Imho it's a quirk due to English's hate for the passive voice. Most languages would just go with "Lightning was detected on Mars". Naming the institute does not add any value to the average reader here, nor does the word "Scientists". "France" adds a bit of value, so that'd be the next best thing after the passive voice

Passive voice in english is fine but it does not make for as catchy news articles (as also in other languages).

"Scientists detected lighting on mars" is also just fine.