Montpellier University awarded the "Science With and For Society" label
The question of the link between science and society is a major focus at the heart of UM's strategic priorities. The SAPS (Science With and For Society) label awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research "UM VIA des sciences" project led by the institution is part of this approach to promoting the dissemination of knowledge throughout our region. With strong roots in the regional Science(s) en Occitanie network and the only institution in Occitanie to receive this certification, UM VIA des sciences is the result of a joint effort with Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, a major player in the Science & Society connection.
"This certification recognizes and rewards all the work already accomplished by our university in promoting scientific culture at the regional level, contributing to a balanced territorial network and strengthening our ties with the city of Montpellier in terms of knowledge dissemination," said Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier.
The University of Montpellier, a key player in promoting scientific culture in Occitanie
UM VIA des sciences is a new path to be forged at the crossroads between the public and science. The name refers to the famous Via Domitia, which crosses the region and was the source of numerous cultural, scientific, and technical exchanges that influenced the future of knowledge and culture. The Via des sciences project shares the same ambition to develop scientific culture in the region and is structured around three areas: Visibility, Momentum, and Audacity (VIA). Enhancing "visibility" by producing a dynamic map of personnel, highlighting their commitment and facilitating cooperation and the rollout of knowledge dissemination projects. Providing " momentum" for a more inclusive scientific culture, improving access to knowledge by boosting scientific exchange programs aimed at young people:
- in working-class neighborhoods,
- in areas geographically distant from major cities,
- with a disability,
- experiencing academic difficulties.
The aim is to reinforce the idea of science as a common good that contributes to social cohesion, in order to combat scientific mistrust and inform public debate. The final approach, that of "boldness," embraces new experiences and interfaces for dialogue: research stories for young audiences, scientific journeys and intrigues, and participatory science. The aim is to work with our partners in mainland France, as well as associations, to develop elements that will be rolled out and continue beyond the SAPS label on a scale that goes beyond the regional territory to be exported nationally and even internationally.
An innovative university partnership with the Metropolis to strengthen the region's network
This certification is the result of the joint development of the UM VIA des sciences project with Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, in particular with the media library and scientific culture network department and the department dedicated to ecological mediation. This partnership breaks with traditional collaboration practices and is perfectly in line with the development of the Science & Society link for both the UM and the Métropole. In an urban area where 50% of the population is under 34, the UM VIA des sciences project targets a young audience. It aims to demonstrate genuine cooperation capable of driving a more structured, visible, inclusive, and bold science and society policy. To this end, the project aims to be rolled out initially in fourteen media libraries (six in Montpellier and eight in the metropolitan area), consolidating the legitimacy of media libraries as local science centers. It also aims to support residents in embracing the climate and ecological transition by developing mobile initiatives at the Lunaret Zoo and the Ecolothèque. This shared ambition to promote scientific culture throughout the region requires the pooling of human, technical, and financial resources between the University and the Metropolitan Area.