Education & Training
Staff training and awareness-raising
In light of the urgency of environmental challenges, the institution has set itself the goal of developing and strengthening its staff’s knowledge and technical skills in the area of sustainability, while also fostering changes in attitudes and values.
It is with this in mind that the University of Montpellier is implementing training and awareness-raising initiatives for its staff. The goal is threefold: to help everyone better understand the challenges of the ecological transition, to equip professionals so they can integrate these concerns into their daily practices, and to help build a shared culture around the ecological transition—which is essential for driving sustainable and consistent change at all levels of the organization.
Staff training
The University of Montpellier is actively committed to the continuing education of its staff through a diverse professional development policy and a range of group training programsfocused on the ecological transition. This policy and the initiatives it supports take into account the specific needs of each individual, regulatory, technical, social, and societal changes, as well as the institution’s strategic objectives, particularly regarding the ecological transition. The University offers specialized training tailored to different skill levels, ranging from basic knowledge of environmental issues to job-specific practices, thereby allowing each staff member to progress at their own pace and according to their personal and professional interests. For greater personalization and flexibility, the University offers practical workshops, interactive seminars, and online courses. The goal is to strengthen staff members’ skills while promoting a culture of environmental responsibility within the institution.
Training of Trainers
As part of the rollout of undergraduate courses on the ecological transition for sustainable development and the integration of these issues into the various programs offered by the University, the UM aims to support faculty members in developing their knowledge and skills in teaching about the ecological transition.
With this in mind, the University of Montpellier is implementing and offering training programs for educators in the field of ecological transition, focusing on specific themes (biodiversity, climate, etc.). Trainers are thus better equipped to pass this knowledge on to their students, who in turn become informed and engaged actors in the ecological transition. This approach fosters the emergence of future professionals who are aware of environmental challenges and capable of integrating sustainable solutions into their professions.
Thematic training
As part of its corporate training program, the institution offers staff a range of thematic training courses focused on the ecological transition. These courses are designed for teachers, Professors, researchers, as well as administrative and technical staff. Designed to be accessible to everyone, they aim to develop and strengthen knowledge and skills regarding environmental issues by addressing topics such as “The Foundations and Challenges of the Ecological Transition” or “Taking Action for the Ecological Transition from Your Desk.”
Industry-specific modules
To address specific needs, the institution offers targeted training programs on the ecological transition tailored to certain professions, such as gardeners and administrative staff. These programs aim to integrate the challenges of the ecological transition into concrete professional practices. These initiatives enable staff members to acquire practical skills that can be directly applied to their work, while contributing to the University’s ecological transformation.
Staff Awareness
Nature Workshops
The University of Montpellier places particular emphasis on raising awareness among its staff regarding environmental conservation, particularly biodiversity. With this in mind, and based on the idea that a better understanding of biodiversity leads to better protection, nature workshops have been organized since 2023. Open to university staff, they are held at the Jardin des Plantes and the Triolet Campus. Led by Professors , these workshops—true spaces for learning and discovery—are divided into two areas: entomology and botany. Through a fun and educational approach, participants are invited to take a fresh look at the living creatures they encounter every day, to understand their diversity, and to reflect on the need to preserve biological diversity.
Other awareness campaigns
As part of the SDTE, the University of Montpellier has launched an awareness campaign targeting the entire university community through the organization of key events and initiatives.
The university has launched EcoN’UM, an awareness week focused on the environmental footprint of digital technology at the University of Montpellier. Through interactive digital murals, participants were able to explore the impact of digital technology and its connection to the ecological transition. Resources were developed and made available to staff and students to raise awareness and share knowledge.
The University is hosting and supporting the "Toutes et tous circulaires " student week, dedicated to the circular economy.
UM also hosts film screenings followed by discussions on key themes of the ecological transition , such as Vinz Kanté’s *Même pas peur* (Not Even Afraid), which explores eco-anxiety as a driving force, and Gertjan Hulster and Arne Gielen’s *Why We Cycle*, a film about the use of sustainable transportation.
As such, the institution is committed to the ecological transition by raising awareness among its staff through a wide range of initiatives—each as diverse as the next—that support the development of social and environmental skills.
