Learn about our research policy

The University of Lille’s ambition is to meet the expectations of our society, which is undergoing far-reaching technological, environmental, societal, cultural and economic changes. By creating knowledge, we can provide answers in the form of expertise and public policy as well as innovation and technological development, with a focus on the short, medium and long term. Thanks to the inclusion of four additional schools as of¹ January 2022, the University of Lille is further developing its potential to meet the major challenges of the 21st century.

With 3,300 researchers and teaching research staff, and 64 research units, the University of Lille is one of France’s top 15 research universities. In partnership with the CNRS, Inserm, Inria, Inrae, the grandes écoles, Lille University Hospital (CHU) and the institut Pasteur de Lille, we are developing high-level research supported by major scientific projects and cutting-edge technological resources. Whether fundamental or applied, our research is also carried out in partnership with actors from the socio-economic world, who bring their questions, perspectives and experience to our work.

Excellence is the cornerstone of the University of Lille’s ambitions, for which it has been awarded a national label.The implemented policy aims to strengthen the continuum between disciplinary and interdisciplinary scientific research in line with the major societal challenges and, more particularly, with the UN’s Sustainable DevelopmentGoals. The University of Lille is also developing its projects as part of theEuropean Research Area,particularly with other countries in North-West Europe, but also with numerous partners around the world.

The multidisciplinary University of Lille is organised into four scientific clusters¹ and focuses its efforts on four societal challenges:

• a digital world that works for humankind,
• precision health,
• science for a changing planet, and
• changing cultures, societies and practices.

In addition, it supports the emergence of new areas of study to help bring about the discoveries, inventions and innovations of tomorrow, in fields as varied as social inclusiveness, ultra-fast communications, cancer therapies, artificial intelligence for healthcare and innovative textiles. Through its academic collaborations and numerous partnerships with companies, foundations, associations and local authorities, the University of Lille is making a major contribution to the economic, social, human and cultural development of its region and the people who live there.

¹ Life and health sciences/science and technology/humanities and social sciences/law, economics, management