Science
Week
March 30 – April 5, 2026
UM6P Campus • Benguerir, Morocco
The Institute for Advanced Studies brings a rich program of keynotes, workshops, documentary screenings, photo exhibitions, scientific conferences, and round tables — celebrating the convergence of Earth sciences, health, arts, education, mathematics, AI, and the humanities.
Keynote & Inaugural
A landmark keynote on the convergence of climate change, human health, and equity, preceded by an inaugural reflection on what “Convergence(s)” truly means — setting the intellectual tone for the entire week.
Why Convergence(s)?
Raphaël Liogier
Holder of the Chair of Transitions at IAS UM6P. An opening reflection on the meaning of “convergences” — setting the intellectual framework for the entire Science Week.
Climate Change, Human Health, Equity: From Challenge to Convergence
Prof. Victor Dzau
President of the US National Academy of Medicine, Chancellor Emeritus & former President & CEO of Duke University Medical Center. Invited by Dr. Abdelali Haoudi.
Walking with Dinosaurs: The River Dragon
An epic journey into the prehistoric past. Screening followed by a presentation and exchange with Professor Nizar Ibrahim, renowned paleontologist.
Somewhere in Morocco
Patrimoine oublié du Maroc — Une exploration photographique
Ghost mining towns, remnants of the Trans-Saharan railway, abandoned military camps, an unfinished airport terminal, desecrated churches, haunted hospitals… François Beaurain takes us through time and space, uncovering a hidden Morocco far from the beaten path, questioning the future of a heritage now partly under threat.
The exhibition features 20 photographs of extraordinary places, all located in Morocco, each with a short description.
Patrimoine Géologique du Maroc
4th National Conference — Convergences: Sciences de la Terre et de l'Univers, Société et Développement Durable, in collaboration with GSMI. Opening address by Pr. Zouheir Sekkat, IAS UM6P Scientific Director and holder of the Chair of Optical Sciences and Photonics (COSP). A dozen experts from Moroccan and international universities including the University of Portsmouth (UK) and the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle de Paris.
4 Thematic Conferences
Featuring experts from University of Portsmouth (UK), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle de Paris, and multiple Moroccan universities.
IAS / GSMI Stand
Fossils, meteorites, minerals, and thematic books. Microscope with screen for observing thin sections of geological samples.
Day by Day
Click each day to explore the full IAS program.
Why Convergence(s)?
InauguralRaphaël Liogier, Holder of the Chair of Transitions
Opening reflection on the meaning of “convergences” — setting the intellectual framework for the entire Science Week.
Climate Change, Human Health, Equity: From Challenge to Convergence
KeynoteProf. Victor Dzau
President of the US National Academy of Medicine. Invited by Dr. Abdelali Haoudi.
Somewhere in Morocco — Le patrimoine oublié du Maroc
ExhibitionFrançois Beaurain, IAS Resident
20 photographs of extraordinary off-the-beaten-path locations in Morocco.
Dinosaures du Maroc
ConferenceProf. Nizar Ibrahim (University of Portsmouth)
Conference on Morocco's dinosaur discoveries.
Walking with Dinosaurs: The River Dragon
FilmDocumentary screening and exchange with the filmmakers.
Le Patrimoine Géologique du Maroc — 4ème Journée nationale
ConferenceOpening address by Pr. Zouheir Sekkat (IAS Scientific Director, COSP). Full day of thematic conferences, presentations, and book launches. In collaboration with GSMI.
Maths / Physics / Philosophy — Henri Poincaré's Wonderful Convergence
TalkProf. El Haj Laamri, IAS Resident
Where mathematics, physics, and philosophy converge in illuminating ways.
La Zone Critique, où toutes les sciences convergent…
TalkIAS — Global Critical Zone Science Chair
Exploring the Earth's Critical Zone where all scientific disciplines converge — from geology to ecology, hydrology to atmospheric science.
Autour du fossile : métiers, savoir-faire et créativité à Alnif
FilmPr Ahmed Aarab (Université Abdelmalek Essaâdi Tanger)
Documentary screening in the presence of Pr Ahmed Aarab. Presentations and exchanges with the filmmakers.
TEP, A Revolution in Education?
WorkshopDr. Teresa M. Cappiali, IAS Resident — TRANSFORM_EDUC Program
Presentation of the first complete TEP (Transformative-Emancipatory Pedagogy) pilot conducted at secondary level with UM6E students (Feb–Mar 2026). Outdoor TEP stands animated by students throughout the day. Part of the TRANSFORM_EDUC research program led by Dr. Teresa Cappiali, in collaboration with the Lydex.
Convergences identitaires
TalkIAS — Chair of Transitions
Exploring the convergence of identity in contemporary societies.
Goal Directedness
TalkTomas Veloz, Raphaël Liogier & Olivier Servais
An interdisciplinary exploration of purpose, agency, and directed action across fields.
Spiritualités et religions entre convergence et divergence
Round TableR. Liogier, C. Hass, W. Marsh, M. Sakhi — Chair of Transitions
Situations contemporaines — Two philosophers and two anthropologists analyze modern convergences and dissidences in spiritual and political-religious movements.
Est-ce que tout doit converger vers l'IA ?
WorkshopProf. Willy Zwaenepoel, IAS Resident
A critical examination of AI convergence in science and society. College of Computing & Institute for Advanced Studies.
Migration(s) : La convergence des approches
Round TableMontassir Sakhi — Chair of Transitions / ABS
A round table on migration, exploring the convergence of disciplinary approaches.
Plant Ecology & Soil Biogeochemistry
TalkProf. Abad Chabbi, IAS Resident
In collaboration with the College of Agriculture at UM6P Benguerir.
Talk at UM6P Laayoune
TalkProf. Abad Chabbi, IAS Resident
Extended reach at UM6P Laayoune campus in collaboration with ASARI.
Featured Speakers
IAS residents bringing world-class expertise to Science Week.
Gallery
A week of science, culture, and convergence captured through the lens.
Follow Our Coverage
Daily recaps, highlights, and behind-the-scenes from the IAS team — follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected.
Media Coverage
IAS at Science Week 2026 covered by Moroccan and international media.
Join Us at
Science Week 2026
Experience the convergence of Earth sciences, arts, medicine, mathematics, and education. March 30 – April 5, 2026 at UM6P Campus, Benguerir.
Explore Full Program →