This unanimously favorable opinion recognizes the path taken since 2019 by IP Paris and its six member Schools. It confirms the strength of the project we carry together and our ability to unite our forces to build a world-class institute of science and technology.
Hcéres issues unanimously favorable opinion on IP Paris exiting experimental status
09 Sep. 2026
The expert committee of the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres) has issued a unanimously favorable opinion on Institut Polytechnique de Paris exiting its experimental status and transforming into a "grand établissement" (public institution of higher education and research). This marks major recognition of the progress made by IP Paris and its six member Schools since 2019.
Created in 2019 as an experimental public institution, Institut Polytechnique de Paris currently brings together six French engineering graduate schools: École Polytechnique, ENSTA, École nationale des ponts et chaussées, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris, and Télécom SudParis.
The evaluation conducted by Hcéres aimed to determine whether IP Paris had successfully built an institution capable of fulfilling its assigned objectives and reaching "sufficient maturity to exit the experimental phase and become a grand établissement." The committee’s unanimously favorable opinion provides a particularly clear answer to this question.
Hcéres recognizes IP Paris's institutional maturity
In its report, the committee highlights "the relevance of the merger project embodied by IP Paris," which it considers fully aligned with the Institute's ambition and the skills gathered within its member Schools.
The experts commend the strategy developed jointly, the progress achieved in establishing IP Paris's governance and organization, as well as the mechanisms put in place to unite its Schools' capabilities. They also highlight successes obtained in France 2030's major call-for-projects, high-level research, a broad and attractive educational offering, and a leading international standing.
The committee thus considers that IP Paris has succeeded in establishing "a world-class major institute of science and technology, a leader in France and among the top in Europe," dedicated notably to major sovereignty challenges in defense, technology, artificial intelligence and data analysis, energy and ecological transition, and economics.
An opinion paving the way to grand établissement status
The report formulates seven recommendations to support the ongoing development of IP Paris. They focus notably on strengthening the integration of its member Schools, consolidating its governance, boosting its international appeal, structuring its innovation policy and corporate relations, and improving student study and living conditions.
These recommendations, which do not constitute a condition precedent to exiting experimental status, will feed into the preparation of the 2027-2031 Objectives and Performance Contract. This document will define, together with the State, IP Paris's major strategic directions for the next five years.
The expert committee's opinion now paves the way for IP Paris's transformation into a grand établissement. This new status will grant the Institute a permanent institutional footing to pursue its development and amplify its scientific, academic, and technological ambitions.