This centre represents the highest recognition granted by the European Union for outstanding research in the field of European Studies.
ESSCA has been awarded the prestigious Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence status, one of the European Union's highest academic distinctions. This designation recognises outstanding expertise in European Union studies, as well as the capacity to promote high-quality, interdisciplinary teaching, research and outreach activities.
The STARS project, led by Professor Thomas Hoerber, is establishing a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence within the EU*Asia Institute at ESSCA. It brings together leading expertise on European space policy and strengthens ESSCA’s academic contribution to the field.
The initiative will benefit from EU funding over a three-year period.
Key Actions
- Interdisciplinary research on European space policy: encompassing political, historical, sociological, and cultural perspectives.
- Academic publications: including the Space Power and Politics series (Routledge) and contributions to the digital platform Euroglopaedia.
- Engagement with civil society: conducting an impact study on the EU in the Maine-et-Loire department, supporting Angers’ bid for the title of European Green Capital 2030, and organising events in collaboration with Anjou Lab and the Maison de l’Europe Angers & Maine-et-Loire – EUROPE DIRECT.
- Organisation of academic and public events: fostering dialogue and knowledge dissemination.
The establishment of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in European Space Policy reinforces ESSCA’s position as a leading institution in European Studies and international research.
Find out more
07/15/2026Annual conference of the EUonAIR European University Alliance Consortium
ESSCA took part in the annual conference of the EUonAIR European University Alliance Consortium in Zagreb on 6–7 July 2026, a key event dedicated to the challenges of artificial intelligence in higher education, research and innovation.
07/15/2026ESSCA strengthens its international reach in sustainable AI
Through its AI for Sustainability Institute, ESSCA is pleased to announce the signing of a scientific partnership with AITAI (Australian Institute of Transformation and AI) at St Catherine’s College, Perth.
07/13/2026Simon Bichon achieves remarkable double win at EURAM 2026
Simon Bichon, Associate Dean of the Faculty (campus of Lyon) was awarded the Most Inspirational Paper Award at the 2026 Annual Congress of the European Academy of Management in Kristiansand, Norway, from 16 to 19 June.