In 2008, the IRD (public science and technology research institute for the sustainable development of Southern countries) will set up an office (about 250 people) in Marseilles in the Euroméditerranée complex. 60 engineers and researchers have already been there working closely with local university and research bodies in the areas of science, health (competitiveness cluster Orphème, "infectiopôle" project...), environment (competitiveness clusters "Mer PACA" and "Gestion des risques et vulnérabilités des territoires"...).

Michel Bernard, general director of the IRD, has explained that this decision relies upon the dynamism of research in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, the economic and cultural tradition of Marseilles turned towards the South, which is coherent with the missions of the IRD.

 

Source: Innovation Le Journal 07/18/07