The University of Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB) defines itself as a research and career-oriented university, deeply rooted in its local community, firmly European in outlook, and broadly open to the world.
In support of this strategic positioning, the university boasts undeniable achievements, as evidenced by indicators and rankings, both in research—the USMB is included in the Shanghai Ranking—and in education, a long-standing and close connection with the Savoie region and its socioeconomic stakeholders, a firm commitment to building a sustainable and ambitious European university, and a high degree of internationalization in its activities—USMB ranks first in France for outgoing Erasmus mobility as a proportion of its student body.
The USMB enjoys the unwavering support of local communities and has two close partners:
- The USMB Business Club, an association founded in 1991 that works with the university to prepare students for the workforce and help graduates enter the job market;
- The USMB Partnership Foundation, which has been supporting research and innovation since 2016 through research chairs and exploratory projects addressing regional challenges.
The USMB’s strategic goal is to develop high-impact research and educational programs to better understand and support environmental, industrial, and societal transitions. To this end, the institution is focusing its efforts on three promising and priority areas in which it possesses internationally recognized expertise:
- Human-environment interactions;
- The services and industries of the future;
- Cultural Heritage and Changing Societies.
Looking ahead to the coming years, this ambition is reflected in clear guidelines set forth in its 2021–2026 multi-year agreement with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research:
- Increased support for emerging and interdisciplinary research, to better prepare for the future;
- A proactive policy aimed at promoting research to better contribute to innovation today;
- An educational program that meets the expectations of stakeholders, foremost among whom are students and employers. In addition to the ongoing transformation of the undergraduate program, a reform of the graduate program is underway to foster interdisciplinary approaches centered on the priorities mentioned above and to strengthen the link with research;
- Close cooperation with all academic and socioeconomic stakeholders in the region, including cross-border areas;
- Greater internationalization of research and education, ensuring excellence and appeal;
- The creation of an ambitious European alliance and its transformation into a sustainable, institutionalized European university that aligns with its priorities.
The 2024–2026 Objectives, Resources, and Performance Agreement complements the multi-year agreement by focusing on institutional governance, research infrastructure, and the implementation of artificial intelligence in academic activities.
To ensure consistency and foster synergies, funding obtained through French or European calls for proposals, during discussions with regulatory authorities, or under the Research Programming Act (LPR) is systematically used to advance the objectives of the contracts and to follow up on the recommendations of the High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres).
Three programs play a particularly pivotal role:
- NCU @spire (undergraduate student success; Investments for the Future);
- SHINE Excellence (strategy for excellence and differentiation; France 2030);
- UNITA (Long-term European Commitment; Erasmus+).
Building on its achievements and the trust of its partners, USMB has adopted a clear strategy that addresses today’s challenges and, even more so, those of tomorrow. Day by day, it is increasing its impact on society and striving for excellence in all the missions entrusted to it.