Are Plants Intelligent?
To mark the Fête de la Science, October 3–13, 2025, the Roullier Endowment Fund is organizing a series of events for the general public and schoolchildren.
The theme of the 2025 edition of the Fête de la Science is “Intelligence(s).” Intelligence has long been perceived as uniquely human. In the early 20th century, intelligence became quantifiable, almost mathematical, with the introduction of the concept of the intelligence quotient (IQ). Intelligence was then reduced to a single number. However, the latest scientific advances demonstrate that it exists in forms as varied as they are nuanced. From the behavior of cells to the astonishing capabilities of plants, from the cognitive feats of animals to the emergence of AI, the concept of intelligence manifests itself in multiple ways and challenges our thinking.
As part of the Fête de la Science, the Roullier Endowment Fund has chosen to explore the unique characteristics of plants through the theme “Are Plants Intelligent?” Two scientific lectures, events for schoolchildren and recreation centers, as well as tours of the Minerallium, will offer insights into the unexpected capabilities of plants in this area.
All our events are open to the public upon registration, following the specific instructions provided for each event. If you have any questions, please contact us at contact@fdroullier.org
Conference: “Plant Sensitivity: A Reflection of a Unique Form of Intelligence?”
The Roullier Endowment Fund is hosting a lecture open to the general public on Tuesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. on the topic of “Plant Sensitivity: A Reflection of a Unique Form of Intelligence?”
Anchored to the ground, plants have developed a different way of existing. Delphine Bonnin, a plant biology engineer at Université Paris Cité with a Ph.D. in cell biology, and Lucia Sylvain-Bonfanti, a Ph.D. candidate and co-host of the podcast “Restez pas planté là!”, invite you to discover the latest advances in the astonishing capabilities of plants.
Often viewed as passive, science is now revealing their unexpected sensitivities and resources. This is an invitation to rethink our relationship with the plant world and to recognize their potential for action.
Lecture: “Plant Sensitivity: Toward Intelligence and Beyond?”
As part of the 2025 Science Festival, on Friday, October 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Roullier Endowment Fund is hosting a lecture by François Bouteau on the topic “Plant Sensitivity: Toward Intelligence and Beyond?”
François Bouteau is an ecophysiologist and specialist in plant intelligence. As an associate professor at Paris Diderot University, he leads a team focused on analyzing the rapid responses of plant cells to environmental signals (biotic and abiotic, particularly through electrophysiological approaches). In collaboration with the International Laboratory of Plant Neurobiology at the University of Florence (Italy) and Kitakyushu University (Japan), he has joined the Interdisciplinary Laboratory for the Energies of Tomorrow. At this event, François Bouteau will present the latest research advances in this field.
Guided Tours of the Minerallium
“Le Minerallium,” an exhibition developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Natural History, explores the little-known yet essential role of minerals—from the emergence of life on Earth to their vital role in plant, animal, and ultimately human nutrition—from the “Big Bang to the plate.” As part of Science Festival, guided tours will take place at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
Practical Information:
- Free guided tour
- Registration required
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Maximum of 16 participants per tour
- Accessible to people with limited mobility
- Recommended for children ages 10 and up
Activities for school groups and recreation centers
The Roullier Endowment Fund invites children ages 6 to 11 (elementary school level) to discover the intelligence of plants through three workshops, each lasting about 2 hours, in groups of up to 30 children.
– Two researchers from Université Paris Cité, the creators of the podcast « Restez pas plantés là » will lead a workshop on plant sensitivity, focusing in particular on testing plants’ reactions to electrical signals.
– The “Couleurs” association will lead the creation of a collaborative mural on the theme of plants and their role in the environment.
– Hands-on workshops and activities focusing on how plants adapt to their environments will be offered.
These workshops are open to after-school programs on Wednesday, October 8, and to school groups on Thursday, October 9, and Friday, October 10.
Please register by September 30 by emailing contact@fdroullier.org
