Valérie Sala Pala is a Professor of Political Science at Jean Monnet University in Saint-Étienne, affiliated with the Department of Political and Territorial Studies (DEPT). She holds a PhD from the University of Rennes 1 (2005) and an HDR (2014). Her research focuses on urban studies, socio-spatial inequalities, and the sociology of racism and discrimination, particularly in housing policy. She has led major projects like the API research on intercommunal housing allocation policies and contributed to initiatives like the Firminy urban sustainability project. Her work bridges academic research with policy impact, addressing issues of segregation, urban decline, and participatory governance. Education: PhD in Political Science, University of Rennes 1 (2005) HDR in Political Science, Jean Monnet University (2014) Research Interests: Urban policies and socio-spatial segregation Racism and discrimination in housing Shrinking cities and urban revitalization Intercommunal governance and social equity Recent Articles: Her 2025 studies analyze housing segregation across French urban areas, while 2023 work critiques intercommunal housing reforms. Prior publications explore urban decline and alternative urban strategies. Grants & Projects: Led API research (2017-2020) on housing allocation, contributed to ANR projects like ALTERGROWTH (urban decline strategies), and coordinated initiatives on sustainable architecture and ecological justice in deprived neighborhoods. Labs/Teams: Core member of Triangle Laboratory (UMR 5206), responsible for its Saint-Étienne branch. Active in editorial roles for journals like Métropoles and book series with Presses Universitaires de Rennes.







