International researchers: a welcome event focused on integration

On 24 March, 36 international researchers, accompanied by their families, were welcomed at the third edition of the welcome evening organised by The International and European Affairs Office (DRIE). This convivial and unifying event, held at the Lumen learning centre of Université Paris-Saclay, enabled participants to better understand their new environment and identify the resources available to them.

The 2026 edition brought together postdoctoral researchers, researchers, lecturers and visiting professors from all continents, particularly Europe, the Middle East, Asia (notably China and India) and the Americas (the United States). Visiting professors attended accompanied by their host laboratory. It should also be noted that two recipients of the PAUSE programme, from Syria and Palestine, were also present.

Several speakers addressed the audience during the event, including:

• Marie-Estelle CRÉHALET, deputy director of the Lumen
• Rachid BENNACER, vice-president for science and engineering, professor and chair of the restricted Board of Directors of ENS Paris-Saclay
• Juliette BRUYANT, head of the International Welcome Office
• Sandra RICHARD, in charge of international support for doctoral candidates and researchers
• Frédéric NICOLAS, head of the digital education and university relations department at the Town Hall of Orsay.

Designed as a moment for exchange and information, the event enabled participants to better understand the resources available to support them in their daily lives. Some guests also took part in a guided tour of the Lumen, offering an immersive opportunity to discover the cultural and collaborative spaces available to the university community.

Three main areas were at the heart of the discussions, namely administrative support, cultural and social integration, and the development of professional networks. To address these needs, several key stakeholders from the region were mobilised:

• The organisation Science Accueil shared its expertise on the stay and support of international scientists.
• France Travail presented employment support schemes and resources to help with professional integration.
• The CPAM of Essonne guided participants through administrative procedures related to social protection.
• Beyond the practical information, the evening was marked above all by the richness of the exchanges. Researchers and families were able to share their experiences, ask questions and identify key contacts to support them in settling in.

Beyond the practical information, this evening was above all marked by the richness of the exchanges. Researchers and their families were able to share their experiences, ask questions and identify key contacts to support them in settling in.