Université Catholique de Lille and the International University of the Sea (UIM) have signed a five-year strategic partnership to develop education, research, and innovation in the fields of maritime affairs, ocean studies, and the sustainable blue economy.
Joining Forces to Address Global Maritime Challenges
As oceans play an increasingly strategic role in addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, maritime sovereignty, and the decarbonization of transport, the two institutions have joined forces to prepare future professionals and generate knowledge that supports these major global transitions.
This partnership reflects a shared ambition to contribute to sustainable development through interdisciplinary education and research focused on the world’s oceans.
Building a Centre of Excellence for the Blue Economy
The collaboration aims to create a multidisciplinary centre of excellence dedicated to the blue economy and maritime professions.
Drawing on the expertise of several UCLille faculties and schools—including ICAM, FGES, the Faculty of Law, and ESPAS-ESTICE—and the UIM’s portfolio of nearly 200 specialized training modules, the partnership will cover a broad range of topics, including:
- Sustainable blue economy
- Marine sciences
- Ecological transition
- Naval industries
- Port management
- Maritime geopolitics
- Maritime law and regulations
- Humanities and societal challenges related to the oceans
Three Shared Priorities
The partnership is built around three complementary objectives:
Developing innovative education. The two institutions will create interdisciplinary programmes, joint degrees, and training opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, lifelong learning, and apprenticeship students.
Strengthening collaborative research. Researchers will work together on high-impact scientific projects, international research initiatives, and doctoral training, particularly through the Hauts-de-France Polytechnic Doctoral School.
Enhancing employability. Stronger links with industry will create new internship opportunities, professional immersion experiences, and entrepreneurship initiatives, helping students prepare for careers in the rapidly evolving blue economy sector.
A Partnership with International Ambition
Through this collaboration, Université Catholique de Lille reinforces its commitment to research that serves society, education that responds to contemporary challenges, and strategic partnerships with international impact.
The agreement also strengthens cooperation within the Hauts-de-France higher education ecosystem while positioning the University as a key player in addressing the major environmental, economic, and geopolitical issues linked to the oceans and the blue economy.
As Patrick Scauflaire, President and Rector of Université Catholique de Lille, emphasized, the partnership is designed to deliver concrete, practice-oriented projects that meet the needs of students, researchers, businesses, and society.