In 2010, the French government launched the Programme d'Investissements d'avenir (PIA), a program designed to finance the strengths of France's future. Higher education and research were identified as key priorities, with the aim of creating ten or so internationally competitive centers of excellence in higher education and scientific research. Awarded in 2016, UGA Initiative of Excellence (IDEX) is one of the projects of this program.

This project is part of a long tradition of cooperation among the higher education and research institutions in the Grenoble region. It helps reinforce the dynamism of the Grenoble ecosystem, internationally recognized for its scientific and technological excellence, as well as its potential for innovation. Since 2016, it brings to life ambitious projects in research, training and international development, on the importance of student life and on strengthening the cultural and social impact of the university.

One of the major challenges of this project was the implementation of a common institutional trajectory. The 2016 merger of Grenoble's three universities – Joseph Fourier, Pierre-Mendès-France and Stendhal – into a single university, Université Grenoble Alpes, was a decisive moment, made possible by the commitment of all staff. The implementation of other common measures (doctoral college, single scientific signature, research centers) was also the result of the mobilization of the communities. The creation of the integrated Université Grenoble Alpes on 1 January 2020 marked the beginning of a new era for all those involved and for the region itself.

Structuring initiatives

The Idex project has led to the emergence of numerous projects in the areas of research, training, campus life, social and cultural outreach, and technology transfer.

Governance

The Idex project has its own governance, consisting of a steering committee, an international scientific committee and 5 executive commissions.

Partners

The Idex project Université Grenoble Alpes is supported by a consortium of 10 higher education and research institutions.