Tale of two cities – University of London and HESAM Université in Paris to collaborate

The University of London expands its global collaboration strategy at its Institute in Paris (ULIP) by signing an agreement with HESAM Université in Paris.

Both two institutions are federal universities with a range of exceptional academic expertise spread among their independent members, a hotbed for mutual beneficial inspiration and collaboration across a range of projects and initiatives.

The collaboration was facilitated by the Mayor’s Office in Paris who co-ordinated a meeting earlier this year.  Building quickly from these early discussions, three projects are already in train between King’s College London, UCL and member institutions from HESAM Université.

Commenting at the signing ceremony Marie-Christine Lemardeley, Head of Higher Education from the Mayor’s Office in Paris said:

“I wish this agreement to be long-lasting. Co-operation between London and Paris is essential to address the challenges faced by our cities. I’m delighted that this agreement between HESAM Université and the University of London has emerged from the meeting organised by the Mayor’s office in January this year”.

The collaboration will include student exchanges, research partnerships and academic engagements through speakers at events, seminars and academic conferences. Mutual interests include collaboration in graduate schools, research and design, technologies supporting employment, and on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

Professor Peter Kopelman, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London said:

“Our two universities share many similarities. Both bring together a world class set of institutions that provide the opportunity for extensive collaboration. The agreement proves yet again that there are no borders to university partnerships and collaborations in teaching and research.”

Jean-Luc Delpeuch, President of HESAM Université, commented:

“This was a really important event, full of sense and perspectives. We believe that universities have to play a role in terms of building new forms of European citizenship and are looking forward to inspiring collaborations with the University of London.”

The University of London Institute in Paris is the ideal vehicle for this partnership to flourish. With a long history of cross-channel activity, ULIP can both facilitate debate and research. An early example is a workshop on the Creative Industries and Artificial Intelligence taking place at ULIP on 21 June with attendees from both the University of London and HESAM Université member institutions.