• Chantal Piché, Innovation and Research Coordinator, Continuing Education, Innovation and Research Department Cégep de Thetford
• Laura-Isabelle Dion-Bertrand, Principal Coordinator CERC (Pr. C. Silva)

Three actions have been selected in order to best meet the objectives of encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in STEM and introducing them to the possibilities offered by the field of advanced materials:

• Develop with Réseau Technoscience an ÉnigMAtique kit for Secondary 3 students on advanced materials, to raise awareness of STEM careers and make connections with materials companies.
• Inspire high school students by having university or college technology transfer center (CCTT) students present projects involving advanced materials and share their career aspirations. This follow-up activity to the kit is supported in collaboration with the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ).
• Award a prize donated by PRIMA Québec at the Québec finals of the Hydro-Québec Super Expo-Sciences.

The deployment in high schools of the Création d’étincelles project will begin during the 2024-2025 school year. A total of 20 activities will be offered by a facilitator from the Réseau Technoscience. The ÉnigMAtique kit will be discovered by students, and a company from the advanced materials sector will come and present. A follow-up activity will also be offered, with presentations by university or CCTT students. presentations by university students or CCTTs.

A prize will be awarded at the Québec finals of the Hydro-Québec 2025 Super Expo-Sciences to recognize the students’ work. For details on the Expo-Sciences Hydro-Québec, visit this page.

To reserve the ÉnigMAtique kit and the follow-up activity, please click here.

For any other information, do not hesitate to contact Cloé Bouchard-Aubin (cloe.bouchard-aubin@prima.ca).

[1] A structuring project must meet the following objectives:

• Contribute to Québec’s advanced materials ecosystem.
• Accelerate the growth and development of the advanced materials sector by building on its strengths.
• Implement projects that aim to solve problems common to the industry and which then position the sector advantageously.