Founded in 2010, Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres University) is a leading French research institution known for its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to fostering innovation. Ranked among the world’s top 50 universities, Université PSL draws directly from research to train researchers, artists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and managers who are aware of their social responsibility, both individual and collective.
PSL is composed of eleven distinguished institutions, including the Collège de France, Conservatoire National Supérieur d'Art Dramatique - PSL, Dauphine - PSL, École nationale des chartes - PSL, École nationale supérieure de Chimie de Paris - PSL, École normale supérieure - PSL, École Pratique des Hautes Études - PSL, ESPCI Paris - PSL, Institut Curie, Mines Paris - PSL, and Observatoire de Paris - PSL.
In addition to its member institutions, PSL benefits from the support of three prominent research organisations: CNRS, Inria, Inserm. This unique collaborative ecosystem positions PSL as a hub for groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and sets the stage for its active participation alongside Guild’s Members. It draws on the scientific strengths of all its schools to foster unique opportunities for its communities in education, research, technology transfer, and industrial and academic partnerships at national, European and international levels.
Ole Petter Ottersen, Acting Secretary-General of The Guild said: ''I am delighted to have PSL on board as a member of The Guild. PSL is internationally recognised for its excellence in research, education, and innovation and will be a true asset to our network. I trust that PSL will benefit from being part of The Guild by enhancing its visibility and influence in Europe, by fostering new partnerships and collaborations with other members, and by participating in the development of European policies and initiatives that support research and innovation.''
Alain Fuchs, President of Université PSL said: ''The internationalisation of the university landscape calls for a concerted European approach to the major issues involved. Université PSL is very honoured to join The Guild and looks forward to contributing to this truly impactful network. Indeed, it not only shares the profile of The Guild's Members (intensive research, multidisciplinarity), it also fully embraces its values and is truly committed to carry them within and beyond Europe.''
To mark the occasion, The Guild interviewed President Alain 
Fuchs.
The Guild: In joining The Guild, what specific goals and initiatives does Université PSL hope to achieve on both a national and European level?
Alain Fuchs: ''The geopolitical, environmental, and global context calls more than ever for a conscious and robust investment in research, innovation and education. The future European Framework Program must be able to reconcile its ambitions in terms of competitiveness, while at the same time providing a springboard for less well-endowed universities to move upwards through open and inclusive consortia of excellence. The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities is asserting itself with a strong voice in Europe, and even beyond. It enables excellent research-intensive universities from all parts of Europe to collaborate in a strategic way, and to develop new or strengthen existing collaborative relationships with other members. It also proposes a vision that PSL broadly supports including University autonomy which is still far from being achieved and the need to ensure that the European Framework Program is robust enough to allow research-intensive universities to contribute adequately to solving the most pressing social and economic global challenges.''
The Guild: Université PSL is composed of diverse institutions ranging from arts and sciences to engineering. How does this unique combination of disciplines contribute to a holistic educational experience for students, and how can this interdisciplinary model be a model for other institutions within The Guild?
Alain Fuchs: ''Université PSL delivers one unique diploma for the students who have access to a wide range of disciplines in science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, fine and performing arts, all based on solid scientific foundation and true academic links rooted in long-standing interactions between its constituent Members. The fact that PSL model is based on schools rather than on disciplinary faculties, makes it a natural field for a radical transdisciplinarity. Combined with a strong capacity for research-based learning, it gives its students a unique opportunity to develop their creativity, critical thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. By getting to know and work with partners from The Guild, we will encourage exchanges of experience, students and researchers, and increase our collective potential and impact.''
The Guild: As a member of The Guild, what opportunities do you see for Université PSL to collaborate on a broader scale, not only within Europe but on an international level, and how will this benefit the university?
Alain Fuchs: ''The current geopolitical context is having a profound effect on international scientific collaboration. Europe is an ideal place to develop cutting-edge research in a favorable environment where we share the same values, requirements and references when it comes to science. However, collaborating on a broader scale is essential to promote necessary research complementarity to address global challenges in a more effective way and enhance the impact of aligned European research and innovation policy. The Guild partnership with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) to tackle the common challenges through scientific and equitable collaboration is an example of an impactful action that beneficiate to The Guild Members, to its African partners and to European international visibility.''
The Guild: Université PSL is known for its interdisciplinary approach. How do you envision this contributing to the collaborative efforts within The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities?
Alain Fuchs: ''The Guild animates a number of working groups covering a wide range of subjects in all disciplines. PSL will be able to actively participate in each group to contribute to the collective reflection in all its areas of expertise.''