The village of Auzat is currently hosting a new scientific residency from Sunday to Thursday. This initiative is led by OPSN (Observatoire des pratiques socionumériques), in collaboration with MSHS-T (Maison des sciences humaines et sociales de Toulouse) and the University of Toulouse, in partnership with the municipality of Auzat. Researchers from various French institutions have gathered in the valley to share their work, compare their methods, and discuss a common question: what do territories reveal about themselves, their history, vulnerabilities, resources, and future? This 2026 edition is part of “La Clairière des idées,” a series of meetings that engage research and residents in dialogue on major contemporary issues. Remaining true to the spirit of this event, the residency will include scientific work, interactions with the community, and a public presentation.
The highlight of the week will be on Wednesday at 6 pm in the village gymnasium, with a free evening open to everyone on the theme “What our territories tell us: experiencing their past, present, and future.” From heritage and reality of the present to uncertainties about the future, the event will showcase territories in motion, exploring concrete questions such as the preservation of local history, the evolution of a territory’s image, and the role of media, institutions, landscapes, and economic activities. The residency is coordinated by Bruno Raoul, a professor in information and communication sciences at the University of Lille. Various speakers will offer unique perspectives to enrich the discussion. The goal is to emphasize the complexity of territories without reducing them to stereotypes, by intertwining scientific research, sensory experiences, and public debate. The evening will also involve a group of 24 6th-grade students from Collège Sabarthès-Montcalm, located in Vicdessos, participating in the “Apprentis chercheuses et chercheurs” program. They will present the results of their own investigation, “How do you get your information?” focusing on the evolution of information and communication channels over time. A quiz with prizes and a complimentary aperitif from the municipality of Auzat will follow the session.
