ISARA, engineering school specializing in agronomy, food, and the environment.
Here, scientific excellence meets the desire to build a better world.
5500
graduate students
2
Campus
4,7/5
(106 reviews)
ISARA - School of Engineering in Agronomy, Food, and Environment
ISARA is a leading engineering school specializing in agriculture, food, and the environment. Founded in 1968, it has campuses in Lyon and Avignon.
It trains talented individuals capable of innovating and taking action in response to today’s major challenges: agricultural transition, sustainable food, health, climate, and biodiversity.
Through its various programs, including engineering, bachelor’s, and international master’s degrees, ISARA offers personalized courses, field-based teaching, and strong links with the professional world.
Recognized for its expertise in agroecology and sustainable food systems, the school is also committed to agrifood innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied research to develop concrete and responsible solutions.
A non-profit association, ISARA has a contract with the Ministry of Agriculture, Agri-Food, and Food Sovereignty.
Our mission
At ISARA, we believe that scientific excellence and a commitment to a sustainable future go hand in hand. Our mission is to train responsible and committed individuals who are capable of taking concrete action for people and the planet by:
- designing sustainable and efficient agricultural systems adapted to climate and societal challenges.
- creating food solutions that respect health and the environment.
- protecting and promoting biodiversity and natural resources.
A multidisciplinary and personalized approach
To address agricultural and food challenges, ISARA offers a multidisciplinary approach that combines science, innovation, and field experience.
Thanks to this unique approach, each student develops scientific rigor, a spirit of innovation, and a sense of responsibility, enabling them to take concrete action for a sustainable future.
ISARA supports curious young people who are passionate about life, helping them to forge their own path thanks to strong support and close contact with the teaching team.
Here, every student is known, listened to, and encouraged. They are not just a number, but individuals with desires, talents, and a future to invent.
A strong connection to the professional world
Created by professionals, ISARA stands out for its close ties with the professional world through its recognized expertise in the fields of:
- agroecology and sustainable food systems,
- agri-food innovation and entrepreneurship,
- applied research for environmentally friendly solutions.
To maintain close ties with the professional community, teachers also act as consultants through ISARA Conseil. In 2008, ISARA also created the TERRA ISARA endowment fund, which brings together 30 companies from our sectors.
A school serving the public interest
Under contract with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, ISARA has been awarded the EESPIG (Private Higher Education Institution of Public Interest) label, which recognizes academic quality, management transparency, and commitment to serving the public interest.
It certifies that all of the school’s resources are fully reinvested in its training, research, and innovation missions, for the benefit of students and society.
ISARA, member of the AGRIVIA union
Our goal is to address three key challenges:
- Feeding the world while preserving our planet’s resources
- Building a sustainable agricultural and food future with positive impacts
- Anticipating changes in the industry
AGRIVIA works to transform the transitions necessary for our sector into positive trajectories, born out of educational, professional, and collaborative encounters.
To achieve this, the union relies on an enriched and complementary training offer, supported by our two schools, ISARA and ISEMA, in association with two centers of excellence:
- CLAS, a center of excellence in agroecology and sustainable food systems
- the Hub des Audacieux, a space for creating the conditions for success for those who dare to innovate and take action to rethink food.
Lyon Campus
Innovation at the heart of life sciences
Located in the Biopôle district of Gerland, the scientific and professional hub for life sciences and biotechnology. A stimulating environment where startups, laboratories, and R&D centers come together to invent the agriculture and food of tomorrow. Just 10 minutes from the city center, at the heart of a dynamic and connected ecosystem.
Avignon Campus
The ecosystem of naturalness and innovation
Located in the heart of Agroparc, a regional hub for natural sciences, with 600 innovative companies and start-ups, 6 research centers collaborating with 14 schools and universities. A campus where natural sciences go hand in hand with opportunities: internships, collaborative projects, rapid professional integration. In Provence, combining academic excellence and quality of life.
CSR policy
Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility form a key foundation for responding to the challenges facing our society and our planet, as represented by the International Sustainable Development Goals.
Our school has been awarded the DD&RS label by the CGE (Conférence des Grandes Ecoles) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. The aim of this certification is to integrate ecological and social transition at all levels of the educational institution.
Increasing our impact is possible. Our school is constantly engaged in reflection, bringing together students, management, teachers, researchers and all school employees in order to improve our approaches and implement numerous actions throughout the year.
International strategy
Internationalisation is a key focus of our ISARA school’s development. It draws on a network of partner universities, companies and organisations to develop international projects and promote international openness among our students.
Thanks to more than 120 partner universities and 500 companies and professional organisations around the world, working in the agriculture, food and environment sectors, our students and our teaching and research teams have the opportunity to gain a wealth of experience abroad.