LE STUDIUM Loire Valley

Established in 1996 and inspired by the historical, geographical and human cultures of the Loire Valley, LE STUDIUM Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Studies is an independent institution that covers all research fields in one global initiative aiming at boosting international scientific exchanges in the Centre-Val de Loire region and creating a dynamic scientific community that supports research and innovation. LE STUDIUM reunites the two regional universities of Tours and Orleans, the INSA CVL and AgroParis Tech engineering schools, the ESAD Orleans as well as research centres based in the Centre-Val de Loire region (CNRS, INRAe Val de Loire Centre, BRGM, Inserm, CEA). It benefits from the longstanding support of the Centre-Val de Loire Regional Council and Orléans Metropole that have secured the IAS installation in outstanding premises and an excellent visiting scientists’ residence on the Loire riverbank.

Fellows are high-level international researchers. They benefit from outstanding research conditions and are given full leeway to organise the work around the project of their choice in the social sciences and humanities (SSH) as well as at the interface with other sciences present in the region. SSH projects can also have transversal axes with computer and mathematical sciences, physics, environmental sciences and health and life sciences. Links between disciplines are encouraged.

The Institute provides its Fellows with logistical and financial support for organizing scientific events and training activities, as well as other initiatives related to their work and/or that of other fellows. In the course of their stay, they will be able to attend French language classes, training seminars and to access to inter-sectoral collaborations, fundraising information and guidance. LE STUDIUM Loire Valley creates opportunity to attend visits to research centres and cultural sites. Mentoring sessions are also scheduled.

LE STUDIUM holds its headquarters in the city-centre of Orleans at the Hôtel Dupanloup, the former Bishop’s residence located next to the Orleans’ Cathedrale, a fully renovated 17th building. The place hosts international scientific events and welcome researchers all year long.

LE STUDIUM fellows benefit from workspace and access to IT infrastructure, research facilities and other relevant resources. The venue, the Hôtel Dupanloup, has a large conference room and a number of meeting rooms that can easily be booked for their activities. The IAS provides fully equipped apartments in a renovated private mansion on the Loire in Orleans - the Château de la Motte Sanguin - and other private apartments in Tours.

In addition to the many services provided by the IAS, fellows will benefit from the expertise, guidance and services of their host laboratory, as well as the support of the MSH Val-de-Loire (Maison des Sciences sociales et des Humanités), which structures SSH research in the region and has its own services for researchers. The regional shared unit “Europe Research” can also be consulted for information and support to respond to any European call for proposals.

Fellows' projects at the Loire Valley IAS may cover all disciplines and topics in SSH, as well as in conjunction with other sciences. Projects must have a strong interdisciplinary dimension to the proposed research and must demonstrate the ability of the researcher and the proposed project to advance knowledge. This should also be reflected in the application of new ideas, processes, technologies, programmes or policies to important issues that will have a significant impact on the proposed field of study.

Priority will be given to projects that address societal challenges and embed the Institute's outward looking vision. To this end, LE STUDIUM Loire Valley IAS will welcome projects at the interface between SSH and other sciences enthusiastically.