Université Laval
Sorbonne University and Université Laval are united in their commitment to sustainable innovation across a range of academic subjects and research fields.
A major area of collaboration is marine biology— driven by the research strength of both Sorbonne University and Université Laval's North Sentinel project. Other areas of collaboration include scientific communication and journalism, environmental transition and the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence. This latter theme will be led by Université Laval's International Observatory on the Societal Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology.
More recently, Sorbonne University and Université Laval have launched joint actions in Philosophy, paving the way forward for rich collaboration in the humanities.
Founded in 1852, Université Laval was the first French-language university in North America. With more than 400 million Canadian dollars dedicated to research and international cooperation, it is now one of the ten most important Canadian research universities.
Université Laval and Sorbonne University signed a cooperation agreement in December 2019, and have moved quickly since then to work together in addressing major societal challenges in ever-innovative ways.
Reinforcing research communities in France and Quebec
David Lefebvre is Director of the Philosophy Department at Sorbonne University, and is working closely with Université Laval to launch collaborative projects in Philosophy.
In March 2020, he participated in an initial virtual seminar with doctoral candidates and directors from both universities, which he described as a "breath of intellectual oxygen." Over a two-day period, participants discussed a range of common areas of research including the history of German philosophy, artificial intelligence, philosophy of science, and the history of ancient philosophy. For Lefebvre, the seminar provided the opportunity to "confirm the existence of a real sense of community among these research fields" - and beyond.
This initial exchange, however, has only scratched the surface of the potential between these two universities: "We are at the beginning of a working collaboration that will have to be amplified and diversified," notes Lefebvre. Eager to investigate other subjects such as the right to privacy, Lefebvre is looking ahead to future workshops in moral and political philosophy: "I have hope that once the health crisis is over, fluid, fruitful and regular exchanges will be established between philosophers at both institutions."
I have hope that fluid, fruitful and regular exchanges will be established between philosophers at both institutions.
Recent Joint Projects
Since joining forces in 2019, Sorbonne University has worked with Université Laval to take definitive initial steps in a number of exciting fields. Some more recent projects include:
- A delegation of senior Sorbonne University representatives, including president Nathalie Drach-Temam, to Université Laval in April 2023.
- A joint master's course, launched in 2022, between Sorbonne University, Université Laval and CELSA: Environmental Transition and Communication.
- A joint online seminar on endocrine and cardiometabolic health, in June 2022.
- A colloquium on Condorcet's political theories and the question of democracy, in June 2022.
- Renewal of our strategic partnership with a five-year commitment signed by Sorbonne University President Jean Chambaz and Université Laval Rector Sophie D'Amours, in June 2021.
- Joint doctoral seminar in Philosophy between French and Quebecois doctoral candidates and research directors in 2021.
- In 2020, a virtual workshop in AI and Social Responsibility, along with virtual participation in SU-ITE's Autumn School organised by Hydro-Québec's research institute.
- Signature of the Strategic Commitment Agreement between Sorbonne University and Laval University in 2019, as well as a delegation from Sorbonne University to Université Laval in April.
Contact
Maël Baseilhac
International Partnerships and Projects Manager