The LUDI Institute La Rochelle Université > Research and Innovation > Research at the University > The LUDI Institute Published on 28 October 2021 - updated on 24 April 2025 Historically anchored in a territory with very marked coastal characteristics, La Rochelle Université has made this singularity a true signature, in the service of a new model. It relies especially on the specialization of its research around the theme of Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability (LUDI in french). A UNIQUE SIGNATURE IN FRANCE AND ABROAD ON THE “SMART URBAN COASTAL SUSTAINABILITY” The LUDI Institute proposes an integrated and decompartmentalized vision by the research and for the research. The scientific ambition is to address all the scientific questions raised by the transitions and major societal challenges resulting from the anthropisation of the coastline. The incentive policy allows the emergence of new scientific questions, notably through an interdisciplinary approach. The LUDI Institute is the implementation of a highly integrated ecosystem, between teaching departments and research laboratories, with a doctoral school reinforcing the coherence and unity of vision between the entities. Areas of expertise of the LUDI InstituteDigital transition Dematerialisation and valorisation of digital resources, security, images, digital humanities, data management and governance. Energy transition Sustainable building, energy eco-efficiency in urban areas, durability of materials and structures, environmental and social impacts. Environmental transition Environmental risk, flooding and coastline erosion, biodiversity and ecosystem services, health, social impacts. Societal issues Migration flows, identities and otherness, law, justice, environmental law. The Institute : a few numbers 11 laboratories, including 3 CNRS UMRs and 1 UMS 6 observatories. 5 CNRS research federations More than 1,300 students (22 master’s courses) More than 230 doctoral students (1 multidisciplinary doctoral school) 1 European University EU-CONEXUS 440 permanent staff (teachers, researchers, engineers, technicians) 500 publications of rank A/year Documents to download LUDI BOOKLET