Interdisciplinary dynamics

The program’s interdisciplinary dynamic is based on the idea that today’s major challenges require cross-cutting approaches. The Lorraine I-SITE has therefore chosen to move beyond disciplinary specialization and structure its strategy around six societal challenges. This orientation makes it possible to mobilize the site’s areas of excellence while fully integrating the social sciences and humanities.

Several schemes work together to bring this vision to life:

• Interdisciplinary Programs (IP), guided by a programmatic vision and integrating education and innovation,
• IMPACT Projects, which explore and prepare new topics,
• Centers of Expertise and Transversal Research (CRET), which provide cross-cutting expertise (notably in AI and SSH). These schemes structure open, long-standing research communities with an international outlook.

Interdisciplinarity is also deployed in education (new tracks and master’s programs linked to the programs), in innovation (through student entrepreneurship and the POLARIS University Innovation Cluster), and in science outreach (SAPS label, citizen science). It also contributes to regional development, bringing together researchers, economic stakeholders, institutions, and citizens.

This approach lies at the heart of a long-term project: building a model of global engineering for the planet, combining science, technology, the humanities, and society to strengthen societies’ capacity for action and resilience in the face of societal challenges. Interdisciplinarity thus becomes a true hallmark of the Lorraine site, supported by collective governance and strong financial commitment.

Objects of the Interdisciplinary Dynamic