Promoting research: Bordeaux hosted the C.U.R.I.E. 2025 conference

The 29^th edition of the conference organised by the Réseau national C.U.R.I.E. (National Network for the Commercialisation of University Research), in partnership with the University of Bordeaux, brought together over 700 stakeholders involved in the commercialisation of public research from Monday 2^nd to Wednesday 4^th June at the Palais des Congrès in Bordeaux.

In his opening speech, University of Bordeaux President Dean Lewis emphasised the importance of promoting research conducted within the institution, citing the success in terms of the number of patents filed and the momentum built with local partners through the university's innovation cluster (PUI - Pôle Universitaire d'Innovation Bordeaux).

Artificial intelligence, protection of scientific and technical heritage, detection, sponsorship and open science were among the three themes on the agenda. Around 30 staff members from the University of Bordeaux took part in the various workshops, keynote speeches and debates organised throughout the three days, with some acting as facilitators.

Three questions for...

Étienne Duguet, Vice-President for innovation at the University of Bordeaux, was present at the conference and shared his views on the importance of the partnership with the C.U.R.I.E. network, the highlights of this year's event, and the opportunities it offers for the institution.

You attended several highlights of the conference (plenary lectures, round tables, workshops, etc.). What moments stood out for you? What ideas or discussions would you take away from this year's event?

I greatly enjoyed the two plenary lectures, one on "how to make decisions in times of uncertainty" and the other on the unexpected interrelationship between scientific outreach and innovation. As for the 40 workshops that took place in parallel, my view is limited to those in which I either participated or attended. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many contributors from Bordeaux who proposed, led and/or participated in these workshops. I particularly enjoyed those on impact, the contribution of university hospitals, free software, etc. This edition was a great success with 700 participants, and there were many informal exchanges, particularly around the University Innovation Clusters, which are now in their second year of existence.

As Vice-President for innovation, what do you see as the practical benefits of participating in this type of event? Were you able to talk to colleagues and gather impressions?

The main purpose of this annual event is to bring together the French community of professionals responsible for promoting the results of public research in order to share best practices, identify obstacles and challenges, and work together to find the best solutions. I naturally spoke with many participants, particularly the presidents of technology transfer acceleration companies (SATT), innovation directors from national research organisations, and other university vice-presidents. Budgetary uncertainties at the national, regional and corporate levels were at the centre of the discussions. Indeed, like research itself, the transfer of results to society is a long-term process that requires significant and, above all, constant financial and human investment.