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Disciplines
Since it explores all fields of science, research at the CNRS is intrinsically multidisciplinary. With intersecting perspectives, methods and expertise, this interdisciplinary approach enriches each of the different individual disciplines and means the pool of our knowledge can be expanded.
The Institutes of the CNRS
The CNRS Scientific Office (DGDS) is directs the ten Institutes that implement the organisation’s scientific policy. They organise and coordinate the operations of the laboratories.
Find out more about the different fields of research, from biology to the study of Earth and the Universe, through the human and social sciences.
CNRS Biology
CNRS Chemistry
CNRS Ecology & Environment
CNRS Engineering
CNRS Mathematics
CNRS Nuclei & Particles
CNRS Physics
CNRS Humanities & Social Sciences
CNRS Informatics
CNRS Earth & Space
The laboratories
Scientific discoveries resulting from basic research are made in CNRS laboratories. Researchers, engineers and technicians work together alongside academics and professionals from other institutions (universities, research organisations) and in all disciplines to explore the secrets of life, space and matter, including the study of human societies.
Intrinsically multidisciplinary research
The CNRS is the only research organisation in France that brings together all the scientific disciplines under its auspcices. Basic research pushing boundaries to expand the pool of knowledge is at the heart of the organisation’s mission. The CNRS applies a multidisciplinary approach to grow our understanding of natural and social phenomena, for the benefit of society.
Research enriched by our interdisciplinarity
Interdisciplinarity means research being coordinated across different disciplines. The goal is to foster interactions and exchanges between scientific disciplines that are normally considered to be separate. Science is enlivened by the sharing that results from these encounters. This approach has led to original methods, concepts and solutions emerging. Many major discoveries have been made in this way, at the interface between disciplines and through a meeting of researchers coming from different perspectives.
Interdisciplinarity at the CNRS: the MITI
The aim of the Mission for Transversal and Interdisciplinary Initiatives (MITI) is to promote, drive and coordinate interdisciplinarity at the CNRS, particularly interaction between its ten Institutes. It supports innovative projects led by interdisciplinary communities by providing dedicated tools and funding.
Photo Credit: © Cyril FRESILLON / ARCHAM / CNRS Images