In the framework of its ‘Partnerships’ component, I-SITE FUTURE launched a new call for pre-maturation projects, aimed at supporting the emergence of innovative projects, funding the development stages of laboratory-based projects and informing and supporting holders through to the maturation of their project, in association with the existing regional ecosystem. 3 projects received funding in this framework.
On the international front, a 2nd AIMCI call (Incentive Call for Mobility and International Cooperation) was launched in January 2020. 23 projects received support to strengthen or initiate new international collaboration. I-SITE FUTURE also launched a first ‘Training School / Summer School’ Call for Projects, aimed at supporting the organisation of summer schools in 2021. 3 projects were submitted and are currently being examined. Finally, Université Gustave Eiffel has become the French operator of F-SATI (French South-African Institute of Technology), alongside Paris-Est Créteil University, and of 2 host and co-host universities in South Africa:
- Tshwane University of Technology TUT (formerly Pretoria Technikon, since 1996)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology CPUT (since 2008)
This role will contribute to the development of the training institute through international research in South Africa, with perspectives for the creation of new Master (2 to 3 years) and research training programmes.
In terms of visibility, the annual event on the cities of the future, Future Days, was held from 1 to 3 December 2020, online due to the health crisis. This edition attracted 700 participants, including 85 speakers from 70 local authority bodies or companies, who shared their knowledge and exchanged expertise through workshops and plenary sessions.
Regarding student affairs, the key event was naturally the setting-up of the student parliament. A unique body in the French university sphere, the task of this parliament is to contribute to the well-being of students, both in terms of their training and daily lives, by supporting in particular projects ranging from the organisation of cultural events to the installation of venues geared towards student life. The University’s student affairs policy will form the subject of discussions within the Parliament and will lead to the drafting of a multi-annual master plan. The MAISON programme, based since September 2019 in a hall of residence on the Cité Descartes campus, was extended in 2020 to a second hall of residence, that of the Paris City and Paris-East School of Architecture (Éav&t), which helped to boost the recruitment of residents. The aim of this programme is to enable the scholarship students of the campus to avail of social accommodation in exchange for their involvement in collective projects with a social impact for the district.
Other events punctuated the academic year, despite the health situation. One example is the ‘Rentrée Climat’ climate programme. Around 25 teachers and staff, in addition to 15 students from the University received training in leading this workshop. The Fresque du Climat in particular was integrated into teaching programmes, to raise awareness for 1000 students. Lastly, preparations for the 1st City Hackathon got under way in 2020, for an edition postponed to the 1st term of 2021 (March). It was organised by Université Gustave Eiffel in partnership with the Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, Comue Paris-Est Sup and the Paris - Vallée de la Marne Conurbation, to foster students’ interest in entrepreneurship and the production of innovative services. The theme was ‘Imagine a day in the life of a person in Paris during the 2024 Olympic Games’. Under the supervision of teacher-researchers, 48 students took part in 11 challenges organised by the event’s partners, including BNP Paribas, Paris - Vallée de la Marne Conurbation, EDF, Google Cloud, GRDF, the Descartes Incubator, La Poste, Orange, RATP and the City of Paris.