Astrophysics Discovery Day 2026

The Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets, in collaboration with the Department of Physics of the Université de Montréal, the Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic and the Centre for Research in Astrophysics of Quebec are happy to join forces with the Faculté des arts et des sciences de l’Université de Montréal to offer a Journée découverte en astrophysique (Astrophysics Discovery Day) for Cegep students on 16 January, 2026. Please note that all the activities of this event will be in French.

Registrations here: REGISTRATION CLOSED.

During this day, the Cegep students will have the opportunity to meet several physics and astrophysics students from the Université de Montréal and learn more about this discipline.

Schedule (details to be confirmed)

• Between 9:15 and 9:30 a.m.: Welcome, Door A (Atrium) of MIL Campus A-Wing (1st floor)
• 9:30 a.m.: Welcome and introductions
• 9:45 am: Everything you want to know about (astro)physics at UdeM, the campus, careers
• 10:15 a.m.: Astrophysics research in Quebec and at UdeM – an introduction
• 10:30 a.m.: Break (snacks, tea and juice provided)
• 10:45 a.m.: Student Research Jamboree
• 12:15 pm: Lunch (flavoured water and pizza provided, including a vegetarian option), B wing Atrium (1st floor)
• 1:15 pm: Alternating, in sub-groups :
  • Visit the MIL campus
  • Visit to an astronomical instrumentation lab, Astro Lab, B wing (4th floor)
  • Presentation Telescopes, on the ground and in space, Bibliothèque des sciences visualization lab, A wing (1st floor)
• 3:00 pm: Break
• 3:15 pm: Interactive activity: An astronomer’s way
• 16h45: Closing remarks, prize-giving ceremony
• Around 5:00 pm: End

Presenters

Frédérique Baron and Nathalie Ouellette, both astrophysicists and science communicators at the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets (IREx).

During the day, you will also have the opportunity to meet several other astrophysicists. More information to come!

During the Jamboree

Several students conducting research in astrophysics will present their work during the morning jamboree (names to be announced).

During the interactive activity in the afternoon

Frédérique, Nathalie and students, who are conducting research in astrophysic,s will lead the activity.

Registration

About Astrophysics Discovery Moments

For several years now, IREx and its partners have been organizing activities to introduce young people to the profession of an astronomer. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, an event for CEGEP students, “Journée d’initiation à la recherche en astrophysique”, was held in person at UdeM for a full day. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, the event moved online, and its name was changed to “Soirée d’initiation à la recherche en astrophysique.” In 2024, IREx and its partners collaborated with UdeM’s Faculté des arts et des sciences to host the inaugural Astrophysics Discovery Event. The Faculty also offers similar events in other disciplines.

Partners