Sorbonne University Recognized for its Transfer and Development of Knowledge

Universities play an essential role in the knowledge and innovation economy. They educate tomorrow's managers, citizens and researchers, in both the public and private sectors, in research practices, critical thinking, and the confrontation of problems and solutions.

To reconnect with science and its goals, Sorbonne University supports an integrated model of education, research, innovation and dissemination. This continuum allows access to knowledge for everyone, and strengthens the capacity for innovation. 

By awarding the two certificates "Science with and for Society" (SAPS) and "University Innovation Pole" (PUI) to our institution, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation recognizes Sorbonne University as a leading player in the transfer and development of knowledge, in all its diversity. This double certification of the institution will position Sorbonne University at the heart of the city, at the service of society, and as a university that will assist in times of crisis, change and innovation, through the transfer of expertise and technology.

The SAPS certification, obtained on November 10, 2009, reinforces this commitment through a 300,000 euro grant. This funding will enable the University to develop its communication, mediation, expertise and consulting capacities, and to highlight its scientific contributions to the media, citizens, associations and public and private players. 
To be better able to provide knowledge and solutions to society, Sorbonne University intends to:

1. Develop the skills of its academic and support staff in scientific mediation, communication and expertise;
2. Offer continuing education to target audiences (journalists, public and private decision-makers, local authorities, civil society associations) on societal issues that are highlighted by the scientific research conducted at Sorbonne University.

In the same way, the PUI certification, obtained on November 16, identifies Sorbonne University as a reference site in the Île-de-France innovation ecosystem for socio-economic players. It distinguishes the institution's ability to consolidate its innovation chain by bringing together all the public and private players involved and to develop a comprehensive and accessible offer of technologies and expertise. 

One million in funding will enable the institution to continue:

1. The coordination of the various innovation entities, local partners and the socio-economic world
2. The clarification of the transfer and partnership by housing entities in a single location: Paris Parc;
3. The creation of synergies with European initiatives;
4. The deployment of entrepreneurship programs for students, doctoral candidates and staff.

In a complementary manner, these two certifications illustrate Sorbonne University's integrated vision of research, innovation and the dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge and reinforce the economic and societal impact of the research conducted by its community.

Learn more about the SAPS certification (in French) 
 

Sorbonne University is one of the first eight university sites to receive the "Science with and for Society" label. This certificate, granted for three years, is awarded to higher education and research institutions that have met the criteria of this call for certification. The criteria include a strategic commitment by the governance team, a strong partnership with local actors, such as CCSTI (centers of scientific, technical and industrial culture) and museums, a variety of actions targeting school audiences, the relationship with the media, participatory research and a self-evaluation process. 

This call for certification gives an endowment of 2.6 M€ for the year 2021 and will be renewed for 2022.

Learn more about the PUI certification (in French) 

Sorbonne University is one of the five pilot institutions selected to test the implementation of university innovation clusters in their territory. The PUIs will make it possible to bring together the strengths of the various innovation entities, such as: higher education institutions, research organizations, local authorities, technology transfer acceleration companies, development subsidiaries, incubators, technological research institutes, energy transition institutes, technological resource centers and structures in charge of economic development for innovation. The goal is to set up shared innovation strategies and ensuring the coordination of their actions to increase the economic and social benefits of the research. 

This call for labelling has a budget of 9.5 million euros. These experimental pilots will contribute to the drafting of specifications for national use. An evaluation at the end of the first year of experimentation will be carried out before the full integration of the system, which will eventually involve some 15 sites.