Innovating across borders: French delegation highlights research and study opportunities for ASU graduate students

On October 1, the ASU Graduate College hosted an exciting event for graduate students looking to expand their research and study opportunities in France. Students learned that programs like the Chateaubriand Fellowship and partnerships with French universities, such as CY Cergy Paris University, offer funding, unique cultural experiences, and the chance to collaborate with leading experts.

A delegation of representatives from the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., and the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles, including Mireille Guyader (Counselor for Science and Technology at the Embassy of France), Benoît L'Herabat (Attaché for Higher Education and French Language), and Richard Burke (Program Manager for the Office of Science and Technology), provided invaluable information about resources and programs available to U.S. students. Laurence Ménager (Deputy Attaché for Higher Education) and Charlotte Simunek (Visiting Professor at ASU) also shared insights on key partnerships and opportunities for academic collaboration.

“Not only is it an honor for ASU to host these distinguished guests, but it was wonderful to see such a large interest from our graduate community in the opportunities offered by the French government, French institutions and a variety of partnerships to study and research in France, a nation known for its history of scientific accomplishments and breadth of cultural resources,” said Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate College Elizabeth Wentz.

Why study in France?

France is a hub for innovation, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural richness, making it an ideal destination for students in all fields of study. Whether you’re in STEM, the social sciences, or the humanities, there are diverse opportunities for you to take your research to the next level in France. Students can explore opportunities such as the Chateaubriand Fellowship and CY Cergy Paris University, which provide opportunities to collaborate with leading experts.

Chateaubriand Fellowship Program

The Chateaubriand Fellowship Program supports outstanding PhD students from U.S. institutions who wish to conduct part of their doctoral research in France. Richard Burke, Program Manager for the Office of Science and Technology at the Embassy of France, highlighted opportunities for students in STEM fields (including Health) and information on generous funding available. Laurence Ménager, Deputy Attaché for Higher Education at the French Embassy, covered opportunities for students in the Social Sciences and Humanities. 

Graduate students interested in applying for the Chateaubriand Fellowship can review the slide presentation, this year’s call for applications.

French institutions and partnerships

The event also highlighted opportunities for collaboration with French institutions, such as CY Cergy Paris University, which is developing a strategic, long-term partnership with ASU that spans multiple disciplines. These opportunities include programs such as Fulbright, MOPGA (Make Our Planet Great Again), and the Transatlantic Research Partnership, among others. 

"This visit from the French Embassy to the ASU campus aligns with an exciting time for the ASU-CY partnership," said Simunek. "We are laying the foundations for deeper collaboration in areas as varied as biophysics, design, engineering, robotics and space education. Through remote student collaboration, in-person experiences, joint research projects, co-developed academic programs, and the sharing of online resources, we aim to foster innovation and create impactful, interdisciplinary connections."

For more information about academic collaboration between France and the U.S., check out the presentation slides.

Resources and support available at ASU

Graduate students interested in applying to the Chateaubriand Fellowship can contact Mitch Hobza, Senior Program Manager for Distinguished Graduate Fellowships at the Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement, for application support starting in early November. He can also assist students interested in writing support or draft reviews for other opportunities.