On May 21, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at the MJC in Chambéry, the science outreach organization Science Actions is hosting a special “Café-Science” event in honor of Jean-Louis Coutaz, titled “The Laser: What’s It For?”
ABOUT THE MEETING
In February 2026, the Science Actions association lost one of its most loyal members, Jean-Louis Coutaz. He had been involved with the association since its founding in 2001 and never left. After serving as president of the association for about ten years, he handed over the reins but continued to play an active role—whether organizing events, welcoming visitors to the office, or leading science outreach workshops for young audiences in partnership with the MJC. Jean-Louis knew how to share his knowledge and loved doing so. His enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and curiosity sparked everyone’s interest. Through his dedication and ability to bring people together, he made a significant contribution to the development of the Science Actions association, its influence, and its renewal.
As spring returns, we would like to offer a moment of remembrance for those who knew him, or for those who wish to learn more about who he was. We will begin with a few words from his loved ones, followed by audio clips accompanied by a slideshow. We will then explore topics related to Jean-Louis’s career; he was a professor emeritus of physics at the CROMA laboratory and internationally recognized for his pioneering work on THz radiation. In the presence of researchers and faculty members who knew Jean-Louis well, we will revisit his research themes through a tool he was particularly fond of: the laser. We will review the advances this technology has made over the past few decades, discuss the industrial and economic impacts associated with these developments, and examine how Jean-Louis’s work fit into this historical movement.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
- Emilie Hérault: Assistant Professor at the CROMA Laboratory at USMB
- Guy Vitrant: Research Director at the CROMA Laboratory at USMB
- Antoine Kevorkian: President and Founder of Teem Photonics
ABOUT SCIENCE CAFÉS
Science Cafés allow the general public to discuss a wide range of topics, often related to current events, with experts and researchers in a friendly atmosphere. They are organized by the Science-Actions association, in collaboration with the University of Savoie Mont Blanc, the city of Chambéry, the Astrée cinema, and the MJC youth center in Chambéry.
These evenings are organized around the principle of a debate, which is based on questions asked by the audience to the speakers. They are neither lectures nor conferences given by a speaker. They allow everyone to form their own opinion on often complex subjects for which there is no simple or single solution. They also provide an opportunity to learn more about the research being carried out locally in the Chambéry area and neighboring regions by researchers, engineers, and doctors who volunteer their time to participate in our evenings.
Once a quarter, Cafés Science takes the form of a movie screening called Ciné Science. In this case, the film is shown at the Astrée cinema at 8:30 p.m. It is followed by a discussion with two or three experts on the film's theme.
LEARN MORE
- Free admission
- Contact: Café Science Chambéry
- Check out the 2025–2026 season schedule
- Visit the Science-Actions association website