UM and ENSCM Join Forces for a Shared Strategy and Common Goals
The University of Montpellier’s change in status to that of an experimental public institution made it possible to integrate the Montpellier National School of Chemistry (ENSCM) as a constituent institution of the University. The first major step was the signing of a multi-year contract setting out objectives and commitments.
Following its approval by the University of Montpellier’s Board of Trustees, Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier, and Pascal Dumy, Director of the ENSCM, signed their first multi-year contract outlining objectives and commitments, which formalizes their shared goals of convergence and resource pooling to support the implementation of the University of Montpellier’s ambitious strategy.
“The stakes—beyond what might appear to some as mere institutional procedure—are high and go far beyond a commitment made as part of our I-Site MUSE initiative,” says Philippe Augé, president of the University of Montpellier.
The institutional framework in question is none other than the integration of the ENSCM, which is now enshrined in the bylaws as a constituent institution of the UM. It thus enjoys a special status, as it retains its legal personality, its governing bodies, and its operational resources (staff, budgets, etc.). One of the key commitments, for example, involves the joint issuance of degrees.
Mutual and lasting trust
This integration, which reflects the mutual and enduring trust that has developed between the school and the University in recent years, offers new opportunities in education, research, and for both staff and students, while contributing to the University of Montpellier’s (UM) strategy for development and outreach.“The goal is to firmly establish UM and ENSCM within a shared strategy at the campus level, united under a common banner, in order to secure the resources needed to support our ambitions: to ensure that UM ranks among the top national universities and to strengthen its appeal and proven reputation in international rankings,” adds the president.
The multi-year contract setting out objectives and commitments between the University and its constituent institution, as provided for in the EPE’s bylaws, is part of a shared ambition to address two key challenges: regional roots and excellence. These are two criteria required for international visibility, but they also ensure a prominent position for the chemistry sector under the “University of Montpellier” brand in the fields of education, research, and innovation, as emphasized by Pascal Dumy, director of ENSCM:
“This agreement serves as the score that sets our responsibilities and rights to music, enabling the conductor to carry out our shared strategy and bring our common goals and ambitions to fruition.”
Strong and ambitious strategic goals
This agreement is structured around three main areas: “research and commercialization”; “education, student life, and social responsibility”; and “institutional life and administrative modernization.” Its strategic objectives are to enhance the scientific potential of both partners, promote the shared “University of Montpellier” brand internationally, and foster greater national and international visibility in the field of chemistry and its interdisciplinary areas. In terms of education, this agreement offers an attractive, coherent, and enriched program, including at the interfaces with other disciplines. It also contributes to the development and promotion of engineering programs at the University of Montpellier. Finally, it promotes social responsibility for all users and staff.