Launched six years ago by École Polytechnique's Marianne Mareschal Chair, Les filles et les sciences : un duo électrisant ! is a day devoted to showcasing science careers to girls aged 13 to 15 -- the vital age for making a career choice. Some 400 teenage girls take part in the event each year.

"Students are invited to participate in scientific workshops organized by women from various science fields currently working in the industry," says Marie-Josée Dionne, coordinator of the Marianne Mareschal Chair. "The event aims to show that science can be fun, and get teenage girls interested in science and technology. Since it first took place in February 2000, the event has drawn over 2,500 girls and 400 parents and teachers."

The organizing committee for Les filles et les sciences has expanded over the years to include today some 15 industrial partners, such as Bell Canada, Hydro-Québec, Nortel, Merck Frosst and Pratt & Whitney, in addition to provincial government partners like the Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, and the Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sport. The event is held at École Polytechnique, at École de Technologie Supérieure and in various outlying regions of Québec.

It's worth noting that the Marianne Mareschal Chair won the ADRIQ's Prix Relève in 2002 for its overall activities. Implemented in 1991, the ADRIQ Innovation Awards Gala--an occasion to hand out four individual and six corporate prizes--is the most prestigious industrial innovation event in Québec, bringing together some 500 decision-makers and guests from the province's technology sector each year. The Prix Relève is presented to organizations for their excellent achievements and leadership in and/or mastery of industrial technologies that give them a competitive edge and lead to their success and renown in their respective markets and areas of activity.

The seventh annual Les filles et les sciences: un duo électrisant! will take place Saturday, February 18, 2006, at École Polytechnique de Montréal and Université du Québec à Rimouski. Information and registration: www.lesfillesetlessciences.ca or (450) 449-3883.

Congratulations to the Duo électrisant team!