The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Montpellier
At a time when artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming scientific, educational, and administrative practices, the University of Montpellier has chosen to embark on a strategic shift. True to its scientific identity rooted in health and the environment, theUM is establishing itself as a driving force in the deployment of ethical, responsible, and transformative AI at the intersection of research, education, and innovation.
Cutting-edge research at the heart of and at the interfaces of AI
Montpellier boasts world-class strengths in AI research: trustworthy AI, hybrid AI, federated AI, complex data… all topics explored in its laboratories. But what truly sets the site apart is the interaction between AI and key disciplines such as health and the environment.
The University is focused on pooling resources (Inria, business clusters) and leveraging high-performance infrastructure, such as the Montpellier Institute of Data Science (ISDM). With these strengths, the goal is clear: to make Montpellier a world-class hub for AI applied to major societal challenges.
To nurture a generation that is well-educated and skilled in AI
In response to the rise of AI, theUM has made training a cornerstone of its strategy. All undergraduate students will be offered a module to familiarize them with generative AI. Staff members (faculty, researchers, and administrative personnel) will also receive basic or advanced training, which will be integrated into the university’s training plan.
At the same time, specialized AI programs will be expanded, with the prospect of new accreditations beginning in 2027. The University thus aims to develop a community capable of combining critical thinking, theoretical and technical skills, and ethical responsibility.
A Government Transformed by AI
The potential of AI extends far beyond the classroom and the laboratory: it also impacts administrative services. At theUM, AI is already being used to automate or streamline certain tasks (drafting emails, extracting information, and using chatbots for user support). The roadmap aims to go further by establishing a rigorous framework that guarantees equal access, ethical conduct, data protection, and digital restraint.
The goal is to free up time for staff, improve the quality of services, and make the university more responsive and accessible.
A Collective and Ethical Commitment
Montpellier is also focusing on collaboration. In 2025, theUM became a founding member of the IA Montpellier Méditerranée association, which brings together universities, local governments, 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, as well as sharing and collaboration.
The University of Montpellier views artificial intelligence not merely as a technological opportunity, but as a catalyst for global transformation. From research to teaching, and across administration and civil society, every step taken by the “UM ” places AI on a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable path.
With this ambitious roadmap, the University of Montpellier reaffirms its commitment to being an “augmented campus” that serves students, researchers, and society.