French Association for Scientific Information
A French scientific-information association that promotes scientific methods, public understanding of research, and critical examination of pseudoscience.
Last updated August 24, 2026
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Overview
The Association française pour l'information scientifique, commonly known as AFIS, is a French association founded in November 1968 under the leadership of journalist and science communicator Michel Rouzé. It operates under France’s law of 1901 governing nonprofit associations and presents itself as an independent organization devoted to making scientific and technical knowledge accessible to the public. Its central concern is not the promotion of science as an answer to every social or political question, but the defense of evidence-based inquiry and informed public debate. AFIS argues that citizens should be able to understand major developments in science and technology, as well as the limits, risks, and social consequences associated with them. It seeks to explain research in language accessible to non-specialists while challenging claims that it regards as pseudoscientific, irrational, fraudulent, or unsupported by reliable evidence. Its stated targets have included astrology, paranormal claims, purported extraordinary phenomena, sectarian claims, quack medicine, and other forms of what it describes as false science. The association also rejects sensationalism, disinformation, and deference to pressure groups. Its principal publication is the quarterly magazine Science et pseudo-sciences, whose title can be translated as Science and Pseudosciences. The magazine combines reporting, analysis, and criticism concerning scientific controversies, public policy, health claims, technology, and alleged pseudoscience. AFIS has also used its website and regional committees to distribute material and support discussion beyond the magazine. The organization has participated in public controversies where questions of evidence, scientific standards, and public communication intersect. AFIS became a member of the European Council of Skeptical Organisations in 2001, linking it to the broader European skeptical movement. Its work has nevertheless generated criticism, particularly where its positions were perceived as too assertive, politically charged, or insufficiently aligned with scientific consensus. The association’s intervention in the debate over the doctoral thesis of astrologer Élizabeth Teissier, its support for ending France’s moratorium on genetically modified maize, and its treatment of climate-change controversies all drew public or institutional criticism. AFIS has defended its independence and argued that criticism of contested claims should not be dismissed as ideological simply because it challenges established positions. The organization has been led by a succession of presidents from scientific, academic, journalistic, and technical backgrounds. Jean-Jacques Ingremeau has served as president since 2024, following François-Marie Bréon, a climatologist associated with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The association’s scientific supervisory committee has included prominent researchers and intellectuals from physics, biology, medicine, mathematics, sociology, philosophy, archaeology, and science communication. AFIS remains an active French public-information and skeptical organization whose identity is defined by scientific literacy, methodological skepticism, and opposition to pseudoscientific claims.
History
AFIS was established in France in November 1968 under the leadership of Michel Rouzé. It developed as a law-of-1901 association concerned with public understanding of science and with opposition to claims presented as scientific without meeting accepted standards of evidence or method. The organization’s approach combines popularization with skepticism: it aims to make scientific knowledge understandable while also identifying exaggeration, fraud, irrationality, and pseudoscience. The association’s principal publishing vehicle is Science et pseudo-sciences, a quarterly magazine addressing scientific and technological developments, health and environmental claims, and controversies involving alleged paranormal or pseudoscientific phenomena. AFIS states that public discussion should not be driven by sensationalism, disinformation, or the interests of particular pressure groups. Its objectives include presenting scientific facts in a human and social context, reporting research in accessible language, and warning readers about the commercial or ideological exploitation of unsupported claims. In 2001, AFIS joined the European Council of Skeptical Organisations. That same year, it became prominently involved in criticism of Élizabeth Teissier’s doctoral dissertation on astrology, which had been accepted at Paris Descartes University. AFIS assembled analysis from astrophysicists, astronomers, sociologists, a philosopher, and specialists in pseudoscience. The critics argued that the work functioned as an advocacy document for astrology rather than as a dissertation meeting ordinary academic standards. Teissier rejected the criticism and characterized AFIS as culturally authoritarian. AFIS later became active in the French controversy over genetically modified crops. In 2007 it initiated a petition against the moratorium on genetically modified maize and published a substantial body of material supporting discussion of GMO science and policy. During the 2008 Senate debate on GMO legislation, it lobbied in support of its position. This intervention produced an internal dispute: Marcel-Francis Kahn, an emeritus medical professor and member of the association’s Scientific Council, resigned in March 2008, alleging that AFIS had shifted toward a pro-GMO lobbying position without consulting the council. He also alleged links involving two members and Monsanto or related companies, but the available account states that he did not produce direct evidence for those accusations. AFIS continued to state that it was independent of industrial groups. The organization has also faced criticism over its handling of climate change. Its publication gave room to figures described by critics as climate-change deniers or skeptics, including Vincent Courtillot and Benoît Rittaud. Climatologists, the Union rationaliste, and journalist Sylvestre Huet objected to this treatment. AFIS rejected accusations that it was acting as a vehicle for denial and argued that its critics relied on guilt by association and ideological assumptions rather than engaging with the association’s stated commitment to independent examination. Presidential leadership has changed regularly across the organization’s history. Michel Rouzé led AFIS from 1969 to 1999, followed by Jean-Claude Pecker, Jean Bricmont, Michel Naud, Louis-Marie Houdebine, Anne Perrin, Roger Lepeix, Jean-Paul Krivine, and François-Marie Bréon. Jean-Jacques Ingremeau became president in 2024. The Scientific Council has included figures from many disciplines, including physics, astronomy, biology, medicine, mathematics, philosophy, sociology, archaeology, psychology, nutrition, and science communication. AFIS therefore operates both as a public-information publisher and as an organized skeptical association participating in disputes about scientific standards, public policy, and the communication of uncertainty.
- 2024
Jean-Jacques Ingremeau becomes president
[1]Jean-Jacques Ingremeau succeeds François-Marie Bréon as president.
- 2008
Participation in GMO legislation debate
[1]AFIS lobbies during Senate consideration of French legislation concerning genetically modified organisms.
- 2007
GMO moratorium petition
[1]The association launches a petition opposing France’s moratorium on genetically modified maize.
- 2001
AFIS joins the European skeptical movement
[1]AFIS becomes a member of the European Council of Skeptical Organisations.
- 2001
Astrology dissertation critique
[1]AFIS coordinates multidisciplinary criticism of Élizabeth Teissier’s astrology dissertation at Paris Descartes University.
- 1999
Jean-Claude Pecker becomes president
[1]Astronomer and astrophysicist Jean-Claude Pecker succeeds Michel Rouzé as president.
- 1968
AFIS is founded
[1]The Association française pour l'information scientifique is founded in France under the leadership of Michel Rouzé.
Products and positioning
Independent French scientific-information and skeptical organization focused on science communication, critical thinking, and scrutiny of pseudoscience.
Quarterly magazine
Science et pseudo-sciences
AFIS’s quarterly magazine covers scientific and technological developments, public controversies, health and environmental claims, and alleged pseudoscience. It is designed to communicate research and evidence in accessible language while examining astrology, paranormal claims, quack medicine, and other unsupported assertions. The publication is the association’s principal recurring editorial offering.
Online scientific-information platform
AFIS website
The AFIS website extends the association’s information and skeptical-criticism work beyond its print magazine. It publishes articles and organizational material concerning science, technology, public debate, and pseudoscience, and serves as the principal online access point for the association and its activities.
Controversies
2008
Resignation linked to the GMO controversy
Scientific Council member Marcel-Francis Kahn resigned after accusing AFIS of becoming a pro-GMO lobby and alleging industry connections involving members. The available account records that he did not substantiate those allegations with direct evidence, while AFIS maintained that it was independent.
2001
Dispute over the academic treatment of astrology
AFIS led a public and multidisciplinary critique of Élizabeth Teissier’s astrology dissertation, triggering a dispute about academic standards, sociology, and the legitimacy of astrology as a subject of scholarly inquiry.
Criticism of climate-change coverage
AFIS was criticized by climatologists, the Union rationaliste, and science journalist Sylvestre Huet for publishing material that gave a platform to climate-change skeptics, including Vincent Courtillot and Benoît Rittaud. AFIS rejected allegations that it functioned as a climate-denial organization.
Marketing campaigns
- 2007Campaign against the GMO maize moratorium
France
AFIS launched a petition opposing the French moratorium on genetically modified maize and published articles supporting the scientific and policy case for genetically modified organisms.
Outcome. The campaign contributed to controversy around AFIS’s institutional position and was followed by its participation in the 2008 Senate debate on GMO legislation.
Brand decisions
2008
Increase organizational transparencyStrategyBackground
The Prometheus Foundation’s work on NGO transparency created pressure for associations to disclose more about governance and operations.
Action taken
AFIS sought to publicize the composition of its governing bodies, its finances, and its activity reports.
Aftermath
The initiative was presented as part of AFIS’s effort to demonstrate institutional independence and accountability.
2007
Adopt an explicit pro-GMO advocacy positionStrategyBackground
France maintained a moratorium on genetically modified maize, and AFIS treated the issue as a question requiring public discussion based on scientific evidence.
Action taken
The association launched a petition against the moratorium, published GMO-related articles, and later engaged with the Senate debate on GMO legislation.
Aftermath
The position generated internal disagreement and led Scientific Council member Marcel-Francis Kahn to resign in 2008. AFIS continued to deny dependence on industrial interests.
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