The purpose of the Graduate Schools of Research Program (EUR), launched by the French National Research Agency (ANR) is to offer university centers the opportunity to enhance the impact and international attractiveness of their research and educational programs in one or more scientific fields. The EURs bring together Master's and Doctoral courses backed by high-level research laboratories. 

With a budget of €109 million, the second phase of call for proposals aims to strongly link educational programs and research by bringing together universities, schools and organizations in a single dynamic of excellence and enhancing the thematic strengths of institutions and sites throughout the country. Out of the 81 applications submitted in this 2nd wave, 24 EUR projects were accepted. 

In Rennes, the following projects were selected: 

• CYBERSCHOOL: Research School in Cyber Security -  led by Rennes 1 University

• DIGISPORT:  Digital Sport Sciences, a unique international Graduate School, combining education and research in the fields of Sport Sciences and Digital Technology. Led by Rennes 2, DIGISPORT includes Rennes 1, ENS Rennes, INSA Rennes, ENSAI, CentraleSupélec, INRIA, the CNRS, the region of Brittany, and the Rennes Metropolitan municipal government.

• GS-CAPS: School of Research dedicated to creative approaches to public space, led by Rennes 2 University.

These projects are part of Rennes' higher education and research stakeholders desire to set up a coherent territorial grouping in order to create the University of Rennes, an ambitious and internationally recognizable research and training institution that includes universities, grandes écoles and research organizations.

The EURs are supported by the Rennes group of establishments involved in the creation of the University of Rennes (EHESP, ENSCR, ENS Rennes, INSA Rennes, Sciences Po Rennes,  Rennes 1 and Rennes 2 Universities). Other major actors in Rennes closely associated with this effort, include: Centrale Supélec, EESAB, ENSAB, ENSAI and ITM Atlantique; as well as the research organizations: CNRS and INRIA; and local authorities: Rennes Métropole, the region of Brittany Region.

Olivier David, President of Rennes 2 University and project leader of the University of Rennes effort, is delighted with these results: "This is excellent news for the Rennes site. This success is the result of the collective momentum of work and strides being made since 2017. The EURs represent the building blocks of the Rennes site, beyond each of our seven establishments.”

For David Alis, President of Rennes 1 University: "This result rewards the scientific and pedagogical excellence of Rennes institutions and the quality of the work carried out between universities, grandes écoles and national research organizations. It is based on quality partnerships with local authorities and socio-economic and cultural stakeholders. We are proud of this new recognition of the 1st higher education and research centre in the Greater West and the 8th largest university site in France.”