Graduate Research And Education in Lille

The GRAEL project aims to transform graduate education (master’s and PhD) at the University of Lille by creating Graduate Programmes (GPs) built around interdisciplinary themes related to major societal transitions. These programmes bring together students from various master’s and doctoral tracks for joint activities that promote research training and interdisciplinarity. The experimental phase (2020–2025) launched four GPs aligned with the university’s key strategic areas: Precision Health, Science for a Changing Planet, Information and Knowledge Society, and Changing Cultures and Societies. A total of 35 master’s programmes were involved in this pilot phase. Results showed strong student interest in interdisciplinarity and helped overcome early pedagogical and administrative challenges. GRAEL funding enabled the creation of new scholarships for international mobility, enhancing the university’s appeal. Support from the European Metropolis of Lille (MEL) further strengthened ties with the socio-economic sector. In 2026, the initiative will expand significantly, with 21 GPs covering 167 master’s programmes, about 61% of Lille’s overall master’s offering. These new GPs will feature more focused thematic specialisation. Interdisciplinary activities will become an official part of the curriculum through a 3-ECTS teaching unit in the first and/or third semester. To ensure sustainability, GPs are now embedded in the faculty structure. Each faculty will support between one and five GPs, always in partnership with at least one other faculty to preserve interdisciplinarity. This faculty-led model will allow GPs to continue beyond the end of GRAEL funding in 2029. As a result, the university’s thematic strengths are now more visible and internationally attractive. Graduate programmes are closely aligned with research groups and with the university’s development strategy.

The GP model helps structure the academic offer around today’s major challenges. It reinforces the university’s international appeal and internal coherence. The GRAEL project represents a major evolution in graduate education at Lille. It serves as a strategic driver for the university’s academic and scientific visibility.