Research

The University of Liège aims to position itself as a major player in fundamental and applied research in the fields linked to sustainability and social and environmental transition. Beyond disciplinary approaches, the University recognizes that the urgency, complexity and interconnectedness of today's issues also require a more systemic approach in order to produce knowledge rapidly, by adopting cross-disciplinary perspectives, and developing transdisciplinary research connected to territories. In so doing, ULiège aims to help propose transition scenarios and build trajectories based on tested and validated solutions. 

ULiège's commitment to more responsible research is also reflected in its day-to-day operations. For example, the University promotes ethical, inclusive, open and eco-responsible practices in its research centers and laboratories and in the provision of services.

Research areas linked to sustainability and TSE

At ULiège, a wide range of research is carried out on topics related to the social and environmental transition (SER), from a wide range of disciplines. This research aims to understand and resolve contemporary ecological and social crises. They include studies on climate and the environment, biodiversity, biomass, the sustainability of natural resources, water and food, energy, the economy, health as well as the development of policies for greater social justice and adaptation of societies to ongoing transformations.

Transitions Laboratory

ULiège is working closely with its research units and faculties on the Transitions Laboratory project. Open to individual membership, this laboratory is intended to be a place of incubation for transdisciplinary, forward-looking and participatory research projects. It will incubate new dynamics and provide collaborative initiatives (such as One Health) with space and methodological equipment to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue, the involvement of non-scientific experts in the production of knowledge and a forward-looking posture.

The social and societal responsibility of research

Researchers at ULiège are encouraged to foster constructive dialogue between their discipline and society, to integrate societal values and needs as early as possible into the University's Research and Innovation processes, and to strengthen the participation of the various stakeholders in these processes. This openness and commitment of research to society is expressed, among other things, through the Liège Creative and Luxembourg Creative, meeting and conference spaces based on the concept of decompartmentalizing disciplines, bringing together speakers from the fields of research, business and the public sector, focusing on a program articulated around the concepts of Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship.

Find out more about ULiège's community service mission

Ethical research practices

As part of its commitment to openness and transparency, ULiège encourages the sharing of research results by joining theOpen Science movement, with the aim of making knowledge freely accessible to all. The University is also a signatory to the CoARA agreement , which calls for principles of quality, impact, diversity, inclusiveness and collaboration in the evaluation of research. The institution has also been awarded the label HRS4R which covers, among other things, the issue of ethics in research and promotes the well-beingof researchers at work. AsUniversité Hospitalière, ULiège is also part of the international Scholars at Risk network, which aims to provide assistance to academics and researchers facing threats, persecution or human rights violations because of their academic work, ideas or convictions.

A reflection on eco-responsibility in research practices

ULiège researchers are encouraged to assess the impact of their research on the environment. ULiège is committed to developing the practices of its research and service centers and laboratories towards greater material and energy sobriety by, for example, structuring scientific platforms with a view to pooling and consolidating resources.