As part of the Festival of Science, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research has devised a series of six podcasts for young people entitled ‘The Life and Destiny of a Chicory’, produced by Radio France Studios. The series is aimed at 7–14-year-olds and explores chemical and biological reactions, brought to life through the story of a chicory and its friends. The Ministry of Higher Education and Research is the French public body responsible for steering national policies on higher education, research and innovation.
The request
This podcast, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research as part of the Fête de la Science, aims to highlight the latest developments in research and its place in everyday life. The theme is ‘Saveurs Savantes’ (Scholarly Flavours), inspired by three coinciding events: 2026 marks the 200th anniversary of Brillat-Savarin’s death, the 100th anniversary of the first Michelin star, and the government’s announcement of the National Strategy for Food, Nutrition and Climate (SNANC).
Our response
Radio France Studios was delighted to collaborate on the creation of this children’s podcast, written by Alice Butaud and produced by Christophe Hocke, who imagine the journey of a chicory, from the fridge to our plate, and then into our bodies. With plenty of humour, Alice explores various themes relating to taste and appetite, digestion and the gut microbiome, as well as molecular cuisine and culinary traditions. Children discover traditional dishes and key scientific concepts, all through the eyes of a charming endive.
