Alain Collas

Alain Collas is a Professor at the Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO) in the Faculty of Humanities since 2005. He previously held lecturer positions at the University of Tours (1978–1983), University of Western Brittany (1990–1991), and University of Southern Brittany (1991–1996). His academic career includes a Senior Civil Servant role in National Education from 1986 to 2018. Collas holds a Doctorate in History from the Center for Advanced Studies of the Renaissance in Tours (1982) and completed an HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches) at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Ulm.

His research focuses on medieval and early modern European history, particularly the social dynamics of urban elites, religious conflicts, and archival methodologies. Key themes include the geographical networks of Bourges notables, religious wars in France and Rome, and the role of press in conflict documentation. He has authored/co-authored books such as Les pays de la Loire moyenne dans les trésors des chartes (1993) and Du cacao des origines au chocoalt d'aujourd'hui (2022).

Collas actively participates in academic activities including organizing international conferences (e.g., 'Outcomes of civil wars, religious wars in Rwanda' in 2023) and directing research seminars at the Institut Catholique de Paris. His work integrates archival research with social and political analysis, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to historical inquiry.