Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi signs MOU with INSEAD

5 June, 2023

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with INSEAD the Business School for the World, to bring immersive learning using VR and to further contribute to student development.

This collaboration aims to improve the teaching and learning experience for students at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, as well as contribute to the overall advancement of education. The use of INSEAD XR’s VR immersive learning experiences serves as a powerful tool for learning, as it helps students form stronger connections between topics and their corresponding environments. Furthermore, utilizing virtual reality to immerse students in lessons or scenarios enhances their retention of information. By incorporating this cutting-edge technology into the student learning experience, the university seeks to empower faculty members to deliver more impactful and engaging teaching methods.

This partnership between Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and INSEAD not only aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global education hub, but also supports the development of UAE nationals’ talents and contributes to the region’s initiatives for economic diversification.The MOU signature took place at the INSEAD Middle East Campus in Abu Dhabi, by Dr Laurence Renault, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (on behalf of Prof Silvia Serrano, Vice-Chancellor Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi) and Prof. Peter Zemsky, Deputy Dean, Dean of Innovation at INSEAD.

Dr Laurence Renault, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi commented “As an institution dedicated to providing a world-class education, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi recognises the importance of leveraging innovative technologies to enhance student engagement and enrich the learning experience. Through this partnership with INSEAD on this ground-breaking initiative, the university aims to integrate cutting-edge VR technology into its curriculum, creating an immersive and interactive educational environment for students that enhances the student experience and educational journey”.

Prof. Peter Zemsky, Deputy Dean, Dean of Innovation at INSEAD, commented: “INSEAD is a proud member of the Alliance Sorbonne Université. Together with other nine members, we promote equal access to knowledge and develop shared programmes in teaching and research. The INSEAD-Sorbonne Université Behavioural Lab, since its inauguration in Paris in 2002, has been offering world-class facilities and support to conduct behavioural research”.

He added: “I’m delighted that our partnership with Sorbonne continues to grow. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is one of the pioneers adopting immersive learning using VR into their management education programmes. We look forward to working with them and to delivering a truly transformative education experience to both institutions’ faculty and students”.

The partnership between Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and INSEAD marks a significant milestone in the advancement of education within the UAE. Through their embrace of virtual reality (VR) technology and immersive learning experiences, both institutions are leading the way in pioneering a transformative approach that promises to redefine the landscape of education in the years to come.