General policy

Research at the UPVD draws on the surrounding region

This one particular area in France has seen experimental research in geography, the environment, society and energy for more than 560,000 years, with projects endlessly jostling and intersecting with one another. The region itself constitutes an iconic research site. But this can also be said of the Odeillo solar furnace, the Arago prehistoric cave in Tautavel, the altitude training camp in Font-Romeu or even the marine reserves off the coast. Layers of rock in Tautavel show how both the environment and humankind have changed and evolved over the years. Modern humankind’s impact on the environment can be measured by analysing molecules in water bodies and lagoons. Beneath the sunshine of Odeillo and Thémis, the energies of the future are being developed. And future regulations for encouraging greater sustainability are being developed.

This Mediterranean microcosm extends well beyond the region’s natural and administrative boundaries – academic thinking and research demand it. The University’s academic expertise and the fruits of our research have proven highly relevant at international level – not just within the confines of the local climatic and cultural context. International development assistance is also central to our research: we have entered into partnerships with a number of countries in Africa and Asia, in collaboration with the WHO, the CIRAD (centre for agricultural research and development) and the IRD (Institute of Research for Development).

There is growing concern as awareness of various crises affecting both the Mediterranean and the rest of the world increases: society is now awaiting concrete proposals from researchers. Their being able to deliver solutions is contingent on their being able to carry out multidisciplinary research.