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
04/15/2026ESSCA and EUonAIR AI Symposium: Rethinking AI Practices in Education, Work and Decision-Making
Beyond the individual talks, what stood out most was the collective spirit of exchange: sharing approaches, discussing challenges, raising awareness, and learning across institutions about how AI can be integrated in ways that are responsible, practical, and sustainable.
03/09/2026Green & Smart Cities: from student ideas to real‑world solutions for sustainable territories
Mobility, urban planning, recycling, vehicle charging and more — these major challenges for green & smart cities were at the heart of this event dedicated to AI–driven solutions.
03/04/2026EUonAir Hackathon 2026: how AI can enable professional training of vulnerable communities?
From 25 to 27 February 2026, ESSCA hosted the second Urban Innovation Challenge Hackathon on its Lyon campus, as part of the European EUonAir alliance.