Université Bourgogne Europe : the ambition that brings us together

Surrounded by 11 higher education and research institutions recognised for their excellence in their respective fields, the University of Burgundy has chosen to transform itself into an Experimental Public Institution (EPE), and is now known as Université Bourgogne Europe.

Established on 6 December 2024, this EPE comprises two constituent institutions (ESM and ENSA), seven associated institutions (CHU, CGFL, ESTP, ESEO, CESI, BSB, and ESAAB), and two partner organisations (CROUS BFC and Sciences Po Dijon Campus).

Université Bourgogne Europe offers an ambitious and inclusive institutional project, building on the strengths of each member. Its education and research strategy is structured around four core themes addressing societal and regional challenges:

  • Technological Transitions, Smart and Sustainable Materials (TTID)
  • Earth, Environment, Food and Climate (TEAC)
  • Systemic and Integrated Health Approaches (ASIS)
  • Arts, Culture and Humanities in Society (ArCHus)

To meet these challenges, four interdisciplinary Graduate Schools (GS) have been established:

  • GS Smart Transitions
  • GS One Health (Health and Digital, Physical and Sports Performance Graduate Programmes)
  • GS Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • GS Creating the Knowledge of the Future to Innovate Tomorrow

These Graduate Schools are supported by the laboratories of the European FORTHEM Alliance.

Université Bourgogne Europe’s educational strategy is based on three pillars, responding to student aspirations, societal expectations, and the needs of the socio-economic fabric:

A coherent and visible academic offering

This is reflected in personalised learning pathways enriched by the interdisciplinary nature of programmes offered by member institutions. The integration of research into education (e.g. engineering schools/masters programmes) will be strengthened to better prepare students for the jobs of the future, both through continuous and lifelong professional training. Increased incorporation of work-study options across all programmes aims to enhance professional integration.

Enhanced international appeal and outreach

In addition to promoting various forms of mobility through the FORTHEM Alliance, students will have access to ERASMUS-labelled programmes. Master’s students will also benefit from the institution’s Graduate Schools and Programmes, as well as joint Summer and Winter Schools.

Pedagogical innovation

Education at Université Bourgogne Europe seeks to support both personal and professional development. To meet this goal, the institution is adapting to the evolving needs of students and learners. A network of pedagogical advisors and mentors has been established, and training sessions for teaching staff are being developed around innovative educational approaches (AI, ChatGPT, metaverse, competency-based learning, project-based learning, and hybrid teaching methods).

Research and Innovation Strategy: Four Key Objectives

  • Promoting the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté site through a unified scientific identity involving 1,600 researchers, greater international cooperation via the FORTHEM Alliance, and the development of junior professor chairs.
  • Creating a support service for European project development, encouraging collaboration among institutions and strengthening dialogue with national research bodies.
  • Fostering regional innovation through socio-economic valorisation. Given the varying degrees of maturity among institutions, the initial focus will be on shared learning and dissemination of good practices from the most advanced institutions across the UBE, including:
    (i) the maturation and transfer of research results via appropriate structures,
    (ii) collaborative R&D, and
    (iii) expert consulting.
    UBE will also build on the Innovation University Cluster BFC and its programme to raise awareness, identify results, and foster cross-promotion around innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Broadening the network of target partners, encompassing all sectors beyond academia: businesses, industry associations, competitiveness clusters, local authorities, cultural and artistic institutions, and community organisations.

A shared doctoral policy on a regional scale

The doctoral strategy is integrative and applies across all UBE institutions engaged in research.

Student Life: Enhancing Campus Attractiveness

Students and staff of all UBE member institutions will have access to the full range of Université Bourgogne Europe’s services and facilities.

In this context, joint initiatives will be implemented across the member institutions, including:

  • Student health services, sports activities, library access, cultural centres, and a student solidarity commission
  • Welcome and integration events, and a network for student associations across institutions

A Welcome Desk will also be set up to support international students, alongside the creation of shared third spaces.