The Foundation
With more than 100 languages taught and 300 research professors, Inalco seizes on current debates to promote dialogue between cultures, respond to societal issues and address the political, economic, social and environmental conflicts that affect us all. Drawing on sources in local languages, it provides an in-depth historical analysis and sociological reflection that is unique in the French academic world.
Inalco, formerly Langues O', has been teaching languages and civilizations since 1795. In order to promote the values of excellence, humanism and the dissemination of cultures that it has upheld for several centuries, and to finance tomorrow's training and research, the institute has set up a Foundation.
Inalco, formerly Langues O', has been teaching languages and civilizations since 1795. In order to promote the values of excellence, humanism and the dissemination of cultures that it has upheld for several centuries, and to finance tomorrow's training and research, the institute has set up a Foundation.
Our mission
The Fondation Inalco's mission is to foster the development of Inalco through the support of academic and strategic projects aimed at:
- Provide expertise on the contemporary world by supporting research, teaching and the dissemination of knowledge on languages and civilizations;
- Support the excellence of its training and research;
- Promote the unique expertise of its students and foster their professional integration;
- Develop the influence, attractiveness and influence of Inalco in France and internationally, by developing its networks and partnerships
- In September 2021, the Inalco Foundation is committed to welcome and protect those who carry with them the Afghan language, culture and civilization. Thanks to the exceptional mobilization of our donors and partners, we have achieved our goal of bringing five Afghan students and two academics to France. To make this a long-term commitment, the Foundation is coordinating with Inalco the creation of a chaire dedicated to the cultural heritage and arts of Afghanistan.
Latest projects supported by the Inalco Foundation
- In September 2019, Inalco and Université Paris Descartes set up the first inter-university diploma (DIU Hospitalité, Médiations, Migrations (H2M)) designed to train migrants in an educational and professional program. One of the lessons learned from this pilot year was the need for financial support to make this DIU sustainable. This was provided in 2020, thanks to the support of the Inalco Foundation, to finance the courses and the administrative and pedagogical follow-up of the students for the period 2020-2023, the program's funding horizon.
- In February 2021, the Inalco Foundation and Taiwan's Sheng Yen Education Foundation signed the agreement to create the "Inalco-Sheng Yen Professorial Chair for Buddhism Studies in the Modern and Contemporary Chinese World" for an initial 3-year term (2021-2024). This is the second major project of the Inalco Foundation and the first implemented in the research sector.
- The month of June 2021 is marked by the restitution of an extensive renovation project for the heritage floors of the Maison de la Recherche, Inalco's historic headquarters on rue de Lille. Committed to the enhancement and heritage preservation of this historic building, the Inalco Foundation had made the restoration of these exceptional architectural features the focus of its first participatory funding campaign launched in 2019. Thank you to all our donors!
Our priorities for the future
Teaching
- Encourage immersion and student mobility
- Foster innovation and hybridization of teaching (MOOCs, digital humanities)
- Support excellence through scholarships and prizes
Research
- Accompany the development of research at Inalco, particularly in areal studies and language sciences
- Develop research projects or chairs on rare or endangered languages and knowledge, in conjunction with academic partners and museums
Society
- Work to preserve endangered people and knowledge
- Contribute to Inalco's story and its vitality, in France and internationally