Université Paris-Saclay joins the Universitas 21 network and strengthens its global engagement
On 2 February 2026, Université Paris-Saclay became the first French institution to join the prestigious Universitas 21 (U21) network. This membership places the university at the heart of a global academic excellence network and strengthens connections between research, education and international engagement in order to address societal challenges worldwide.
An expanded network of excellence
Université Paris-Saclay is now the thirty-first member of U21, a network bringing together leading research universities across six continents. This integration is particularly significant as France had not previously been represented within this circle of research- and innovation-focused institutions. Known for its long-term partnerships and its commitment to the Global South, U21 is further strengthening its influence and diversity, notably through Université Paris-Saclay’s active collaborations in Latin America, Africa, India and more broadly across Asia.
Within the U21 network, Université Paris-Saclay joins six universities that are also members of LERU (League of European Research Universities): the University of Helsinki, the University of Edinburgh, KU Leuven, the University of Amsterdam and the University of Zurich, as well as Lund University, which is also a founding member of EUGLOH, the European University Alliance for Global Health coordinated by Université Paris-Saclay
New opportunities
For students, membership of the U21 network provides access to international and intercultural programmes designed to develop applied skills and a global outlook. Flagship initiatives include sustainable micro-internships, where multidisciplinary teams work on real-world challenges set by international organisations, as well as the U21 Global Citizens programme, dedicated to promoting and implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Applications for this programme are open until 13 February.
Discover all opportunities for students
Researchers will benefit from doctoral pitch competitions, international networking workshops, exchanges of good practice and professional development programmes tailored to each stage of their career. U21 also encourages the development of collaborative research partnerships and projects between its members.
The network also offers administrative staff a range of tools to strengthen international collaboration, including seed funding for projects, communities of practice and exchanges of good practice. This provides a unique opportunity to build professional connections worldwide and to share expertise enriched by diverse academic contexts.
Discover all opportunities offered by U21: https://universitas21.com/opportunities/
For further information:
Céline Verhaeghe, U21 officer, Directorate for European and International Relations celine.verhaeghe@universite-paris-saclay.fr
Université Paris-Saclay Joins the Universitas 21 Network - Universitas 21