From March 31 to April 30, 2025, eight students with invisible disabilities, aged 21 to 25, boarded the Marion Dufresne, the famous supply ship of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories (TAAF), for an exceptional expedition combining research, training, inclusion and discovery.

Entitled "We're heading for the TAAF," this innovative project was led by the University of Réunion. It aimed to offer these young people a challenging yet unique framework to develop an academic project related to their studies. Accompanied by two teacher-researchers, Xavier De Viviés and Marc Gigante, the eight participants traveled the Indian Ocean for a month, stopping off in the Scattered Islands: Tromelin, and the Austral Islands: Crozet, Kerguelen, and Amsterdam.

Selected following a rigorous procedure involving the project partners, the students came from various fields: STAPS, sciences, history, information and communication, management, IT, etc.

Integrated into an annual rotation of the Marion Dufresne, they lived alongside a crew and a collective of passengers composed of scientists, technicians, military personnel, and TAAF agents—approximately 150 people on board. This immersion fostered particularly rich exchanges, both scientifically and personally.

A human and educational adventure welcomed by all

Back in Réunion, a public presentation session was held on May 21, 2025, at the University, attended by partners, families, teachers, and staff. Students presented their work, shared their experiences, and shared their experiences of an adventure that was as demanding as it was moving.

Concrete and ambitious inclusion

This project was made possible through the joint commitment of the University of Réunion, its departments, and its field partners. The University particularly commends the work of the Equality Service – Disability Mission, whose ongoing commitment to student inclusion has been instrumental.

"We have received very positive feedback on this project," says Yves Depigny, head of the Equality Service – Disability Mission.

A university open to the world, faithful to its commitments

With this extraordinary initiative, the University of Réunion Island reaffirms its commitment to training, supporting, and opening new paths for all. This expedition sets a benchmark for inclusion, academic excellence, and collective engagement.

The University of Réunion extends its sincere thanks to all the partners who made this adventure possible: TAAF, Crédit Agricole, MAIF, the MAIF Education Fund, and Banque des Territoires.