University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines

Introduction

Founded in 1991, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) is a multidisciplinary institution located 15 kilometers west of Paris, in the district of Yvelines, with sites in seven towns: Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Mantes, Rambouillet, Vélizy Villacoublay, Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Saclay. UVSQ plays an important role in the economic, social and cultural development of the area which is known for its unique natural and historical heritage as well as its highly dynamic economic activity. Home to over 17000 students, UVSQ offers a large range of courses at bachelor, master and doctorate level, in different academic fields such as environmental studies, science and technology, engineering, medicine, law, political science, human and social sciences, economics and management. UVSQ also covers various types of needs: apprenticeships, distance learning and education for employees or job seekers. Being a proximity university actively involved in public-private partnerships, UVSQ has strong links with the socioeconomic environment and provides students with support to professional orientation. Since its creation, UVSQ has been strongly committed to developing an excellence research strategy. Most of its 32 laboratories and research units are associated with major French research organisations such as CNRS, CEA, INSERM, Pasteur Institute and INRIA, and are locally and internationally recognized as a source of expertise and resources. UVSQ has become a major player in fields such as atomic energy, space science, climate, environment, medicine, epidemiology, technology and complex systems, but also in humanities, social sciences, law and political science. Engaged in many national and European research projects, UVSQ’s laboratories proved their ability to establish pathways between different research domains. They developed cutting-edge competences in fundamental research as well as in new sectors, driven by societal challenges (sustainable development, global warming, public health, handicap, cultural heritage) and innovation (nanosatellite technology, materials, high performance computer, cryptography, data security and management). As part of its international strategy, UVSQ strongly supports the globalization of its education and research. It is an active member of the regional and European research as well as higher education networks and communities, with multiple effective partnerships worldwide, for students and staff exchanges, international education programs, double diploma, research collaborations, joint projects and PhD students in joint supervision. In addition, UVSQ is a founding member of the newly created Paris-Saclay University, founded as part of an expending research-intensive and business cluster in the southwest of Paris, in a region which shows high continuous economic growth. This world-class excellence university brings together 65.000 students, 9000 researchers, 7 research organisations, 3 universities and 9 engineering and business schools.