The University of Montpellier is officially launched!
Officially launched on January1, 2015, the University of Montpellier is the result of the merger between Montpellier 1 and Montpellier 2 Universities.
The creation of France’ssixth-largest university marks the culmination of a merger process that began in September 2012. Conducted internally, this process involved nearly 300 staff members from both universities who worked together on its development for over two years. The merger of the two universities was facilitated by the existence of numerous shared areas in the fields of research and education.
The University of Montpellier aims to meet the three objectives set forth by its president, Philippe Augé — “clarity, simplicity, and efficiency” —by bringing together 41,000 students and 72 research units. Multidisciplinary, open to its local environment and the world, focused on the professional development of its students and the pursuit of excellence in research, UM has established itself as a key player in higher education and research in southern France.
The University of Montpellier logo
It is inspired by the emblem of the Guilhem dynasty, founders of the city of Montpellier. In 1181, Guilhem VIII granted the city a right that would shape its destiny: the freedom to teach medicine. From that point on, university education took root, and scientific and economic life flourished around the university.
The University of Montpellier’s logo draws on the legacy of this founding dynasty. It symbolizes the shared history and heritage of which the entire university community is the heir. Its shape, reminiscent of a reimagined seal or emblem, highlights both the historical roots of an 800-year-old university and its modernity (external crenellation).
The interior elements, meanwhile, illustrate interdisciplinarity and influence. Finally, the color red is intended to catch students’ attention, helping them more easily embrace the new “University of Montpellier” brand.