At the beginning of 2026, a cluster of four ministries launched a common strategy “Innovate through Science” with the aim of linking scientific research to public decisions dedicated to ecological transition and economic development. What is it exactly?
In France, R&D expenditure dedicated directly or indirectly to the environment was estimated at EUR 5.7 billion in 2022, accounting for nearly 10% of domestic R&D expenditure (€64.4 billion). In terms of support, in addition to specific budget programmes, the France 2030 plan aimed at fostering innovation and reindustrialisation in France over the 2021-2026 period was funded with €54 billion(1), including 20% allocated to research. This research component mainly finances Priority Research Programmes and Equipment (PEPRs), Priority Research Programmes (PPRs), Institutes for Ecological Transition (ITEs) and Institutes for Technology Research (IRTs).
A turbulent context
Faced with environmental and climate challenges and in a context where science is challenged and disinformation is gaining ground, public action needs more than ever to rely on solid, independent and high-level scientific expertise. With this in mind, four ministries (2) began formalising a research strategy in 2025. The aim is to establish an “operational roadmap to strengthen the role of science in international negotiations, to position the ministerial cluster’s priorities in research programming, to support stakeholders in implementing ministerial priorities and to mobilise scientific knowledge in order to develop and deploy public policies”, explains Brice Huet, the General Commissioner for Sustainable Development.
Research in 2025
The research sector experienced several highlights in 2025, both nationally (start-up of new programme agencies, launch of a new PEPR wave, three-yearly review of the NRA’s generic call for projects), and at European level (preparation of the next research and innovation framework programme (RCIP) and internationally (start of IPCC’s 7th cycle, development of IPBES’s “Knowledge Acquisition” technical support, creation of a new intergovernmental science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution).
A common strategy…
The “Innovate through Science” strategy is based on the Scientific and Technical Network (STN), which is comprised of around thirty bodies with complementary expertise (research, data, engineering, scientific expertise)(3) and covering different themes (resources, territories & habitat; energy & climate; sustainable development; risk prevention & management; infrastructure & transport). The General Commission for Sustainable Development (CGDD) is responsible for the STN.
…focused on three cross-sector scientific issues
It is structured around three main issues: a just transition that ensures no territory or population is left behind (e.g.: risk exposure studies, anticipating vulnerabilities, green incentive mechanisms, inequalities in access to solutions, particularly technological ones, etc.); a liveable and respectful future to preserve biodiversity and natural resources (e.g.: integration of the “One Health” concept and the notion of exposome, reduction of ecosystem exposure, habitability in a world subject to change, etc.); more resilient territories and actors, able to face climate crises, environmental and social (e.g. risk culture, ecosystem monitoring, sobriety of uses, sustainable resource management, solutions based on nature…).
…and twelve research topics
It covers twelve broad research topics: adaptation; mitigation; civil aviation; biodiversity & anthropogenic activities; energy & mineral resources; oceans & continental waters; natural risks; technological risks; health & environment; sustainable territories & cities; land transport as well as human and social sciences serving ecological transition. Each of these topics has several different challenges.
Key research tools and instruments
A wide range of tools and instruments is available to support research. This ranges from observation, measurement and imaging tools and services to experimental infrastructures, computers, e-infrastructures (databases, etc.), AI applications, simulation tools, scientific and laboratory platforms, innovative measurement tools and territorial research anchors (e.g. living labs), observatories, monitoring, etc.).
An 18-point strategy
The cross-functional priorities identified, along with their emerging or orphaned issues, will be addressed in the various dialogue and negotiation forums through 18 actions. This will enable the ministerial cluster’s priorities to be positioned in research programming and financing, to support research organisations in managing ministerial priorities, to rely on science to develop and implement public policies and, more broadly, to influence international negotiations by science.
Example of a PEPR: DIADEM dedicated to emerging materials
Launched in 2022, the DIADEM exploratory PEPR aims to accelerate the design and market entry of more efficient, sustainable materials derived from non-critical and non-toxic raw materials (nanomaterials, polymers, metal-organic solids, etc.) thanks to artificial intelligence. The first calls for projects launched highlighted two key areas: “Accelerated discovery of innovative and sustainable materials for a Green Deal” and “Acceleration of mastery of synthesis and shaping processes”. This PEPR, supported by the CNRS and the CEA, has €80 million in funding.
1) It is worth noting that the French Senate adopted a €1 billion reduction in France 2030 loans in December 2025.
2) The Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity and International Climate and Nature Negotiations, the Ministry of Territorial Planning and Decentralisation, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of City and Housing.
3) The STN includes the technical services (CETU, SNIA, STAC, STRMTG, Vigicrues), research organisations (BRGM, CEA, Cerema, CNRS, CSTB, IFPen, Ifremer, IGN, Ineris, INRAE, Meteo France, MNHN, ONF, Shom), inspection bodies (EPSF), agencies (Ademe, ANSES, CNES, OFB) and higher education and research institutions (AgroParisTech, Centrale Nantes, Chemie ParisTech-PSL, ENAC, ENGEES, ENPC, ENSM, ENTPE, Gustave Eiffel University). ASNR is also a partner functioning as an independent administrative authority.
Find out more: “Innovate through Science: Research Strategy for Accelerating Public Policy for Ecological Transition, Land Use Planning, Transport, Cities, Housing and Energy (2026-2030),” January 2026, downloadable from: