NIGHT OF IDEAS 2026
PAVING THE WAY
Astronomy • Astrophysics • Science • Ideas
📅 DATE
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
🕡 TIME
6:30 PM
📍 LOCATION
St. John’s College
Robert B. Schultz Lecture Theatre
University of Manitoba
PAVING THE WAY
What does it mean to explore the unknown? How can astronomy help us better understand our place in the universe and imagine the future?
This year, Night of Ideas invites the public to “Paving the Way”, bringing together scientists, researchers and students for an evening of conversation around astronomy and astrophysics.
★ MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST ★
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Dr. Fatoumata Kébé
Astrophysicist • Engineer • Author
Dr. Fatoumata Kébé is a French-Malian astrophysicist, engineer and author. She holds a PhD in astronomy from Sorbonne University and specializes in space debris — human-made objects that remain in orbit around Earth.
Her work explores fascinating questions at the intersection of astronomy, astrophysics and space science .
Through scientific outreach and education, she is also committed to making astronomy accessible to wider audiences and
inspiring new generations to explore science.
Debates are organized under the scientific direction of Professor Jean-Eric Ghia.
Professor Jean-Eric Ghia is a leading researcher and professor in the Department of Immunology at the
Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. He is also the Director of Gastrointestinal Basic Biology Research at the
Manitoba IBD Clinical Research Centre and the current President of Alliance francaise du Manitoba
His research focuses on the neuro-immune and endocrine mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), exploring the interactions between the nervous system, immune cells, and psychological factors to develop innovative therapies for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Professor Ghia is also an active communicator and mentor, delivering international lectures, participating in scientific outreach, and supporting the next generation of researchers.
Introduction of our second panelist
Philip
Ferguson, PhD, P.Eng, FCAE
Philip Ferguson is an Aerospace Systems Engineer and Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Manitoba. He is the Director of the Space Technology and Advanced Research Lab (STARLab) in the Price Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba and holds the Magellan Aerospace / Price Faculty of Engineering Research Chair in Aerospace Technology. His research focuses on making aerospace technology more accessible to people in Canada, such as Indigenous communities in the Arctic, empowering them with remote sensing tools that keep them safe and informed as climate change alters their traditional way of life.
FROM EARTH TO THE STARS
From space debris and orbital trajectories to the future of space exploration, astronomy invites us to look beyond what we already know.
Research • Discovery • Innovation • Future
THE CONVERSATION
The evening will feature a roundtable discussion bringing together Dr. Fatoumata Kébé and voices from the astrophysics community in Winnipeg.
Students, researchers and members of the public will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and explore questions surrounding astronomy and the future of space exploration.
EXPLORE
✦ Astronomy
✦ Astrophysics
✦ Space exploration
✦ Scientific research
✦ Innovation
✦ The future of science
WHAT IS NIGHT OF IDEAS?
Initiated in Paris in 2016, Night of Ideas brings together voices from France and around the world to exchange ideas and reflect on major questions shaping our societies.
Across the world, cultural and academic institutions celebrate this international event through conferences, conversations, roundtables, artistic performances and encounters.
The Alliance Française du Manitoba is pleased to join this international celebration of the free circulation of ideas.
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JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF IDEAS
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 • 6:30 PM
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
St John’s College
Robert B. Schultz Lecture Theatre
92 Dysart Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M5
Free admission
CAMPUS MAP
THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
