Launch of the Normandy for Peace Chair “Memory and Future of Peace”

On March 18, 2025, the University of Caen Normandy, the Normandy Region and the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace announced the launch of the Normandy for Peace Chair, entitled “Memory and Future of Peace: law, history and neuroscience for the construction of a sustainable peace”. This innovative program brings together law, history and neuroscience to offer an interdisciplinary approach to peace.

An interdisciplinary reflection on peace

The “Memory and Future of Peace” Chair highlights the importance of reflecting on the conditions that allow peace to be preserved and strengthened. “In a world where the challenges to peace are ever increasing, it is crucial to have a research framework capable of understanding how societies can build and maintain peace. This chair is based on an interdisciplinary approach, combining law, history and neuroscience to shed light on current and future issues,” said Lamri Adoui, President of the University of Caen Normandy.

This multidisciplinary approach to questions of peace in an academic context represents a real innovation. The Law and History intersecting with a neuroscientific perspective on memory, in particular, this new scientific chair offers a completely new perspective.

An internationally renowned program

The Normandy for Peace Chair also stands out for its international character. It plans to collaborate with academic institutions in countries such as Armenia, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mauritania and Senegal, thus strengthening the dialogue between researchers and doctoral students from diverse backgrounds. This international approach also relies on the prestigious patronage of Jane Goodall, a renowned British ethologist and anthropologist and a leading figure in the defense of human rights and peace, who supports this project.

A university degree to train peacemakers

As part of this chair, a University Diploma (UD) in “Human Rights and Peace Training” will be launched in September 2025. This diploma, designed to train professionals in peace, mediation, journalism and education, is fully in line with the Chair’s mission to transmit the knowledge and skills necessary for peace-building on a global scale. Julie Barenton-Guillas, Vice-President of the Normandy Region, explained that this university diploma will help to strengthen the continuing education of future citizens and agents of change. Fully invested in this university diploma, the Institute will offer to analyze the culture of peace through practical tools for professionals, both active and aspiring.

“Normandy for Peace” label: a historic commitment 

The “Normandy for Peace” program, born of the will of the Normandy Region, is part of a dynamic of remembrance and promotion of the values of peace, freedom and justice. Through initiatives throughout the year, the region highlights its fundamental values and its commitment to a peaceful future. The Normandy for Peace Chair thus complements an already existing mechanism, with a clear ambition: to make Normandy a major player in the construction of lasting peace on an international scale. This ambition is already firmly rooted in the IPCC “Women, Peace and Security” project, led by Ms. Nicole Ameline and the Institute, and supported by the Normandy Region.

The “Memory and Future of Peace” Chair is an important step towards building a more peaceful future, combining research, training and awareness-raising, while drawing on the history and strong values of Normandy.