The laboratory's members participated in the 2026 edition of Fête de la science, animating 4 booths and welcoming a large audience, from school pupils to adults. This has been the opportunity to disseminate research findings about landscape connectivity, forest health or the study of the historial evolution of roadway networks.
Joanne Hirtzel, Habiba Jelali, and Clara Lyonnais have been hired by Université Marie et Louis Pasteur (Besançon), while Jean-Clémet Ullès joins Université Bourgogne Europe (Dijon)
Former student of the University of Franche-Comté, Joanne Hirtzel defended her PhD thesis at the ThéMA research unit in February 2015. She has been Associate Professor in Geography and Planning at the University of Strasbourg, where she pursued her research at the LIVE research unit (UMR7362) for 10 years. She (re)joins the Geography Department of the SLHS faculty and reintegrates the ThéMA laboratory as a...
This thesis entitled « Life course events and changes in daily mobility behavior » was directed by Thomas Buhler and Samuel Carpentier-Postel.
The defense will take place in the UFR SLHS (Grand Salon), 32 rue Mégevand in Besançon, at 2pm on March the 30th.
Jury composition
Thomas Buhler, UMLP, UMR ThéMA – Supervisor
Samuel Carpentier-Postel, UMLP, UMR ThéMA – Supervisor
Christophe Imbert, University of Rouen, UMR IDEES – Reviewer
Vincent Kaufmann, Professeur des universités, EPFL, LaSUR – Examiner
Patricia Sajous, Maîtresse de conférences HDR, Université Le...
This thesis entitled « Irredentist dynamics in mountainous areas: the cases of the Hindu Kush (Afghanistan) and the Adrar des Ifoghas (Mali)» was directed by Alexandre Moine .
The defense will take place in the MSHE Ledoux, room 3, 1 rue Charles Nodier, Besançon, at 2pm on April the 7th.
Jury composition
Cyril Masselot, UMLP. PrésidentPhilippe Boulanger,Sorbonne Université, ReviewerAmaël Cattaruzza, Institut Français de Géopolitique, ReviewerPierre-Joseph Givre, Général de corps d’armée, Ministère des Armées, ExaminerChristian Guinchard, Maitre de conférences, UMLP,...
The ThéMA laboratory is pleased to invite Maxime Boivin, Professor of Geography and Hydrogeomorphology at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC, Canada), for a public lecture on Tuesday 3rd of February 2026 from 5pm to 7pm.
This event is open to all and will take place in the main amphitheater of the MSHE Ledoux, 1 rue Charles Nodier, in Besançon."
If you need information about the event, please contact Paul Savary : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
"Being mobile is more than just traveling."
Early research on transportation long believed that daily commutes were a waste of time, and that modes of transportation were simply interchangeable depending on changing circumstances.
However, as research on daily mobility advances, a better understanding of the social and symbolic significance of such practices emerges. All of this contributes to the fact that daily mobility is not just a means to an end but is often at the very heart of deeply ingrained lifestyles and habits.
This book provides an overview of the different facets of the...
Jeux & Enjeux is a transdisciplinary scientific meeting about serious games and participatory simulations. First and foremost, it is the ideal venue to meet, exchange, and share experiences among diverse users: territorial stakeholders, professionals and/or experts of the serious game sector, researchers, teachers (primary, secondary and higher education), and students. Traditionally, the Jeux & Enjeux meeting puts primary emphasis on multi-player games, whereby interactions among participants are an essential component of the game. This meeting will aim to bring forth a...
Seyedalireza Malih is beginning a thesis entitled “Simulation and Analysis of Urban Transport Electrification Using Digital Twins” This thesis will be supervised by Igor Agbossou (UMLP) and Jean-Philippe Antoni (UBE) at the IUT Nord Franche-Comté in Belfort.
Abstract
In the current context of the gradual and sustained adoption of electric vehicles for mobility and transportation needs, the electrification of urban transport has emerged as a global priority, driven by continuous technological innovations and supportive public policies. The SATURN project focuses on exploring and...
The third-year students of the undergraduate program in geography are pleased to invite you on the 16th of December 2025 for a presentation of higher education programs in geography, mostly dedicated to university programs.
Whether you are simply curious, already interested in land planning, or thinking about your future career, this event is open to all and will make you discover the contents of geography study programs. The list of career opportunities offered after such a training will be presented, including careers in land planning, urbanism, transport and mobility management,...
This thesis, entitled "Residential trajectories and modes of inhabiting: an analysis of the role of green amenities in residential preferences and leisure activities in urban areas" was directed by Samuel Carpentier-Postel and Samy Youssoufi.
The defense will take place in the UFR SLHS (Grand Salon), 32 rue Mégevand in Besançon, at 1:30 pm.
Jury composition
Lise BOURDEAU-LEPAGE, University Lyon 3, reviewer
Samuel CARPENTIER-POSTEL, University Marie and Louis Pasteur, Besançon, thesis supervisor
Geoffrey CARUSO, University of...