Results of the citizen consultation « Aux maths citoyennes, citoyens ! »
For the first time, the CNRS has given French citizens a voice on their relationship with science, specifically mathematics. Launched on March 10, 2025, the national consultation “Aux maths citoyennes, citoyens !” (Citizens, get involved in maths!) examined the role of mathematics in society and identified ways to promote understanding and access to this science. This CNRS initiative is a continuation of the Assises des mathématiques (2022) and contributes to the national debate on access to mathematics at all stages of life.
Discover the results of this initiative.
National consultation on mathematics: what lessons can be learned?
Thumbnail photo © Julie Bourges / Video recording © Palais du Luxembourg / Editing © Ptolémée
Audiodescription
Between March and July 2025, more than 33,000 participants participated in an online consultation, supplemented by 40 workshops organized throughout the country and two citizen panels. The latter brought together 46 non-experts over six days with one goal: to reflect on the question, “How can we improve access to mathematics for everyone, at all ages?”
This consultation provided a better understanding of the expectations, needs, and obstacles related to the practice and learning of mathematics. In total, more than one million contributions were collected, making this initiative one of the most extensive participatory efforts ever conducted on a scientific discipline.
Contents of the results booklet:
- Background to the consultation
- The three consultation methods
- General lessons
- Keys to the future
- Focus on three key lessons
To learn more, download the detailed results of the citizen consultation.
See also the appendices to the consultation:
- Mathematics panel: citizens' opinions, women's group
- Mathematics panel: citizens' opinions, mixed group
- Summary of the online consultation questionnaire
Read the press release about this initiative.
Press coverage
Le Monde
Article “Des citoyens souhaitent plus de maths en famille et à tout âge" (Citizens want more math in the family and at all ages), by David Larousserie, published online on December 8, 2025, in Le Monde.
Les Echos
Article “Les recettes du CNRS pour démystifier les mathématiques" (The CNRS's recipes for demystifying mathematics), by Marie-Christine Corbier, published online on December 9, 2025, in Les Echos.
France 24
TV Program “Mathématiques, même pas peur ? Parlons-en avec C. Villani, C. Voisin, C. Besse et E. Dalençon” (Maths, nothing to be afraid of? Let's talk about it with C. Villani, C. Voisin, C. Besse and E. Dalençon), hosted by Pauline Paccard on France 24 on December 9, 2025.
AEF Info
Article « "Nous ne resterons pas un grand pays scientifique sans investir dans les mathématiques" (Antoine Petit, CNRS) » (“‘We will not remain a great scientific nation without investing in mathematics’ (Antoine Petit, CNRS)”) by Léonard de Carlo, published online on December 12, 2025, on AEF Info.
SQOOL TV
Program « Le Grand JT de l'Éducation (16/12/2025) - Quelle place dans la société pour les mathématiques ? » ("What place does mathematics have in society?"), broadcasted on 12/16/25 on SQOOL TV.
The Conversation
Article « Apprendre les maths autrement : les pistes de la recherche » (“Learning maths differently: avenues for research”), by Florence Peteers and Elann Lesnes, published online on January 6, 2026, on The Conversation.
20 minutes
Article « "Les maths ne servent pas qu’à ceux qui en font leur métier"… Oui, il faut s’inquiéter du niveau des Français en maths », par Elise Martin,
National consultation on mathematics — presentation of results at the Palais du Luxembourg
Thumbnail photo © Julie Bourges / Video recording © Palais du Luxembourg