The University of Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB) defines itself as a research and professional university, strongly rooted in its local area, resolutely European, and widely open to the world.
This strategic positioning is backed up by indisputable results, as evidenced by indicators and rankings, both in research—USMB is listed in the Shanghai ranking—and in education. a long-standing and close relationship with the Savoie region and its socio-economic stakeholders, a firm commitment to building a sustainable and ambitious European university, and a strong international focus in its activities – USMB is the leading university in France for outgoing Erasmus mobility as a proportion of its student body.
USMB enjoys the unwavering support of local authorities and has two very close partners:
- The USMB Business Club, an association founded in 1991 that works with the university to help students develop professional skills and graduates find employment;
- The USMB Partnership Foundation, which has been supporting research and innovation since 2016 through research chairs and exploratory projects related to regional challenges.
The strategic ambition of USMB is to develop high-impact research and training programs to better understand and support environmental, industrial, and societal transitions. To achieve this, the institution is focusing on three promising and priority areas in which it has internationally recognized expertise:
- Human-environment interactions;
- Services and industries of the future;
- Cultural heritage and changing societies.
For the coming years, this ambition is reflected in clear guidelines set out in its 2021-2026 multi-year contract with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research:
- Increased support for emerging and interdisciplinary research, to better prepare for the future;
- A proactive policy on promoting research work, to better contribute to today's innovation;
- Education that meets the expectations of stakeholders, primarily students and employers. In addition to the ongoing transformation of undergraduate programs, graduate programs are also being reformed to develop cross-disciplinary approaches around the priorities mentioned above and strengthen links with research.
- Close cooperation with all academic and socioeconomic stakeholders in the wider region, including cross-border areas;
- Increased internationalization of research and training, guaranteeing excellence and attractiveness;
- The creation of an ambitious European alliance and its transformation into a sustainable and institutionalized European university, in line with its priorities.
The 2024-2026 contract setting out objectives, resources, and performance targets complements the multi-year contract by focusing on the management of the institution, research infrastructure, and the deployment of artificial intelligence in academic activities.
In the interests of consistency and synergy, the resources obtained through French or European calls for projects, during discussions with supervisory authorities, or under the Research Programming Act (LPR) are systematically used to serve the objectives of the contracts and to follow the recommendations of the High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres).
Three programs are particularly influential:
- NCU @spire (undergraduate student success; Investments for the Future);
- SHINE (strategy for excellence and differentiation; France 2030);
- UNITA (long-term European commitment; Erasmus+).
Bolstered by its results and the trust of its partners, USMB has adopted a clear strategy that is in tune with today's challenges and, even more so, those of tomorrow. It is increasing its impact on society day by day and strives for excellence in all the missions entrusted to it.