The 2025 cohort of doctoral graduates celebrated in the Grand Amphithéâtre of the Sorbonne

A landmark moment for the university community

Each year, the doctoral graduation ceremony is one of the most solemn and unifying moments in the life of Université Paris Cité. It celebrates the scientific excellence of its graduates while also recognising their commitment, perseverance and contribution to the advancement of knowledge and to society.

Welcomed by the President of the university and the academic procession, comprising vice-presidents, deans, directors of doctoral schools, and representatives of partner institutions, the doctoral graduates received their degrees in the prestigious setting of the Grand Amphithéâtre of the Sorbonne.

Beneath the gaze of the great figures surrounding this historic venue, the graduates thus joined the community of doctoral graduates of Université Paris Cité, as well as its alumni network, which includes several hundred thousand members across the world.

Research celebrated in an exceptional setting

An emblematic venue in French higher education, the Grand Amphithéâtre of the Sorbonne provides an exceptional backdrop for this celebration. Its architecture, statues and decorative features evoke the university heritage of which the new doctoral graduates are now both heirs and ambassadors.

The ceremony also reflected the vitality of the research carried out at Université Paris Cité, driven by its doctoral schools, laboratories, and academic, scientific and hospital partners.

An edition shaped by music 

This year’s ceremony was marked by several musical interludes, which punctuated the event and contributed to its both solemn and festive character. The audience enjoyed a performance by Lady Pipette, a doctoral candidate at Université Paris Cité and winner of the national “My Thesis in 180 Seconds” competition, whose contribution brilliantly illustrated the dialogue between research and creativity.

Étienne Royer, a third-year medical student and accordionist at Université Paris Cité, also offered a musical moment that was especially appreciated by the graduates and their families. Finally, to close the ceremony, the Université Paris Cité Choir and Orchestra brought all participants together for a collective performance that was met with warm applause.

A new generation of doctoral graduates looking to the future

Beyond the awarding of degrees, the ceremony symbolised the entry of these new doctoral graduates into an international scientific community called upon to meet the major challenges of the present day.

At the end of this shared and emotional moment, the traditional cohort photograph and mortarboard toss brought the celebration to a close, before graduates and their loved ones continued their conversations during a convivial reception organised by the university.

Warm congratulations to the 2025 cohort of doctoral graduates of Université Paris Cité.

View all the ceremony photographs here.

Copyright : Université Paris Cité / Maximilien Sporschill.