Croscus – Scientific mediation and alpine flora

How can we think about the “science-society” relationship around the ecological transition in the mountains? How can scientific challenges and social issues be addressed from a social science perspective? The Croscus project aims to answer these questions by combining research issues with professional expertise in scientific communication and mediation.

The aim of the project is to analyze the contemporary issues surrounding the cultural mediation of science and nature in society. Through the case of mountain territories, the aim is to understand the growing complexity of these relationships, and to define what we call “science”, “scientific culture” and “public”. Scientific and ecological issues have gone beyond the confines of research institutions to become public problems, addressed by experts, professionalized communication, associations and public action.

Each year, the Croscus project focuses on a different theme in an Alpine region. After the question of the wolf and territorial reactions and public issues in 2019, this year’s focus is on flora conservation, expertise and scientific communication. The workshop is organized in partnership with the Conservatoire botanique national alpin in the Écrins and Queyras ranges. The base camp is located in Vallouise-Pelvoux (05).

The project combines different teaching formats (field survey workshop, research seminar and creative workshop) to devise new forms of scientific communication and mediation, in conjunction with local players or interdisciplinary research programs.