UPCité, UChicago, and CNRS create two international laboratories

On November 19, 2025, Université Paris Cité, the University of Chicago, and CNRS officially announced the creation of two international research laboratories (IRLs): HumanitiesPlus and Particle Physics and Cosmology.

Antoine Kouchner, vice president of International Relations at Université Paris Cité, University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos and CNRS Chairman and CEO Antoine Petit.

A Cooperation between three major institutions

The participation of Université Paris Cité in these two international laboratories, “Particle Physics and Cosmology” and “HumanitiesPlus,” illustrates the strength and dynamism of the research exchanges that UPCité has maintained for several years with the University of Chicago, with the participation and active support of the CNRS. The “Particle Physics and Cosmology” laboratory will bring together researchers from the three institutions to address fundamental questions ranging from particle physics to the study of the structure of the universe, as well as supporting work on accelerators, detectors and theoretical physics. The HumanitiesPlus laboratory will promote the development of collaborative projects in the humanities and social sciences. By combining their resources and expertise, these laboratories will enable innovative projects to be carried out in both the fundamental sciences and the humanities, thereby reinforcing transatlantic scientific cooperation. Calls for projects will be launched in 2026.

This dynamic is part of a renewed institutional partnership, reinforced by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Chicago. It has also been strengthened by the opening of the International Institute of Research in Paris (IIRP), the University of Chicago’s international research institute, just a stone’s throw from the Grands Moulins campus. The financial participation of UPCité in the FACCTS (France And Chicago Collaborations in The Sciences) programme, which aims to support and amplify joint scientific projects through calls for joint projects, adds to this new dynamic.

UPCité expands its international impact in research

Université Paris Cité is pursuing its international development by forging partnerships in areas of research in which the university has recognised expertise. With the creation of two new international laboratories, UPCité is confirming its presence in research on the exploration of the universe and  major issues in the humanities, thereby giving itself the means to have a greater impact on global scientific research.

These initiatives will also offer new opportunities abroad for researchers and PhD students at UPCité, particularly through dual PhD scholarships and research stays.

This new step confirms the strategic role of Université Paris Cité in the international scientific ecosystem and confirms its commitment in the pursuit of collaborative research and excellence.

cooperation.iro@u-paris.fr