Research and innovation at Nantes Université
Fundamental, applied or technological, research is the foundation of the university. Multidisciplinary and focused on interdisciplinarity, Nantes Université supports research in all its diversity, accompanies the emergence of new projects and explores new fields to respond to societal challenges. It is committed to open science to make scientific data accessible to everyone at all levels of society. To this end, Nantes Université now has 42 research laboratories covering all scientific fields and can count on the work of nearly 2,600 dedicated staff.
Strategy, major projects
I-site NExT
Certified in 2022, the NExT Initiative (Nantes Excellence Trajectory) focuses on two major areas, the health of the future and the industry of the future, with a knock-on effect across all disciplines and strong involvement from the humanities and social sciences. It aims to establish an innovative trajectory in research, training and technology transfer, backed by ambitious campus life policies and international appeal.
University Innovation Cluster (PUI)
Awarded on 10 July 2023, the University Innovation Cluster (PUI) Nantes Université brings together all the key players in the innovation ecosystem of the Loire-Atlantique/Vendée region, comprising 17 institutions, led by Nantes Université. It aims to promote and accelerate the use of research results through an ambitious policy in favour of innovation and the creation of deeptech start-ups.
Open Science
Nantes Université is committed to complying with national, European and international recommendations on open science, in particular by supporting the development of the infrastructure needed to make open science the default principle, and by participating in several national and international bodies.
HRS4R certification
Nantes Université is fully committed to the HRS4R (Human Resources Strategy for Researchers) initiative and is committed to improving recruitment practices and working conditions for its research staff (teachers, researchers, post-doctoral students, doctoral students and administrative staff). The label, awarded by the European Commission, promotes and recognises institutions committed to this initiative.
Updated on 23 July 2025.