WILL project
Supporting the international development of the University of Lille
The Welcoming Internationals to Lille (WILL) project aims to strengthen the University of Lille’s scientific reputation while improving the quality of thewelcome given to international visitors.
This project is funded by France 2030 as part of the ‘Integration and development of IdEx and ISITE’ (Intégration et développement des IdEx et des ISITE – IDéES) call for projects, launched in 2019.
In figures
euros of funding provided by France 2030
A major project
Find out more about the WILL project
Objectives
Encouraging international research projects that focus on the university’s strategic hubs.
Improving services dedicated to welcoming and integrating international visitors.
Strengthening initiatives to enhance the university’s appeal and international visibility.
Building a shared, internationally visible identity at the university.
The WILL project comprises 5 flagship initiatives :
- Setting up 14 international research chairs,
- Introducing a new support scheme especially for international visitors,
- Creating an alumni and international ambassador network,
- Strengthening the activities of the university’s International Centre (maison internationale),
- Supporting the university’s international promotion and appeal initiatives.
WILL International Chairs
The WILL project supports the establishment of 14 international research chairs, each lasting 4 years. These chairs create high-level collaborations between a senior principal investigator (PI) from abroad who is an expert in his or her field and a research team from the University of Lille.
A first cohort of 5 chairs was inaugurated in 2023, and a second cohort of 9 new chairs will be launched in early 2025. The funding allocated to the chairs gives those appointed to the chairs the resources they need to develop their research project and recruit a PhD student and a post-doctoral student, thus forming a complete research team. Thanks to these chairs, the WILL project is strengthening international scientific exchanges and supporting research excellence at the University of Lille.
Learn about the people appointed to the WILL international chairs
In less than five minutes, find out what these high-level research projects are all about, and learn about their ambitious objectives and impact in their respective fields.
ARCHIE
Artificial intelligence for heterogeneity in chronic diseases (ARCHIE)
CROSSPOINT
The role of cross-border regions in terms of public policy and the fight against inequalities
RECAST
Recycling of End-of-life Condensation polymers to new Advanced Sustainable Thermoplastics (RECAST)
SPORT-1
Transforming the role of physical activity from a risk factor for glycemic fluctuations to a therapeutic approach reducing the risk of vascular complications in patients living with type 1 diabetes.
TESSA
Techno-Economical Study of Second life batteries for Affordable e-mobility campus (TESSA)
Objectives of the international chairs
Demonstrating the University of Lille’s commitment to academic excellence and top-level research.
Improving the training of talented individuals: the Lille team will benefit from the experience of the senior PI by contributing to a large-scale research project.
Promoting international collaboration and the exchange of knowledge between universities.
Increasing the University of Lille’s visibility on the international stage through research results.
New scheme for international visitors
The university is currently working on the design of a complementary service to welcome and integrate international visitors to all WILL project partners who have come from other universities.
The aim of this service is to provide a personalised response to the needs of international visitors and, where appropriate, those of their families. Through this initiative, the WILL project aims to improve the quality of the welcome given to international visitors (students, PhD students, researchers).
Alumni and international ambassador network
This community of ambassadors and alumni at the University of Lille aims to facilitate the integration of new arrivals while consolidating relations with former international students. This initiative takes the form of events and activities to encourage cultural exchange and promote the impact of the University of Lille both within France and abroad.
At the same time, the alumni community will enable the sharing of experiences and the development of a professional network, creating enriching and lasting opportunities for all participants to interact with others.
International Centre (Maison internationale)
The WILL project is helping to strengthen the activities of the University of Lille’s International Centre, located on the Cité Scientifique campus (building A4). This support aims to enhance the range of services (administrative support and event proposals) andsupport provided to international visitors in order to facilitate their integration and support them throughout their stay in Lille.
Appeal and Visibility Unit (Cellule d’attractivité et de visiblité)
The WILL project supports the University of Lille’s International Appeal and Visibility Unit.This unit is dedicated to promoting the institution’s visibility and coordinating international networks. It also monitors strategic partnerships and helps with planning for the future, positioning the university as a key player on the global academic stage.
Project partners
Learn about the stakeholders and structures involved in the WILL project
The WILL project is a cross-disciplinary project involving various areas of expertise and departments. At the University of Lille, it is managed by the Strategy and Steering Support Department (Direction d'Appui à la Stratégie et au Pilotage – DASP), in coordination with two other departments: International Relations and Research.
Strategy and Steering Support Department (Direction d’Appui à la Stratégie et au Pilotage – DASP)
General International Relations Department (Direction Générale Déléguée aux Relations Internationales – DGDRI)
General Research and Value Creation Department (Direction Générale Déléguée à la Recherche et à la Valorisation – DGDRV)
The ULille WILL project team
Nil TOULOUSE
WILL project Scientific Coordinator
Vice President International Affairs and Europe - University Professor of Management Sciences and Management
Lætitia POISSON
WILL Project Manager
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