Our interdisciplinary fields of research
Interdisciplinary research is at the heart of HESAM's strategy and identity and relies on the areas of expertise of partner institutions to meet the challenges of the future.
HESAM Université supports and coordinates joint projects. This interdisciplinary research leads to seminars, workshops and conferences.
In keeping with the social challenges of transformation, HESAM Université's scientific policy is structured around five research and training areas.
Industry, enterprise and territories
The "Industry and territories" field aims to study the links between productive activities, spatial planning, and work organisation, employment, the economy, territorial transformation and the industry of the future. The aim is to highlight the effects of industrial change in the territories. Many of HESAM Université's courses of study are devoted to engineering and new technologies, spatial and urban planning, and territorial design.
Digital technology and society
The "digital technology and society" field explores three major themes of digital sciences: big data, complex systems and communication. Digital technology is a major challenge today in higher education, research and the transfer of innovation. The aim is to analyse and anticipate the social consequences of digital innovations on the dissemination of knowledge and training, open access, participatory science, connected citizenship, collective memory, the management of organisations, the evolution of lifestyles, the involvement of digital technology in architectural production, the design of new tools for tomorrow, etc.
Work, employment and arts & crafts
The "Work and employment" field studies the transformations of professional activity under the combined effects of technological and demographic developments and globalisation. The issues of the disappearance and emergence of professions, work ergonomics, telecommuting and business creation are part of this research field. Topics studied include labour and employment regulations, health issues, inequalities, discrimination or employment policies, and the forms and challenges of involving work activity in social action. Research on work and employment issues, vocational training and the notion of skills, and lifelong learning processes are other topics under consideration.
The scientific challenge of the Ramau network, of which ENSAPLV is a member, is to shed light on the construction of contemporary cities by examining in parallel the processes of elaboration of architectural and urban projects, the organisation of activities and the professional practices and cultures of project participants.
Art, creation, design and heritage
The "Art, creation, design and heritage" field studies the links between culture, the transmission of skills, memory, knowledge and the construction of value. Many of HESAM Université's courses of study are devoted to the creative and design professions, combining applied arts and heritage. The connection between heritage sciences and contemporary forms of experimental, collaborative and increasingly digital design are major challenges of contemporary transitions.
The interdisciplinary educational approach developed by the Centre Michel Serres (CMS) for innovation mobilises creative skills and professions around the project, using an inductive and creative approach (design thinking, active pedagogy).
Risk, regulation, quality and safety
The "Risk, Regulation, Quality, Safety" field addresses the issues and challenges of our post-industrial societies and analyses the management and regulation of environmental risks, risks of economic activities or those related to occupational health, quality control processes, and the safety and security of goods and people. This field includes courses that provide the tools for understanding areas such as the prevention of the risks mentioned above or other types of associated risks such as IT, financial or criminal risks.
Research will also focus on the transformation of territories under the impact of industrial change and its inherent risks, as well as on the role of public policies in addressing them. The issue of territorial governance and the energy transition, as well as the challenges of sustainable urban development, are key issues.