The benefits of science, en français

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This article was published 30/01/2018 (2810 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

English-speaking readers may be familiar with CBC Radio’s long-running science series Quirks and Quarks, hosted by Bob McDonald. But what you may not know is that Radio-Canada offers a similar program to Francophone listeners and it’s hosted by a local personality.

Dr. Jean-Eric Ghia is a professor in immunology at the University of Manitoba’s Bannatyne Campus, where he runs a lab dedicated to neuro-gastroenterology, which is the study of the interaction between the brain and the gut and how it affects gastrointestinal disorders.

However, in his spare time he’s the host of several science shows on both local and national radio and TV.

One of which is Qu’est-ce qu’on cherche (What Are We Looking For?) which airs on Radio-Canada’s Ici Manitoba and also features on Telejournal Radio-Canada TV.

Because of this work, Ghia recently received an Outreach Award from U of M president David Barnard to recognize the important work he’s doing in promoting science and making it accessible to the French-speaking community. And he does this in an entertaining way that is easily understandable.

Mainstream media does not seem to make scientific research and discovery a priority. So it’s commendable that Ghia uses his radio and TV spots to showcase leading researchers, especially local ones from Manitoba.

One recent and perhaps unusual interviewee on his show though was one of France’s leading actors, Thierry Lhermitte who despite a background in the arts is also passionate about promoting science to the community at large.

The Manitoban’s TV and radio spots now feature on national Radio-Canada show Les Eclaireurs. He covers topics such as mental health, cancer and arthritis.

One recent segment “Generation Jeunes Chercheurs” featured the next generation of researchers, not just Master’s and PhD students but also elementary and high school students who have presented at the Winnipeg Schools Science Festival. It allowed students an opportunity to explain why they chose science. And the reasons can be surprising sometimes.

In addition to his media work, Ghia is also the co-ordinator of a biomedical summer camp where young people between the ages of eight and 15 can perform daily experiments in one of his laboratories.

“I hope my work in the media will inspire young students to follow a career path in science,” Ghia said. “I am also hopeful the research I share provides comfort to those affected by the diseases we study, and reassures them that solutions are being explored right here at the University of Manitoba.”           

Trevor Smith is a community correspondent for River Heights. You can contact him via email at smitht@mymts.net