The inaugural in-person meeting for the Erasmus+ youth project “Mediate Your Future!” took place in early June 2025 in the charming town of Beaumont-de-Lomagne. The Fermat Science team had the immense pleasure of opening the doors of the magnificent Maison Fermat to welcome partners from France, Poland, and Belgium. These two and a half days were intense, blending diligent work with fruitful discussions and memorable moments of discovery.
Strong foundations for a promising future
The main objective of this first gathering was clear: “to consolidate the foundations” of ongoing and future actions. Each partner presented their expectations, ideas, and contributions, enabling the establishment of a common and shared vision. Together, we meticulously detailed all future actions, from conception to implementation.
Our ambition is to produce tools and content that are not only relevant but also of high quality, best serving the project’s objectives. Numerous constructive discussions took place to ensure every aspect was considered. This was a significant but essential task to ensure the consistency and effectiveness of “Mediate Your Future!”.
When work meets pleasure: discovering local Heritage
At Fermat Science, we believe that striking a balance between work and conviviality is crucial to success. That’s why, alongside the work sessions, the team had prepared an accompanying program to allow our European partners to immerse themselves in the richness of our local heritage. The idea was to offer them an authentic glimpse of our region, beyond the meeting rooms.
The gastronomic aspect was not forgotten! We had the opportunity to discover some of the excellent local restaurants in Beaumont-de-Lomagne and Montech together. This was a chance to savour the delights of Occitan cuisine and share moments of relaxation and laughter during convivial meals. These special moments significantly contributed to strengthening ties between the teams, creating a warm atmosphere that fostered collaboration.
A journey through Mathematics, History, and Engineering
The visit to the Fermat Museum, located in the birthplace of the famous mathematician Pierre de Fermat, was one of the highlights of this cultural program. Guided in English by our collaborator Théa, we were all transported into Fermat’s fascinating life, exploring not only his mathematical genius but also the historical context of his era. The visit also bridged modern mathematics and provided an opportunity to discover the captivating exhibition on Artificial Intelligence, which is still present at the museum for a few more months. This museum tour, blending history, mathematics, and technology, sparked lively discussions and underscored the importance of science in our daily lives.
The adventure continued with the discovery of the famous Montech water slope, a true gem of “Made in Occitanie” engineering. This hydraulic art structure, impressive in its design and operation, demonstrated the expertise and ingenuity of our predecessors in the region. It was a unique opportunity to see how science and technology can transform the landscape and facilitate exchanges.
To conclude this day rich in discoveries, the evening ended peacefully by the Canal du Midi in the town of Montech, offering a moment of quietude and contemplation after a busy day.
This first in-person working meeting of “Mediate Your Future!” was much more than just a work meeting. It was a harmonious blend of intellectual effort and moments of human sharing, laying solid foundations for a promising future for this European project. The enthusiasm and motivation of all partners are palpable, and we are eager to see the fruits of this fruitful collaboration.