Context

Following its first convention dedicated to the uses of hydrogen, the French Society of Engineers and Scientists (IESF) is continuing its efforts by organizing a new scientific convention. This convention brings together 50 students from engineering schools and universities, selected by lottery, to address the question: "Under what conditions and how can concrete construction, particularly cement, be decarbonized to fully contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050? Which processes and innovations should be prioritized?"

This convention takes place within a specific context for this sector: cement is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions, and transforming this industry is essential to meet the commitments of the Paris Agreement and the French national decarbonization strategy.

The convention was structured around four sessions between October 2025 and January 2026, during which participants received training on the sector's challenges, heard from researchers and professionals, and collectively developed recommendations.

Res publica supported IESF in designing, organizing and facilitating the various working sessions of the convention for 50 students from scientific fields: hearings of experts, discussions between members of the convention, drafting of proposals, selection and prioritization of proposals, reporting to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE).

Missions

• Mission management and leadership

• consulting for IESF

• Design of the deliberative process in four sessions : objectives, procedures, slide presentations, contribution materials

• Initial contact and preparation of speakers

• Facilitating dialogue sessions

• Design and implementation of a digital system reserved for members of the Convention (Jenparle platform)

• Support in the production of deliverables: proposals, final report…

• Facilitating the presentation of the work to the CESE