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An advocate for green and responsible chemistry, Professor Philippe Dubois is an internationally renowned researcher in chemistry and materials science, particularly for his cutting-edge research on bioplastics. These innovative processes have led to numerous patented applications in industry, highlighting the essential role of chemistry in the ecological transition. As President and Rector of the University of Mons (UMons), located in French-speaking Belgium, he places equal importance on his institution’s international reputation and the well-being of its students, faculty, and researchers. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Montpellier on January 31, 2024.

The France 2030 UM2030-IDéES program, which stands for "Integration and Development of IdEx and ISITE," aims to strengthen the central role played by the University of Montpellier by bringing together all partners of the I-SITE consortium in a shared initiative. Funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), IDéES—led by François Pierrot, Vice President for International Relations—proposes to develop large-scale initiatives addressing the three major challenges of "Feeding-Caring-Protecting" across three components: Strategic International Partnerships Data Science for All Sciences Innovation Campus Program Components Strategic International Partnerships The Strategic International Partnerships component aims to increase the site’s international visibility through international initiatives that address the priorities of UM and its partners, as well as the Feed-Heal-Protect challenges. It aims to strengthen the Montpellier site’s capacity to serve as a gateway to and from abroad, with a focus on the Global South, and to facilitate synergy among I-SITE consortium members and the complementarity of their tools and platforms internationally. Guiding Principles Strengthen international relations based on the strengths of the Montpellier campus. Build alliances and develop action programs. Three key international thematic initiatives (Key World Initiatives) are being developed to stimulate exchanges and collaborations within an open science framework: FOODS (Food Systems) WATERS (Water) VECT-OH (Vector-Borne Diseases) Data Science for All Sciences Sub-program Lead: Anne Laurent, Vice President for Open Science and Research Data Research “Data Science for All Sciences” component aims to transform practices and will guide all stakeholders toward data science by building an effective and sustainable environment. The activities of this project are led by the Montpellier Institute of Data Science (ISDM) and are organized into sub-areas to promote best practices in data management and utilization: Support – Training – Data Services. A cross-cutting initiative for outreach and events is being carried out within the framework of the Halles de l’IA Learn more Innovation Campus Sub-program leader: Philippe Combette, Vice President for Partnerships and Innovation The “Innovation Campus” component, integrated into the Montpellier University Innovation Hub (PUI de Montpellier), offers a comprehensive innovation pipeline and strengthens the University’s ability to raise funds from the private sector. The general framework of the Innovation Campus component is part of the site’s innovation strategy led by the PUI de Montpellier, a flagship project spearheaded by the University of Montpellier and implemented in close collaboration with 13 institutional partners. This project was conceived in early 2022 in line with the MUSE Initiative of Excellence, which has now been made permanent, and was one of five pilot sites selected by the MESR at the national level. This strategy thus serves as a platform for synergizing several key areas, particularly those related to startup creation. The Innovation Campus component of the UM2030 project specifically aims to strengthen the entrepreneurship support system through the creation of a dedicated team within the INITIUM Incubator and the establishment of a "PEPITE DeepTech incubation pathway" at the PUI level. It also provides funding for innovative projects selected through the Montpellier Innovation Booster (BIM) program.