The twists and turns of artificial intelligence at the University of Montpellier
In a context where artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming scientific, educational, and administrative practices, the University of Montpellier has chosen to make a strategic shift. True to its scientific identity rooted in health and the environment, UM is establishing itself as a driving force in the deployment of ethical, responsible, and structuring AI at the crossroads of research, training, and innovation.
Cutting-edge research at the heart and interfaces of AI
Montpellier has major strengths in AI research: trustworthy AI, hybrid AI, federated AI, complex data... all topics explored in its laboratories. But what makes the site truly unique is the interaction between AI and key disciplines such as health and the environment.
The University is banking on the pooling of resources (Inria, business clusters) and high-performance infrastructure, such as the Montpellier Institute of Data Science (ISDM). With these assets, the ambition is clear: to make Montpellier a world-class site for AI applied to major societal challenges.
Training a generation that is culturally aware and skilled in AI
In response to the rise of AI, UM has made training a pillar of its strategy. All undergraduate students will be offered a module on generative AI acculturation. Staff (teachers, researchers, administrators) will also benefit from basic or advanced training courses, which will be integrated into the university's training plan.
At the same time, specialized AI courses will be strengthened, with the prospect of new accreditations from 2027. The University thus intends to develop a community capable of combining critical thinking, theoretical and technical skills, and ethical responsibility.
An administration transformed by AI
The potential of AI extends far beyond the classroom and laboratory: it also affects administrative services. At UM, AI is already being used to automate or facilitate certain tasks (writing emails, extracting information, chatbots for user relations). The roadmap plans to go further, defining a rigorous framework that guarantees equal access, ethical compliance, data protection, and digital sobriety.
The goal is to free up time for staff, improve service quality, and make the university more responsive and accessible.
A collective and ethical commitment
Montpellier is also playing the cooperation card. In 2025, UM became a founding member of the IA Montpellier Méditerranée association, bringing together universities, local authorities, and businesses to develop collaborative projects. It also joined the Mistral AI – EdTech France – ESR alliance, which aims to design solutions tailored to higher education.
Finally, the University has defined seven guiding principles for the use of AI in education: prioritizing human relationships, caution and critical thinking, integrity and transparency, and sharing and collaboration.
The University of Montpellier approaches artificial intelligence not as a mere technological opportunity, but as a lever for global transformation. From research to teaching, administration, and civil society, every step taken by UM places AI on a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable path.
With this ambitious roadmap, the University of Montpellier confirms its desire to be an enhanced campus, serving students, researchers, and society.