Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche MESRI

Overview

Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche (Ministry of Higher Education and Research) is a French government ministry responsible for overseeing and regulating the country's higher education and research sectors. The ministry plays a crucial role in shaping the future of education in France, developing policies and strategies that promote academic excellence, research and innovation. It aims to ensure equitable access to quality education, foster scientific advancement and enhance France's position in the global academic community.

Historical and Legal Framework

The ministry's origins trace back to the establishment of the Ministère de l'Instruction publique in the 19th century. Over time, its scope expanded to include higher education and research. In 1986, under President François Mitterrand, the ministry's remit was broadened to encompass primary and secondary education. However, in 2007, the focus shifted back exclusively to higher education and research. The ministry operates under the authority of the French government and collaborates with various stakeholders, including universities, research institutions and international organizations, to fulfill its mission.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The primary mission of the ministry is to prepare and implement government policies in the fields of higher education and research. Its objectives include:

• Ensuring equitable access to higher education for all students.
• Promoting academic excellence and innovation in research.
• Enhancing the quality and relevance of educational programs.
• Fostering international collaboration and mobility for students and researchers.
• Supporting the development of a skilled workforce aligned with national and global needs.

The ministry's vision is to create a dynamic and inclusive higher education and research system that contributes to societal progress and global competitiveness.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The ministry is headed by the Minister of Higher Education and Research, who is appointed by the President of the Republic. The organizational structure includes several directorates and agencies responsible for specific areas such as university administration, research funding and international cooperation. These include:

• Direction Générale de l’Enseignement supérieur et de l’Insertion professionnelle (DGESIP)
• Direction Générale de la Recherche et de l’Innovation (DGRI)
• Comité National d’Évaluation (CNE)
• Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)

The ministry operates with a degree of independence to effectively manage and implement policies across diverse sectors, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of academic and research advancement.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

While the ministry does not directly accredit higher education institutions, it plays a significant role in shaping educational standards and quality assurance. The Comité National d’Évaluation (CNE) is responsible for evaluating the quality of higher education institutions and programs. Additionally, the ministry collaborates with the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) to assess and fund research projects, ensuring alignment with national priorities and international standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The ministry actively engages in international cooperation to address global challenges in education and research. It participates in various international organizations and initiatives, including:

• European Union educational and research programs
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• International Association of Universities (IAU)

Through these engagements, the ministry contributes to shaping global educational policies and collaborates with other nations to achieve common goals in education and research.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The ministry influences higher education by setting policies that affect curricula, research priorities and institutional governance. Recent initiatives include:

• Implementation of the Loi relative aux libertés et responsabilités des universités (LRU), which grants universities greater autonomy in governance and resource management.
• Development of the national strategy for higher education (StraNES), aiming to define national objectives for the next decade.
• Promotion of digital transformation in education and research.
• Enhancement of support services for students with disabilities.

These initiatives aim to create a more flexible, inclusive and innovative higher education system that meets the evolving needs of society and the economy.

Summary

The Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche plays a pivotal role in France's efforts to achieve excellence in higher education and research. Through its comprehensive policies and active international engagement, the ministry strives to create a dynamic and inclusive academic environment that contributes to societal progress and global competitiveness.

FAQs

• What is the primary mission of the ministry?
  The primary mission is to prepare and implement government policies in the fields of higher education and research.
• When was the ministry established?
  The ministry's origins trace back to the 19th century, with its current form established in 2007.
• Who leads the ministry?
  The ministry is headed by the Minister of Higher Education and Research, appointed by the President of the Republic.
• Does the ministry accredit higher education institutions?
  While the ministry does not directly accredit institutions, it plays a significant role in shaping educational standards and quality assurance.
• How does the ministry contribute to international educational efforts?
  The ministry participates in various international organizations and initiatives, contributing to global educational policies and collaborations.

Organization Name

Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche
Ministry of Higher Education and Research

Acronym

MESRI

Year of Establishment

1/01/2017

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

1 rue Descartes
Paris
75231 Île-de-France France

Phone

+33 (1) 5555 9090

Fax

+33 (1) 5555 3065

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche's Facebook page

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YouTube

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Wikipedia Article

Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche's Wikipedia article

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