Foundations
As key drivers of the University’s major initiatives, the foundations address the needs of businesses and industry. They provide students and doctoral candidates with new opportunities to pursue their career goals.
University of Montpellier Foundation
The University of Montpellier Foundation reaffirms the University of Montpellier’s commitment to engaging with the business world. To build bridges between the professional and academic worlds, it implements initiatives supported by donations from its public and private partners, aimed in particular at students and researchers.
Many of the chairs established through the Foundation have become forums for collaboration and knowledge-sharing between researchers and businesses in key sectors of our region: the wine industry, health, crafts, and sports. Through their research activities and the conferences they organize, these chairs help ensure that business challenges are addressed within the University. They also contribute to the dissemination of theUM ’s work throughout the local economic community.
Fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students, supporting research, listening to the needs of businesses, and meeting society’s expectations—these are the main objectives of the University of Montpellier Foundation.
Van Allen Foundation
The Van Allen Foundation is entirely dedicated to space, and in particular to nanosatellites, a field in which it supports the training of tomorrow’s leaders. As the driving force behind the projects of the University Space Center (CSU), it serves as a bridge between the space industry—which is seeking skilled professionals—and students trained in cutting-edge technologies.
The Van Allen Foundation supports the development of nanosatellites from start to finish by students at CSU. This hands-on project serves as a real springboard for their careers, allowing them to develop the skills sought by companies in the space and high-tech sectors.
By developing France’s first CSU, the Van Allen Foundation and the University of Montpellier are the first in France to invest in the promising field of academic nanosatellites. The Van Allen Foundation is partnered with the French Space Agency (CNES) and the European Space Agency (ESA), and is supported by leading figures in the field.
The Establishment of Organizations for the Restoration of the Jardin des Plantes in Montpellier
Aware of its historical identity and committed to protecting what makes it strong, the University of Montpellier, under the leadership of its president, Philippe Augé, has decided to reach out to businesses to help it preserve this priceless heritage and successfully complete the second phase of the renovation project.
Twenty-three companies immediately signed on to the project. The foundation will fund a large portion of the restoration of the Orangerie and its surroundings.
How the Foundation Operates
The establishment of a foundation to restore the Jardin des Plantes in Montpellier was approved by the Hérault Prefecture on September 21, 2016. Its objective:
- promote the Jardin des Plantes
- promote this historic site to the public
- organize or participate in scientific, cultural, or artistic events related to the site and, more broadly, to the University of Montpellier.
Upcoming Projects
The Orangerie restoration project involves rehabilitating the building in accordance with its use since the early 19th century (an unheated glass shelter designed to keep plants in containers and pots from freezing during the winter months), as well as redeveloping the site of the former Planchon greenhouses, including the relocation of Chapel No. 5.
The project is scheduled to be carried out in two phases:
- A first phase covering the area around the Orangerie
- A second phase focusing on the Orangerie itself
