Association Traces

TRACES is a Paris-based association dedicated to fostering critical and inclusive relationships between science, technology, and society. Established over almost 20 years, TRACES operates at the intersection of academia, cultural organizations, and the private sector, creating dynamic spaces for experimentation, reflection, and innovation in science communication, mediation and education. By challenging habits and assumptions in those fields, TRACES applies a research-driven, critical perspective to its activities, emphasizing continuous questioning and adaptation.

The association’s mission extends across multiple dimensions. Through training, consultancy, and mediation initiatives, TRACES promotes interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from the human and experimental sciences to develop creative and impactful methods. These efforts aim to transform scientific culture into a tool for civic participation, social cohesion, and individual empowerment.

TRACES is deeply involved in creating training opportunities for diverse audiences, including science communicators, researchers, and educators. Collaborating with initiatives like the École de la Médiation (The School of mediation, composed by several institutions devoted to training for professionals in science communication), the organization offers courses that enhance mediation practices, promote diversity and inclusion, and explore participatory approaches to engage the public. TRACES also supports research professionals in developing communication skills, fostering open science, and understanding the societal implications of their work.

The association is a driving force behind innovative projects that bridge science, digital culture, and social inclusion. For instance, initiatives like E-FABRIK’ bring together young people and individuals with disabilities to co-create tangible solutions using digital tools, emphasizing personal relevance and shared creativity. This reflects TRACES’ commitment to ensuring that science and technology serve as accessible, empowering resources for all members of society.

TRACES also supports critical inquiry and dialogue through public events, workshops, and publications. It partners with schools, cultural institutions, and municipalities to implement tailor-made programs that address local needs while encouraging broader societal engagement with science and technology. Recent projects have tackled topics such as sustainability, social inclusion, and the role of science in contemporary culture.

In addition to its on-the-ground work, TRACES actively contributes to international networks, sharing its expertise and methodologies globally. Its approach underscores the importance of fostering a dialogue between experts and communities, recognizing that meaningful science communication involves not only sharing knowledge but also listening and adapting to diverse perspectives.

Situated in the heart of Paris’ cultural and scientific ecosystem, TRACES collaborates with leading organizations and initiatives across France and Europe. From developing educational resources to training future mediators, the association remains committed to equipping individuals and institutions with the tools needed to navigate and shape the evolving relationship between science and society.