The University of Montpellier Welcomes Its First Wikimedian-in-Residence
Starting June 1, 2026, and for a period of 18 months, the University of Montpellier will host Nicolas Vigneron, a Wikimedian in residence, as part of a program supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Space through the National Fund for Open Science (FNSO). Organized by the Joint Documentation Service (SCD), this residency aims to strengthen the ties between Wikimedia projects and open science, while promoting the dissemination of scientific knowledge to the widest possible audience.
A Wikimedian dedicated to spreading scientific knowledge
An active contributor to Wikimedia projects for over twenty years, Nicolas Vigneron has been involved for many years in issues related to shared knowledge, open access to scientific and cultural content, and the development of digital skills. He has already led several Wikimedia residencies, notably with Clermont Auvergne Métropole and the University of Clermont Auvergne, and later at the Musée de Bretagne in Rennes.
Wikimedia residencies are based on a collaboration between an institution and an experienced contributor to Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons, or Wikisource). Their goal is to promote the use of these tools within higher education, cultural, and scientific institutions through training, outreach, and support for contributing.
The University of Montpellier thus becomes the first French university to directly host a Wikimedia residency as part of this national program, following several pilot projects conducted within the URFIST network.
A residency aligned with the University of Montpellier’s goals for open science
Coordinated by the Joint Documentation Service, in collaboration with the Directorate of Research and Doctoral Schools (DRED) and the Directorate of Scientific Culture and Historical Heritage (DCSPH), this residency is fully aligned with the open science policy promoted by the University of Montpellier. The residency has three objectives: to familiarize Professors, researchers, and staff with Wikimedia projects in order to improve the dissemination of knowledge; to enrich Wikimedia platforms by better showcasing the scientific work produced at the university; and to develop Wikimedia projects as complementary tools for the open science policy.
Over the course of 18 months, a variety of initiatives will be offered to the university community, including participatory workshops, training sessions, support for research units, the development of educational resources, and participation in scientific events. Special attention will be given to promoting research on the themes of “human and environmental health,” which are central to the University of Montpellier’s strategic priorities.
Through this residency, the University of Montpellier reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the ties between science and society, promoting open access to scientific knowledge, and contributing to a broader, more collaborative, and sustainable dissemination of knowledge.