UT Capitole’s research strategy and values

High-calibre research with a significant impact on society

Toulouse Capitole University’s research strategy is part of a bold ambition: to establish the institution as a centre of scientific excellence of international standing, whilst strengthening its regional roots and its impact on society.

Its primary aim is to consolidate existing scientific strengths by supporting research units in their pursuit of excellence and by fostering the emergence of innovative research themes with high potential. The EPE thus aims to develop high-calibre research that is visible and recognised, notably through a policy of incentives relating to publications, responses to competitive calls for proposals, and participation in major international scientific networks.
 
Photo Recherche 2
Photo Recherche 2

Furthermore, the institution reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the links between research, education and innovation. Integrating research into degree programmes is a key focus, enabling students to be trained through and in research, whilst facilitating their integration into demanding academic and professional environments. With this in mind, supporting PhD students and early-career researchers is a priority, through schemes designed to provide guidance, funding and recognition for their work.

Our Strategic Priorities

Research policy, coordinated by the governing body of EPE UT Capitole, is structured around three key areas, aimed at creating an environment conducive to scientific progress in the disciplines it covers. By ‘conducive environment’, it means one that is inspiring, stimulating, unifying, inclusive and supportive.

These three areas are set out in the scientific research report submitted  to HCERES in June 2025:
 

International outreach is also a cornerstone of EPE UT Capitole’s research strategy, which aims to strengthen its partnerships with leading academic institutions, promote researcher mobility and increase its participation in European and international programmes. This approach helps to enhance the institution’s appeal and to integrate its research into global networks.

In a constantly evolving scientific landscape, interdisciplinarity is a key driver. The EPE UT Capitole’s strategy encourages cross-fertilisation between disciplines, particularly between law, economics, computer science, management and the social sciences, in order to address major contemporary challenges. Interdisciplinary collaboration is also encouraged with the humanities, medical sciences, engineering, environmental sciences and other fields. These synergies should enable the generation of new knowledge that is useful for understanding economic, institutional and societal transformations.

The research strategy focuses on promoting scientific findings and enhancing their impact on society. By developing partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders, supporting knowledge transfer and encouraging the dissemination of research to a wide audience, EPE UT Capitole reaffirms its role as a committed partner in driving economic, legal and social transitions.

A Message from the Director of Research Support

Photo Sophie Depoutre
Photo Sophie Depoutre
“The implementation of EPE UT Capitole’s research strategy relies on a structured organisation, efficient services and hands-on support for researchers and research units. With this in mind, the Research Support Directorate (DAR) plays a central role in liaising, coordinating and facilitating, with a view to translating strategic priorities into concrete and effective actions.
 
One of the key priorities is to strengthen the support provided to research-active academics and teams in setting up, steering and managing their projects. This involves helping them respond to national, European and international calls for proposals, including actively monitoring opportunities, assisting with the preparation of applications, supporting the development of partnerships, and providing reliable administrative, legal and financial oversight. The aim is to remove operational barriers so that researchers can focus fully on their scientific work.
 
The DAR also works to organise and professionalise support functions by developing shared tools, harmonised procedures and performance indicators. This approach aims to improve the clarity, fluidity and efficiency of processes, whilst ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and the standards set by funding bodies. It forms part of a commitment to continuous improvement and service quality.
 
Another key area of focus is support for PhD students and early-career researchers. The DAR helps to set up tailored support schemes, in particular by assisting PhD students in securing funding: foundation grants, disability grants, CIFRE grants, etc. The DAR, in collaboration with doctoral schools, also organises an annual event to welcome new PhD students.
 
Furthermore, the promotion and dissemination of research are operational priorities. The DAR supports the units in their scientific communication and knowledge transfer activities, notably through the University Press. It also provides support to foster the development of partnerships with socio-economic stakeholders. It further helps to establish frameworks that promote innovation, open science and the impact of research on society.
 
Specific support is provided for the internationalisation of research through the development of services dedicated to managing European projects, hosting international researchers and supporting mobility. The aim is to strengthen teams’ capacity to join international networks and access competitive funding.
 
Through this approach, our ambition is clear: to provide a structured, responsive and high-performing environment that supports rigorous, high-profile research, with full backing for its implementation.”

Sophie Depoutre, Director of Research Support