Presentation
A major player in French research, the Collège de France, through its chairs and laboratories, also contributes to its internationalization. The influence of French research and thought abroad, and participation in intellectual and scientific debate on major global issues, are among its essential missions.
Collège de France, an institution born during the Renaissance, at the height of the European humanist movement, is by nature open to the international scene, both in its teaching activities and the dissemination of knowledge, and in the research programs in which it participates, and through the nationality of its staff: a significant number of its professors are foreign nationals, as are almost half of its doctoral and post-doctoral students.
In addition to the international activities of each of its professors, all of whom are involved in exchanges with colleagues from all over the world, the Collège de France pursues a policy of international openness based on a number of instruments.
Teaching assignments for Collège de France professors abroad
Under a provision specific to the Collège de France, professors are authorized to entrust up to a third of their annual teaching (lectures and seminars) to foreign institutions at their request. On average, some thirty lectures are given each year. Most of these lectures are carried out under partnership agreements with universities or learned societies. A list of current agreements is available here :
Visiting professors
The Collège de France Assembly may invite leading international scientists to give lectures. These lectures are included in the institution's official public lectures program, and are the subject of an Abstract in theAnnuaire du Collège de France.
Collège de France Chairs are also constantly inviting researchers from other countries to stay for shorter periods, usually on the occasion of one of the many colloquia and conferences organized by the Collège, thus contributing to the international circulation of ideas.
Hosting young international researchers
Collège de France welcomes young international researchers, whether advanced doctoral students or post-doctoral fellows, for research stays of varying lengths. These researchers are remunerated by the Collège de France or by their home institution.
Marguerite program for young international researchers
The Collège de France's Marguerite program aims to strengthen and nurture the reciprocal nature of the institution's international exchanges with recognized academic partners. Supported by The Hugot Foundation of Collège de France, this program welcomes young international researchers - PhD students or post-docs - for short one-month research stays in the Collège de France's chairs and laboratories, and immerses them in the scientific life of the institution at a decisive moment in their career. The Marguerite program call for applications is renewed each year in conjunction with partner institutions.
International conferences and symposia
In partnership with the cultural and cooperation network of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Institut français and French diplomatic posts abroad, Collège de France organizes numerous lecture series abroad, in which its professors take part, in order to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and the influence of French science around the world.
Digital distribution
Professors' lectures are posted online on the Collège de France website, as well as on its podcast and YouTube channels, providing a powerful means of disseminating knowledge, including internationally. Some content is available in English.