« "May by Bike" is a national challenge with the aim of encouraging cycling.

Let's travel as many kilometers as possible together for our planet and our university.

Comment participant:

1. Install Geovelo on your smartphone
2. Create an account and log in
3. Join the University of Reunion Island community here: https://geovelo.app/communities/invites/BVSTPCL or with the code BVSTPCL
4. Record your bike rides with the Geovelo app

From May 1st, all kilometers covered by members of our community are counted towards our score, and the rankings are updated in real time on the Challenge May by Bike 2026 website. 

The visit of Philippe BAPTISTE, Minister of Higher Education and Space, to the UFR Health of the University of Reunion was marked by direct exchanges with our students.

A time for listening and dialogue that is essential to connect public policies to the realities on the ground.

A working meeting was held at the academic rectorate of La Réunion between Mr. Philippe Baptiste, Minister in charge of Higher Education and Space, and the President of the University of La Réunion, Mr. Jean-François Hoarau, surrounded by his team, in the presence of the rector, the prefect and their collaborators.

This demanding, direct, and constructive exchange allowed for a clear reaffirmation of the strategic role of the University of Reunion Island within its regional environment. Located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific, the institution is a vital driver of education, research, and influence for France and Europe.

On this occasion, the university president presented a clear-sighted diagnosis of current issues and challenges to be met: consolidation of the training offer, development of research, strengthening of management, implementation of a progressive plan to catch up on the public service charge subsidy per student, adaptation of infrastructure to tropical constraints, integrating the consideration of the geographical coefficient for the rehabilitation of heritage, as well as a sustainable improvement in student success.

In this context, he presented a structured recovery and transformation project, based on a long-term ambition, while calling for strengthened and close support from the State to support this dynamic.

To support this trajectory, the president requested the mobilization of a general inspection mission intended to establish an in-depth diagnosis, particularly on the aspects of human resources and financial balances, and to support the implementation of the transformation program led by the governance, in the service of academic excellence.

The president also repeatedly praised the constant commitment of the rector and his teams, highlighting the quality of the work carried out in close coordination with the university, in a spirit of shared responsibility in service to the territory.

The minister, for his part, commended the courage, sense of responsibility, and professionalism of the president and his team. He reaffirmed the State's full and unwavering support for the University of Reunion Island, commensurate with the challenges facing the institution. He responded favorably to the request for an inspection mission and confirmed the implementation of close, sustained, and structured support from the Ministry.

The minister also emphasized the importance of preparing the performance contract (COMP), which must fully reflect the institution's strategic vision, be rooted in its local area, and demonstrate strong regional ambition. In this regard, he assured that the ministry and the regional education authority would be fully committed to supporting the university's priorities.

Finally, the Minister reiterated that the University of Reunion Island plays a vital role in the national strategy, both for youth education and for scientific development and French influence in the Indo-Pacific. He reaffirmed the State's commitment to making this institution a university of excellence, fully recognized, rooted in its local community, open to its environment, and resolutely focused on the future.

The national Atypie-Friendly program aims to make higher education inclusive for people with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs): autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, etc.). It is aligned with public policies and the national strategy for NDDs. Furthermore, it comprises a network of higher education institutions (more than half), institutional and non-profit partners, employers, healthcare and social service providers, and international experts in disorders, pedagogy, support, and higher education.

By signing the Atypical-Friendly Charter, the University of Reunion Island commits to strengthening the support and integration of students and staff with disabilities. With a dedicated local team comprised of university staff (faculty, researchers, disability liaison, instructional designer, occupational health physician, etc.), the university is equipping itself with the resources necessary for the gradual implementation of the program. Enriching the resources available specifically for people with disabilities and training staff, particularly in needs assessment interviews, are key to enabling everyone to find their place within the university community.

To mark the signing of the Atypie-Friendly Charter, the international symposium "Et SI, Towards Truly Inclusive Higher Education: Training and Self-Determination" will take place. Organized by Julie Dumonteil, a lecturer and researcher in education and training sciences at the DIRE laboratory, and Delphine Connes, Vice-President for Inclusion, Disability, and Gender Equality at the University of Reunion Island, the symposium will be held from April 20 to 22, 2026, in lecture halls A4 and A5 of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. It will address the issues of accessibility and inclusivity that are central to university challenges today. At the crossroads of scientific research and experiential knowledge, this international symposium will bring together researchers from three continents and will feature testimonies from students and university staff with disabilities. Thanks to the presence of the Interministerial Delegate for the National Strategy for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, the President of the National Committee of the FIPHFP and the Director of Atypie-Friendly, this colloquium will allow us to think, at the University of Reunion Island, from a local, national and international perspective, about a truly inclusive university that makes training rhyme with self-determination.