From the Corum to the Jardin des Plantes: the city of doctors
On June 16, 2025, Montpellier's Corum once again welcomed young doctors to celebrate the culmination of their doctoral careers. A ceremony marked by emotion, pride and community spirit, before a final procession to the Jardin des Plantes to close this exceptional day.
Before the stage, the reunion
At 2.30pm, the Corum began to fill up with the 231 young graduates of the year 2024 who had come to collect their gowns and hats. Over a cup of coffee, former doctoral students, supervisors and members of the doctoral schools shared smiles, memories and a few last-minute instructions.
A moment that was both simple and precious, in the image of this long and demanding course that is coming to an end.
A meaningful ceremony
At precisely 4pm, the doors of the Pasteur auditorium opened to a welcoming audience. In the presence of University President Philippe Augé, Gilles Subra, Director of the Doctoral College, and the heads of the doctoral schools, the ceremony opened with a tribute to the scientific, human and civic commitment of young researchers.
The graduation ceremony was punctuated by speeches from the directors of the doctoral schools present. A way of promoting dialogue between science and culture, in a spirit of openness.
A colorful procession
At around 6.30pm, the traditional hat-toss on the Corum forecourt kicked off the festive march. Behind the fanfare, the graduates marched in procession down rue Foch, to Place de la Comédie and then to the Arc de Triomphe, to the applause of passers-by and the proud looks of their loved ones.
An evening under the stars
Some 700 guests were welcomed to the Jardin des Plantes for a convivial evening of buffets, exchanges and discoveries. An exhibition featuring photographic portraits and personal accounts, immersed guests in the diversity of the research topics covered by the Class of 2024. This year's installation was designed by photographer Gabriel Fradin.
Closing a cycle, opening a world
The 2025 ceremony will be remembered as a moment of passage: that of a generation of young researchers ready to place their expertise at the service of society. It's a fitting reminder that, while the end of a doctorate marks an achievement, it is above all the starting point for future commitments.
Watch the 2025 doctoral students' graduation ceremony :