About
MAK’IT (Montpellier Advanced Knowledge Institute on Transitions) is an Institute of Advanced Studies using innovative interdisciplinary approaches, it intends to boost the contribution of scientific communities to the acceleration of transitions needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the areas of agriculture and food, environment and health.
One vision
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted under the aegis of the United Nations, will only be achieved by 2030 through a profound transformation of our societies towards more innovative, integrative and adaptive models. This transformation lies itself on a series of major transitions that need to be orchestrated in the interlinked areas of health, environment and climate change, food and agriculture. From local to global, they represent many new challenges to accompany for research and teaching. MAK’IT’s goal is to contribute to the renewal of places and forms of scientific knowledge mobilisation and invent new fora to apprehend the multiple controversies provoked by these changes.
One mission
Analyse, accompany and accelerate agri-food, environmental and health transitions necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
three functions
Plan
Contribute to research and teaching planning on these transitions and support the development of a corresponding school of thought at local, national and international levels.
Project
Identify and stimulate the realisation of related foresight exercises and strengthen the skills necessary to drive the transitions.
Influence
Feed societal debates related to these transitions at national and international levels, answering both public and private requests by acting as a science-society and science-policy interface.
Specificities
- 3 main action areas: Agriculture & Food, Environment and Health
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as main framework
- An original approach via the treatment of societal controversies
- A reinforced dialogue between life sciences and social sciences
- A geographical focus on the ‘Global South’ (‘Leaving no scientific community behind’)
- An anchorage within a dense network of both local and international academic and institutional partners
Hosting world-class researchers and stakeholders
MAK’IT offers academics, scientists, policy-makers, socio-economic actors and artists coming from diverse geographical and disciplinary backgrounds, the possibility to explore a research theme for several months in Montpellier. At the heart of the Institute’s project, this activity is co-organised with local institutions and laboratories in order to stimulate exchanges, collaborations and intellectual production in addressing controversies previously selected for their impact on transitions towards sustainable development.
Organisation of international events in Montpellier
With the objective of strengthening the engagement of scientific communities in public debate, MAK’IT is prepared to play a leading role in the organization of high-level conferences, workshops and public encounters bringing together researchers and other stakeholders from Montpellier and beyond.
Contribution to the development of new training and teaching programmes in MAKIT’s three thematic areas
As an innovative laboratory for change, MAK’IT is dedicated to making the conclusions of its work useful to future generations and to stimulate their engagement towards sustainable development. In addition to a widespread circulation of its publications, the Institute aims to encourage the development of innovative educational content and teaching curricula, and to establish ‘immersion’ programmes for students as well as Summer Schools open to PhDs and post-doctoral students.
Elaboration and coordination of European and international initiatives in line with the SDGs
MAK’IT builds privileged partnerships with other organisations, fora, think tanks of the same kind or interested in similar thematic areas, with a particular emphasis on scientific capacity building in countries from the ‘Global South’.
Unlock your research potential and explore new horizon in Montpellier
Why Choose a Fellowship at MAK’IT?
Interdisciplinary Environment:
MAK’IT fosters interdisciplinary collaborations, sparking new ideas and creative approaches in transition studies.
Reclaim Scientific Creativity:
Dedicated time away from administrative duties allows you to focus solely on your research projects and explore new ideas without distractions.
Research Excellence:
Join a high-caliber research community committed to sustainability science, where the primary criterion for selection is research excellence.
Comprehensive Support for our MAK’IT Fellows:
Benefit from a supportive environment with seminars, workshops and social events. Enjoy excellent research facilities, including dedicated office space and access to extensive libraries. You will have a desk in your research unit and use our hot desk in MAK’IT whenever you need it.
Engagement with Leading Institutions:
Collaborate with top researchers from institutions like Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, CIRAD, IRD, and more, enriching your research experience and fostering long-term professional relationships.
Intellectual Renewal:
Reflect on your career trajectory, reassess your research goals, and develop innovative projects that align with your long-term academic vision.
Why the University of Montpellier?
A Legacy of Excellence:
With over 800 years of history, the University of Montpellier is a hub of science and innovation, hosting 52,000 students, including 16% international students.
Global Rankings:
Ranked 7th in the world for Ecology, 19th for Agricultural Sciences, and 46th for Water Resources. Top-ranked French university in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for “Good Health and Well-being” and “Life Under Water.”
Commitment to Sustainability:
Leading the transition to a low-carbon future, many research units are actively reducing their environmental footprint.
A definite quality of life in Montpellier
Montpellier is a great option if you want to do research in France without the escalating cost of living of European capitals.
A Perfect Balance:
Enjoy a stress-free quality of life with the Mediterranean coast at your doorstep. Montpellier offers the perfect blend of nature and city life.
Top University City:
Ranked as the most popular university city in France, Montpellier boasts fantastic air quality and over 148 days of sunshine a year.
Green Local Policies: Montpellier is the largest French urban area to offer free public transport to all residents. Montpellier is expanding its tram network. The city is developing express cycle lanes to encourage cycling and make urban environments more bicycle-friendly.
Many of the MAK’IT fellows have found inspiring places and nature breaks in Montpellier, such as:
- Place de la Comédie: One of Europe’s largest pedestrian zones.
- Jardin des Plantes: The oldest botanical garden in France.
- Beaches: Just 10 km from the city center, easily accessible by public transport or bike.
Become part of a dynamic network of academics and innovators committed to interdisciplinary research for the world’s most critical challenges. Join Us at MAK’IT!