Mérieux Université promotes the development of cross-disciplinary skills in a changing environment

Mérieux Université is a group of several entities serving global public health, based in Lyon, France. Founded in 2014, Mérieux Université devises and delivers training programs focused on soft skills, management and leadership, and cross-disciplinary skills.

Mérieux wanted to support the digital transformation of its training offerings while maintaining consistency across the group. Faced with decentralized initiatives and the need for content that can be activated on demand, they turned to the Cornerstone content library because it was the ideal tool to implement structured learning because of its focus on cross-disciplinary skills. By making Cornerstone the foundation of its system, Mérieux Université has been able to offer a targeted, scalable range of services in line with the real needs of its teams. The result has been increased adoption thanks to targeted communications, easy access to a content library with deep links and themed playlists, and better training coordination integrated into the group’s major transformation projects.

Up to 2019, in-person training was the primary method of delivery. The university now aims to pool resources and expertise to create a common knowledge base and a shared culture, including by supporting the group’s development path on key topics such as CSR or AI.

The rise of new hybrid and digital formats has completely transformed the training landscape helped in no small part by the pandemic. The challenge was no longer simply to implement online what already existed, but rather to enhance the training formats, adapt the content to new requirements, and make the offerings more capable of responding to new trends. This shift highlighted the importance of ready access to a shared library of on-demand digital content that they can integrate into their various training courses, such as Keep Learning, a group initiative to promote continuing education.

The transition to digital learning has required a gradual cultural adaptation. The first step was to clearly communicate information about the new system to the people responsible for training. They needed to understand the role of the expanded Cornerstone platform and how to use it effectively. The roll-out was then extended to employees by gradually introducing content to avoid information overload.

“Cornerstone is the foundation of our digital training system. As an integral part of all our programs, the platform helps us implement our cross-disciplinary initiatives and plays a key role in structuring and distributing knowledge.”

Mailys De Forsanz
Digital Learning & Communication at Mérieux Université

As the existing talent solution provider for Mérieux, Cornerstone had established itself as a strategic partner by offering an integrated library of training content focused on soft skills and cross-functional skills. Today, Cornerstone remains a central pillar of the system, integrated into all kinds of training programs, particularly cross-disciplinary ones. The ease of access and huge variety of content in Cornerstone has made it easy for Mérieux and their learners to tailor their own training.

The transition to digital learning has required a gradual cultural adaptation. The first step was to clearly communicate information about the new system to the people responsible for training. They needed to understand the role of the expanded Cornerstone platform and how to use it effectively. The roll-out was then extended to employees by gradually introducing content to avoid information overload.

“We have built up an extensive library of content organized around themed playlists. These resources are specially tailored and deployed in support of each training project or initiative.”

Mailys De Forsanz
Digital Learning & Communication at Mérieux Université

The “Keep Learning” and “Our Behaviours” initiatives at Mérieux, aimed at embedding professional behaviour in the organization, increased completions through accessible formats and deep links that redirect directly to specific training modules and themed playlists. To guarantee the quality of the resources, content curation is handled by three L&D coordinators, who select the most relevant content to highlight and adapt the training courses according to user interest.

Mérieux Université recognizes the importance of taking as much time as needed to bring about cultural change. This aspect is often underestimated but is essential to ensure buy-in from the teams.

• It highlights the need to set out a clear and structured communication strategy capable of reaching all levels of influence

• It supports the diversity of an international group with 24,000 employees spread across the globe.

• It recommends that future communication campaigns be carefully identified to ensure their effectiveness and continuity

• It specifically points out that communication remains the key tool for gaining acceptance across the organization

The digital training program has grown from 1,000 to 3,500 Cornerstone licenses in just a few years. However, since 2024, the emphasis has been less on increasing numbers and more on enhancing the learning catalog with more targeted content and specific content curation in support of the group’s strategic initiatives.

Today, almost 3,000 users regularly log into the platform independently, with a course completion rate of 75%, which is a particularly strong rate for soft skills training. To continue achieving their ambitious goals, Mérieux Université is working with Cornerstone to explore new immersive solutions, like VR training, that increase engagement and enhance the learning experience.

• Employees: 24,000 and 6 entities covered·

• Average completion rate: 75%·

• Cornerstone Professional Skills pack with 4,000 units of content