2026 New Year’s ceremony at UBE
On Thursday 15 January, Vincent Thomas, President of Université Bourgogne Europe, led the traditional New Year’s ceremony in the Grand Amphitheatre of Polytech Dijon. It was a special moment of exchange with the entire university community.
The President looked back on the highlights and achievements that marked 2025 at Université Bourgogne Europe since its change of status.
Université Bourgogne Europe celebrates its first anniversary!
The President opened his speech by looking back on the first anniversary of Université Bourgogne Europe: ‘One year ago, we gathered here on this campus to celebrate the legal birth of Université Bourgogne Europe.’ He concluded his introduction by announcing the upcoming integration of CREPS Bourgogne-Franche-Comté into UBE, making it the first CREPS in France to join an experimental public institution (EPE).
Spotlight on research and international relations
Once again this year, international awards and rankings have highlighted the excellence of research at UBE, notably through the Shanghai and Leiden rankings. Once again, international outreach and FORTHEM Alliance were major focuses of the institution’s activities, as illustrated in particular by the Researcher Grand Prix held at the atheneum on 6 November.
The evolution of UBE’s educational offering
In 2025, UBE continued to evolve its educational offering, notably by creating new modules. This momentum was confirmed by the university’s growing appeal to new high school graduates entering their first year.
Secularism and solidarity at the heart of 2025
Among the highlights of the year, Vincent Thomas looked back on the various days and events dedicated to secularism, including the ‘Secularism and Tolerance’ Day on 16 October, the presentation of the 2025 Secularism Award to Alain Chouraqui, and the visit of cartoonist Riss, editor-in-chief of Charlie Hebdo, in March 2025.
‘In 2026, as in 2025, we must remember that building a society and living together is a task that is achieved on a daily basis, through respect, tolerance, listening to others and kindness.’
– Vincent Thomas, President of UBE
The President also praised the ongoing commitment of members of the university community to solidarity. In this regard, FEBIA (Fédération Étudiante de Bourgogne Inter-Associative), CROUS and UBE’s Student Solidarity Commission (CSE) were congratulated for their investment in student welfare. In 2025, CSE branches were also created on the various UBE campuses.
UBE, committed to sustainable development
Finally, the president concluded his speech by reviewing the actions taken throughout the year in terms of sustainable development. From the EcoJardin certification to the implementation of the CSR master plan, UBE continues to make essential investments in support of its missions, including the energy renovation of its buildings, the expansion of La Petite Crèche, and the completion of the Data Center development.
Together for a 2026 marked by academic success and personal fulfilment
“We all embody, at our own level, strong values: values of equality, freedom, fraternity, solidarity, secularism, openness and tolerance. In a word: humanism.”
– Vincent Thomas, President of Université Bourgogne Europe.
The President of Université Bourgogne Europe and all UBE representatives send you their best wishes: may this year be one of academic success and professional fulfilment!
