In France, associations of universities and higher education institutions (Communautés d’Universités et Établissements, COMUE) are a type of établissement public à caractère scientifique, culturel et professionnel (EPCSP). A COMUE is a grouping of higher education and research institutions. These organizations were created with the Law on Higher Education and Research (France) of July 22, 2013, replacing the previous structure known as Pôle de recherche et d'enseignement supérieur (PRES).