Develop a world-class transdisciplinary university within 10 years: such is the objective of the brand new Cote d’Azur University which brings together 8 institutions including UNS, CNRS, INRIA, SKEMA, EDHEC and the Nice University Hospital (CHU) which, under the codename UCAJEDI, has submitted its application for an ambitious of future investment programme (IDEX/ISITE).
The Cote d’Azur University, a new academic community in France
The French higher education and research landscape is being recreated around 25 sites (8 in the Paris region and 17 in this region) unifying the 150 or so universities and establishments currently under contract to the government. The academic actors on the Cote d’Azur have been brought together within a « Research »-focused Community of Universities and Establishments (ComUE) named the Cote d’Azur University (UCA).
The creation process is currently underway and the decree to create this COMUE UCA will be published over the coming weeks.
On its creation date, the Members of the UCA are:
- Nice Sophia Antipolis University (UNS)
- National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
- National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Control (INRIA)
- SKEMA Business School,
- EDHEC Business School,
- Nice University Hospital (CHU Nice).
- Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur (OCA),
- An association of Schools of Art and Design that includes the Ecole Supérieure de Réalisation Audiovisuelle (ESRA) and The Sustainable Design School (SDS).
UCA’s creation reflects its members’ shared commitment to developing a joint and ambitious strategy for research, knowledge and technology transfer and training. It aims to build a world-class establishment in research and innovation and through it, increase its international visibility and reputation.
The process of research, training and innovation can now be expressed fully in order to deliver a new dimension to the Cote d’Azur region.
IDEX UCAJEDI : the 1st challenge for the Cote d’Azur University
UCA is already a candidate for the Future Investment Programme which aims to finance « excellence initiatives » in research and training (IDEX/ISITE) in all the major fields of knowledge with partners that include INSERM, INRA, IRD and the Ecole des Mines de Paris for its Sophia Antipolis site and EURECOM.
The operation’s codename is UCA JEDI which stands for « Joint, Excellent and Dynamic Initiative« , but is also a reference to the philosophical « Jedi » warriors from the Star Wars films who were able to control the force!
The project’s strategy is based on 3 pillars:
- An ambitious and disruptive scientific vision;
- A straightforward relationship with the authorities and businesses, dedicated to the region’s economic dynamic;
- A simple, effective and appropriate governance for quick decisions.
The objective is to develop a world-class transdisciplinary university within 10 years and respond to the major challenges in society through innovation.
The project is structured around five academies of excellence that reflect the site’s comprehensive scientific spectrum: Networks, information and the digital society – Complex systems – Space, environment, risk and resilience – The complexity and diversity of living things – Man, ideas and surroundings.
The project will be anchored to the region through the creation of three Reference Centres accommodating very high-level collaborative technology platforms in public-private partnerships: Health, well-being and ageing – The smart region, risk prevention and management – The digital challenge.
Central to this scheme, a Modelling, Simulation and Interactions House will encourage the dynamic of these common research denominators developed within the academies and reference centres.
In order to maintain the attractiveness of the training courses, an Educational Virtual Innovation Centre will bring together the skills, instruments and available databases on a dedicated platform.
In terms of promotion, UCAJEDI aims to become a major player in the creation of start-ups, specifically by supporting the most delicate phases of transfer and investment in accelerating « incubated companies » through the development of fund raising.
New structured international networks will ensure the international reputation of these actions across three areas: international excellence, French-speaking communities and emerging markets. There will also be initiatives to encourage renowned international teams to base their activities in the Cote d’Azur region.
