Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) comprises, among others, the École Normale Supérieure (ENS), the Collège de France, the École pratique des hautes études (EPHE), the Observatoire de Paris and other specialist institutions. PSL stands for excellent, interdisciplinary research and teaching of the highest international standard. In 2025, Humboldt-Universität and Paris Sciences et Lettres agreed on a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at consolidating existing academic ties and developing new joint initiatives in research and teaching. In doing so, both universities are responding to global challenges in science and society and are committed to excellent international networking.
Opportunities and Insights
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin promotes exchanges between researchers at various stages of their careers, as well as the development of joint research projects with PSL. Student mobility and institutional networking are also key components of the partnership.
A range of funding opportunities is available to all members of the HU community.
- Collège de France Faculty Exchange Programme: As part of our partnership with PSL, we work closely with the Collège de France, one of France’s most prestigious research institutions. The aim of this programme is to facilitate reciprocal visiting appointments for professors from both institutions. Further information on the programme.
- Marguerite Programme: As part of our partnership with the Collège de France, HU professors may nominate outstanding doctoral candidates from Humboldt-Universität for a one-month research stay at the Collège de France. The aim is to strengthen existing research collaborations and to facilitate targeted international networking among early-career researchers. Further information on the programme will be available shortly.
- HU Flexible Funds: Through the Flexible Funds, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin supports the establishment of new collaborations with PSL in teaching, research and administration. Applications are open to professors, postdoctoral researchers and members of the administrative staff. Up to €2,500 can be applied for per initiative. The call for applications is usually issued once a year.
- Erasmus+ exchanges for students and researchers: Students can apply through their faculties or institutes to undertake a placement at the following institutions within the Université Paris Sciences:
- École normale supérieure (ENS)
- Université Paris-Dauphine – PSL
- École nationale supérieure de Chimie de Paris
Advice is available from the Erasmus+ coordinators in the faculties and institutes.
The general opportunities offered by Erasmus+ for teaching staff, researchers and administrative staff also apply to PSL.
- Signing of the HU–PSL agreement: With the signing of the cooperation agreement in June 2025, HU has formalised its previously project-based links with one of France’s leading research institutions within an institutional framework.
- Visitors from the Collège de France: In the 2025/2026 academic year, as part of our Faculty Exchange Programme, the anthropologist, sociologist and physician Didier Fassin, the legal scholar Samantha Besson and the linguist Luigi Rizzi will be coming to HU as visiting scholars.
Contact
Dr. Stefan Karsch
Consultation
The consultation for HU members on collaboration opportunities as part of our strategic partnerships takes place on the first Thursday of every month from 10 am to 11 am.