Arts et Métiers Paristech has finalized an exchange agreement for graduate students and researchers with the University of California Berkeley. The agreement was signed on Feb 10, 2010 by Professor Jean-Marie Castelain, Arts et Métiers ParisTech’s Deputy Chairman in charge of international affairs and Professor Robert J. Birgeneau, Chancellor at UC Berkeley. The signature was carried out in the presence of Eric Benhamou, President of American Friends of Arts et Métiers, Dr. Thomas Deschamps, Scientific Attaché at the French consulate in San Francisco, Xavier Wartelle, General Manager of Paris Region International Mission Entreprise (PRIME), Professor David Dornfeld Chair Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley , Professor Ronald Gronsky, Special Faculty Assistant to the Chancellor for International Relations and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Audrey Stewart, Head of International Office at Arts et Métiers.

The agreement will enable the exchange of graduate students, researchers, and faculty between the institutions. “Arts et Métiers students are renowned among our faculties for their scientific excellence and their strong motivation. This is an exciting opportunity to increase their presence among us,” Professor Dornfeld said. On the other hand, UC Berkeley graduate students will have the opportunity to enroll in one of Arts et Métiers ParisTech Master’s programs and to work on high-stake applied research projects in France thanks to Arts et Métiers ParisTech’s strong connections to industry. “Adapting our students to the challenges of the globalization is very important. Going to Paris will be a compelling option for them.” Professor Gronsky said.

The partnership is also mutually beneficial through the development of joint research projects. It strengthens both institutions international posture by enabling research collaboration between world-class research teams. “We are looking forward to collaborating on green technologies, sustainable manufacturing, green buildings and smart power grid research projects,” Professor Castelain said.

PRIME, an agency that promotes Paris Region’s innovation abroad, is working in tandem with Arts et Métiers ParisTech and the Office for Science and Technology at the Consulate General of France San Francisco on this partnership. “The Paris Region aims at transitioning its economy towards sustainability. Cross fertilization and technology and researcher exchange are essential to achieve this goal. I am thrilled that PRIME was instrumental in helping Arts et Métiers ParisTech and UCB to partner” said Xavier Wartelle.

“AFAM was created to help enhance Arts et Métiers ParisTech’s opportunity to create and strengthen academic relations with peer institutions in the US. This agreement with UCB is both a visible milestone along the path to more global research collaboration, and a validation of the role our organization can play in the process.” said Eric Benhamou, President of AFAM.