Launch of a website dedicated to showcasing research support structures

Support for researchers, faculty members, doctoral students, and businesses

At the heart of a rich research landscape—both interdisciplinary and deeply rooted in the local community—Université Côte d’Azur’s research support structures are dedicated to supporting the community of researchers, faculty members, doctoral students, and businesses in their research endeavors by providing them with expertise, equipment, technologies, and specialized services.

To this end, a comprehensive mapping of the various types of research support structures within Université Côte d’Azur was carried out by a dedicated team within the Directorate of Research, Valorization, and Innovation (DRVI), under the leadership of Xavier Fernandez , Vice President for Innovation and Research Valorization.
    

The scope and richness of Université Côte d’Azur’s infrastructure and expertise

This mapping initiative makes it possible to centralize and display on a dedicated website (developed by the Communications and Branding Department) the full scope and richness of the infrastructure and expertise available at Université Côte d’Azur.

Divided into four main sections—platforms, technical facilities, notable equipment, and innovation and partnership institutes—the website , available in French and English, allows users to quickly identify a facility or area of expertise using a search engine that responds to keywords associated with its equipment or expertise. It also includes a definition for each type of facility, allowing users to precisely determine what distinguishes them (these definitions, which are subject to change, were approved by the Academic Council and the Board of Directors in 2022). 

The multidisciplinary nature of our infrastructure is also illustrated according to three major themes defined by the European Research Council (ERC), namely: “physical sciences and engineering,” “life sciences,” and “humanities and social sciences” (note that some facilities may appear under multiple themes).

Future Developments

This initial mapping, compiled using a questionnaire sent to all staff working within the research support structures at Université Côte d’Azur, is non-exhaustive and intended to be continuously improved. All structures wishing to be included are welcome and may be added to the website during future update phases. 

In the near future, we will focus more specifically on notable facilities (which are currently underrepresented), on linking this map to the inventory of expert competencies at Université Côte d’Azur, and on adding 360° virtual tours. We will also reach out to our external partners to provide them with a comprehensive overview of the expertise and facilities available on our campus.

The inventory of research support structures at Université Côte d’Azur is part of the ongoing efforts of the European HRS4R label , which is working on a human resources strategy for researchers at our site, specifically regarding support for their research activities and the improvement of their environment and working conditions.

Direct link to the website

• The tool is also available on the “Services for Researchers” page under the heading “Platforms and Equipment” (bottom right)

For any questions, corrections, or additions, please contact:

Alice de Forges de Parny, Project
Manager at the DRVI
alice.deforges@univ-cotedazur.fr