The International City of Researchers at the University of Toulouse is located in the heart of Toulouse (Haute-Garonne). It is a place of welcome, work and life which brings together scientists, doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers as well as French and international students.
On October 20, 2024, Toulouse (Haute-Garonne) marked a new stage in its ambition to strengthen its role on the international scientific scene with the inauguration of the International City of Researchers. Located in the heart of the city, in the historic former laboratory of Professor Paul Sabatier, this unique project of its kind offers a welcoming, working and living space for scientists, doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers and students, both French and international. This flagship location aims to strengthen the attractiveness of the Toulouse university hub while promoting academic exchanges and scientific collaboration.
An emblematic building serving innovation
The International City of Researchers is located in a building steeped in history, the former chemistry laboratory of Nobel Prize winner Paul Sabatier, built in 1916. A symbol of the region’s rich scientific heritage, this structure has been renovated to meet modern needs. of a dynamic scientific community. The revitalization of this historic place thus makes it possible to merge prestigious past and contemporary innovation.
The Cité Internationale is designed to be much more than just a place of residence. It offers a range of services and spaces intended to encourage collaborative work, innovation and the sharing of ideas. Among the infrastructures offered, we find:
- A university residencewhich allows international researchers and students to find accommodation in the heart of the city.
- A third university placedesigned as a space for interdisciplinary exchanges between researchers, companies and students.
- A hotel residencefor passing visitors, whether for conferences or short stays.
- A coworking spacefacilitating collaborative work in a flexible and modern framework.
- A conference roomequipped with the latest technologies for the organization of scientific events, conferences and seminars.
- A restaurantallowing residents and visitors to meet in a friendly setting.
This ambitious project responds to the University of Toulouse’s desire to equip itself with infrastructure commensurate with its international influence and to create synergies between local researchers and those from around the world.
Strong support from the state
The completion of this major project was made possible thanks to substantial financial support from the State, amounting to 2.38 million euros. This funding reflects public authorities’ recognition of the importance of research and innovation for economic and social development, as well as for France’s positioning in the international academic world.
With this new International City, Toulouse is strengthening its attractiveness as a scientific and university hub. It already attracts many talents from around the world thanks to the quality of its higher education and research establishments, and this new infrastructure is expected to further increase the influx of international researchers and students.
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