Our mechanisms

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In order to support its development trajectory, the University of Bordeaux draws on various resources, such as the IdEx endowment, the 2023–2025 Objectives, Resources, and Performance Agreement, and funding obtained through calls for projects (France 2030, Horizon Europe etc.) with its academic and research partners. These additional resources support programmes which act as transformation mechanisms, thereby enabling the set objectives to be attained.

The Bordeaux University Excellence Initiative (IdEx Bordeaux): a structural mechanism for a world-class university

Launched in 2010 as part of the Future Investment Programme (PIA, Programme d’investissements d’avenir - now integrated into France 2030), the Excellence Initiative (IdEx) strives to create world-class university hubs that are simultaneously attractive, competitive, and multidisciplinary. 

Certified in 2011 and extended indefinitely in 2016, the Bordeaux Excellence Initiative (IdEx Bordeaux) has since been a key mechanism for the university, supporting its trajectory of transformation and its development strategy. The signing in 2016 of the devolution agreement, which grants the university a donation of €700 million, generating €24 million annually in interest to finance structural projects and provide sustainable resources, represents an important step towards the autonomy of the institution.  

Since its certification, the IdEx has been an essential component of the University of Bordeaux’s strategy, fully aligned with the major objectives defined in the “A Unique Trajectory” (U25) and “Strategic Horizon 2030” (U30) plans. The resources made available through IdEx are subject to multi-year programming, and support, along with other major programmes, high-impact initiatives in each of the seven priority areas of the 2025–2027 strategy. This programme, which runs until 2027, provides for the renewal of flagship initiatives and the roll-out of new programmes designed to support the university’s development and benefit the university community. These initiatives are set out in the “From Strategic Vision to Implementation — Major Programmes: Programming until 2027 document”.  

Programme until 2027 (in French)

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Objectives, Means, and Performance Agreement COMP 2023–2025

The Objective, Means, and Performance Agreement (COMP) provides additional funding geared towards strategic priorities shared by the state and higher education institutions. For the University of Bordeaux, the COMP represents a multi-year framework, aligned with its institutional strategy, enabling it to consolidate the means required to achieve its academic, social, and regional ambitions. In particular, it pursues objectives in terms of appeal and responding to issues of transition. 


Major Programmes

To achieve its development strategy, the university has successfully applied for major project calls (France 2030, Horizon Europe, etc.), and now enjoys the support of specific Major Programmes, implemented and funded over a number of years. These complement the structural mechanisms represented by IdEx Bordeaux, and the Objectives, Means, and Performance Agreement (COMP 2023–2025).

  • ACT: turning the University into an experimental campus

    The Augmented University for Campus and world Transition (ACT) programme aims to transform the campuses of the University of Bordeaux into a living laboratory and incubator for experimental projects on a regional scale to support social, societal and environmental transition.

  • DReAM: diversifying resources to support the development of our missions

    The DReAM project has won the ASDESR national call for projects, aimed at Accelerating Development Strategies of Higher Education and Research Institutions.

  • ENLIGHT: creating a European university alliance

    The ENLIGHT project and its ENLIGHT RISE programme aim to create a broad cooperation for education and research on a European scale, for a greener, healthier, fairer and more sustainable Europe.

  • InnovationS: accelerating synergies and promoting entrepreneurship

    As part of the University of Bordeaux's Horizon 2030 development strategy, InnovationS proposes a broad, renewed approach to innovation and aims to intensify its culture and practices. With a 24.4 million-euro budget, the project relies on a wide network of partners to increase the region's attractiveness and skills.

  • NewDEAL: working for student success

    The NewDEAL project, launched in 2017, is one of the levers for transforming the University of Bordeaux's educational offer. Focused on student success, it is aimed at establishing new learning models more in line with their needs.

  • UBGRS 2.0: a strategic project for doctoral students

    The University of Bordeaux Graduate Research School (UBGRS 2.0) is making its research training programme more internationally attractive by developing a graduate school for junior researchers.

  • ACCES: accompanying students towards higher education

    ACCES is a partnership between the Universities of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Montaigne, Pau and the Adour (UPPA), the Nouvelle-Aquitaine academic region and the Nouvelle Aquitaine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Its aim is to motivate and support secondary school students to pursue higher education, whether they are geographically-remote and/or have little guidance.

  • EASI Lab: transforming administrative practices

    The University of Bordeaux has launched EASI Lab, an innovative laboratory devoted to improving the quality of administrative services. This initiative is beneficial to the Nouvelle Aquitaine universities as well as to universities in other major French cities.

  • RESET: gender equality in scientific and academic policies

    Led by a consortium of European universities, the RESET (Redesigning Equality and Scientific Excellence Together) project aims to place gender equality and diversity at the heart of scientific and academic policy-making.

  • SUNSET: Science with and for society

    The SUNSET project, short for 'Science with and for a Society in Transition', has just been certified by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI).

  • Skills and Professions of the Future (CMA: Compétences et métiers d'avenir)

    The “Skills and Professions of the Future” Call for Expressions of Interest was launched as part of the France 2030 national plan, whose purpose is to prepare tomorrow’s France through major strategic investment choices to benefit citizens, and a strong ecological ambition.

  • University Innovation Hub: revealing the region’s potential

    The Bordeaux University Innovation Hub (PUI - Pôle universitaire d’innovation), led by the University of Bordeaux, strives to speed up the region’s innovation momentum by unlocking the potential of public research players.

Other support initiatives

The University of Bordeaux is extending its development strategy through other structural initiatives, undertaken collectively at the institution or site level and supported by its Major Programmes. These initiatives are a concrete expression of its priorities in supporting interdisciplinarity and excellence in artificial intelligence partnerships, as well its focus on dynamics of cross-border higher education and research.

  • Interdisciplinarity

    Exploring new areas of research, responding to the complex questions of modern societies, providing solutions to future challenges, and supporting transitions requires the adoption of an interdisciplinary approach.

  • Artificial intelligence: developing research and skills

    In 2018, the University of Bordeaux launched its AI strategy, designed to contribute to the national drive for artificial intelligence research. Since then, several key industrial players have partnered up with the university and the projects launched have received recognition.

  • Euskampus Bordeaux: building a Euro-regional Campus of Excellence

    The Universities of Bordeaux and the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) have been working together since 2014 to build a Euro-regional Campus of Excellence, enriching for students as well as staff and a vehicle for international cooperation.