Sorbonne unveils continental Europe’s ‘biggest fundraising drive’

Sorbonne University has begun “the largest university fundraising campaign ever conducted in continental Europe”.

The Paris university aims to raise €100 million (£89 million) by 2022, having already generated €50 million to date.

Thierry Breton, chairman of the Sorbonne University Foundation’s strategic committee and chief executive of the multinational IT services company ATOS, has called on corporate sponsors, private donors, alumni and partners to support the university in meeting the scientific challenges of the 21st century.

The “Welcome to the Future” campaign, said the former French government minister, will enable projects that have a concrete impact on the world, through five scientific priorities: environmental transition, the future of medicine, intercultural dialogue, smart cities and heritage transmission.

The campaign follows the establishment of Sorbonne University, created in January 2018 through the merger of the Paris-Sorbonne University and the Pierre and Marie Curie University. 

Money raised by the fundraising push will pay for specific professorships, for student support, new scientific equipment and the restoration of historic buildings.

Each euro collected by the university will be matched by government funding.

jack.grove@timeshighereducation.com