Concordia to highlight its bilingual research expertise as co-host of the 2025 Congrès de l’Acfas
From May 5 to 9, 2025, Concordia is partnering with the École de technologie supérieure (ETS) to co-host the 92nd edition of the Congrès de l’Acfas — the largest multidisciplinary conference of its kind in the francophonie. Its mandate is to celebrate and promote the ongoing, world-class research conducted in French by scientists, scholars and research-creation academics across Quebec, Canada and the world..
With proposals now open, the conference invites Concordia faculty members to join the program and share their expertise. The Congrès de l’Acfas is a fantastic platform to engage with colleagues, forge new collaborations and contribute to discussions around how research can address today’s pressing issues.
For students, especially graduate students, the conference offers an unparalleled space to present research, build a professional network and learn from established scholars.
Professor Martin Lefebvre, chair of the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, and Sylvia Kairouz, professor of sociology and anthropology, are co-presidents of the scientific committee for the upcoming event. We caught up with them to hear their thoughts on Concordia’s role as co-host and the benefits to the university community.
What does it mean for Concordia to co-host the Congrès de l’Acfas?
Martin Lefebvre: People often think of Concordia as an anglophone school, but we’re quite bilingual. We have a large francophone student and faculty population, and students can submit their papers and research in French. Co-hosting the conference really showcases how much research at Concordia happens in that language. We’re an integral part of Quebec’s francophone academic community, even if our main teaching language is English!
Sylvia Kairouz: For the Congrès to return to Concordia shows that we’re an important part of Quebec’s research landscape. It’s a recognition of the strong presence of researchers and students who work and publish in French at this institution. Hosting the conference also helps strengthen connections with francophone researchers here and abroad, which is great for the university as a whole.
What makes Concordia’s involvement in the conference unique, as compared to other universities?
ML: One of the things we bring to the table is our bilingual environment. In some of our programs, like film production, we have a mix of English and French happening all the time in the classroom.
So many Concordia students work in both languages, which gives them a big advantage after graduation . So, our involvement with the Congrès de l’Acfas lets us showcase this distinct benefit — we’re preparing students who can move easily between English and French, whether in the research or professional worlds.
Why should Concordia faculty and students get involved?
ML: The Congrès de l’Acfas is an amazing opportunity to meet people. For faculty, it’s a chance to connect with other researchers, which can lead to new collaborations. For students, especially grad students, it’s a great place to network — maybe even meet a future post-doc supervisor or someone who can sit on a thesis committee. It’s also a way for students to present their research and get feedback from a new audience.
SK: I’d add that it’s a real eye-opener for students, particularly those who are more comfortable in English. The Congrès gives them a chance to experience the francophone academic world firsthand. They’ll gain exposure to research happening in French, which can add a whole new layer to their work. And since the conference is right here in Montreal, it’s easy to attend and accessible for students.
