2026 Opening Ceremony: A New Year, A New Chapter

  • Institutional
Published on September 16, 2026 – Updated on September 16, 2026
Dates

on the September 18, 2026

On September 17, Université Côte d’Azur kicked off the 2026–2027 academic year with a formal opening ceremony at the Trotabas campus. For this second edition of the event, the University brought together its community and partners for a highlight of the day: the launch of the 2026–2030 strategic plan.

After celebrating the University’s 60th anniversary during last year’s ceremonial opening of the academic year, Université Côte d’Azur is marking another major milestone in its history this year: the 10th anniversary of the Initiative of Excellence (IdEx). Launched in 2016, this initiative has served as a true catalyst for transformation at the university, strengthening its excellence in research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, attracting international talent, and forging new ties with local stakeholders. This momentum continues with the launch of the 2026–2030 strategic plan.
 

A Festive Start to the Academic Year with an Eye Toward the Future

Unveiled at the start of the academic year, the 2030 Strategic Plan aims to make Université Côte d’Azur a convergence university, capable of transforming knowledge into sustainable solutions with a significant societal impact.
The Strategic Plan is aligned with this ambition for transformation and impact.
A new step forward in continuing to build a leading European university for research and innovation, committed to serving its students, its staff, its region, and the world to come.

View the 2030
Strategic Plan  

Partners Supporting This Project

The opening ceremony brought together several of Université Côte d’Azur’s institutional partners, reflecting the richness of the collaborations developed with local stakeholders and higher education institutions. Notable representatives included:
  • the Regional Prefecture,
  • the Alpes-Maritimes Department,
  • the City of Nice and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Area,
  • the City of Cannes
  • the City of Grasse,
  • the Sud Region,
  • the Senate,
  • the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Space

The Back-to-School Press Conference

The back-to-school press conference, which was also held on the Trotabas campus, provided Université Côte d’Azur with an opportunity to present the new developments for the 2026–2027 academic year and the major projects that will engage the university community.

Check out the back-to-school press kit