France: "Année de l’ingénierie 2025-2026" – Promoting engineering careers and addressing societal challenges
Over the 2025-26 school year, France is dedicating an entire academic year to engineering, in partnership with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and the Académie des Technologies. This initiative, known as the "Année de l’ingénierie", aims to highlight the critical role of engineering in addressing the scientific, technological, and societal challenges of the 21st century. It seeks to inspire students, particularly young women, to pursue careers in engineering and to foster a deeper understanding of the field’s contributions to sustainable development and industrial sovereignty.
Rationale and objectives
The "Année de l’ingénierie" initiative aligns with France’s France 2030 plan, focusing on reindustrialisation, strategic autonomy, and addressing climate, energy, and digital transitions. Its objectives are:
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Encouraging scientific vocations, particularly among young women, through the "Girls et maths" action plan.
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Strengthening collaboration between education, research, and industry to promote diverse engineering careers.
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Advancing interdisciplinary approaches, integrating physics, chemistry, life sciences, and digital technology.
Key innovations
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Interdisciplinary Learning: Engineering is presented to pupils as a cross-cutting field, combining fundamental sciences with practical applications to tackle global challenges.
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School Engagement: Schools organise meetings with professionals, classroom interventions, company/laboratory visits, and mentoring to inspire students and challenge gender stereotypes.
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Educational Resources: The dedicated website offers tools for teachers, career information, and student competitions.
Expected impact
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Increased interest in engineering careers, especially among underrepresented groups.
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Enhanced collaboration between schools, research, and industry.
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Greater awareness of engineering’s societal role, including climate action and digital innovation.
For more information:
Source: Eurydice Unit France
