As the cradle of a long and prestigious university tradition, Montpellier has established itself as a center of excellence for research and innovation in France and around the world. Supported by the University of Montpellier and its many academic and scientific partners, the Mediterranean metropolis is a leader in key disciplines for the challenges of the 21st century: ecology, water sciences, agronomy, health, environment and many others.
A leading university site in ecology, water and agronomy
According to the Shanghai ranking (ARWU) 2024, Montpellier’s university campus ranks 1st worldwide in three crucial areas:
- ecology,
- water sciences,
- agronomy.
It also ranks in the world’s Top 100 for statistics and remote sensing, and in the world’s Top 150 for mathematics, chemistry and earth sciences.
These performances testify to the region’s scientific excellence and the international appeal of its research ecosystem.
A unique, interdisciplinary and structuring ecosystem
This world-renowned reputation is underpinned by a collective dynamic supported by 17 academic and scientific partners, united around the MUSE – Montpellier University of Excellence strategy. This structuring group federates a network of leading players and benefits from an exceptional scientific environment:
- Major research organizations: CNRS, INRAE, Inserm, CIRAD, IRD, Inria…
- University Hospitals: Montpellier and Nîmes University Hospitals
- Cutting-edge technology platforms: BioCampus, CEMIPAI, CR2I, EuroMov…
- Laboratories of excellence (LabEx) and facilities of excellence (Equipex)
Montpellier is also home to two major international institutions:
- The UNESCO International Water Centre, the first of its kind, a key player in global water management policies
- CGIAR, a global partnership dedicated to food security, headquartered in Montpellier, France
Montpellier, scientific capital of life and the environment
Beyond its academic excellence, Montpellier is a model of interdisciplinary scientific cooperation in the service of the planet. At the crossroads of agriculture, the environment and health, Montpellier researchers are devising solutions for a more sustainable, resilient and caring world.
Thanks to this synergy between disciplines and institutions, the region’s scientists are tackling strategic issues:
- climate change and sustainable resource management,
- human and animal health in a global approach (One Health),
- global food security,
- life sciences and digital innovations.
A cosmopolitan student city open to the world
With 43,000 students, Montpellier is France’s 2nd largest university town in terms of student population. Its quality of life, cultural richness and pedestrian-friendly city center make it an ideal place to study.
Montpellier is home to the world’s oldest active medical faculty, which has been in operation since the Middle Ages. This faculty continues to train healthcare professionals in a setting combining historical heritage and medical innovation.
The University of Montpellier is a partner of more than 570 institutions in 89 countries and a member of numerous international academic networks (Erasmus+, Coimbra Group, AUF, ASAIHL, etc.). It holds the HR Excellence in Research label awarded by the European Commission, and is an active participant in theEuropean Research Area.