International strategy: priority research platforms take centre stage

Since 2008, in line with its contract of agreed objectives, CIRAD has had a policy of mobilizing and concentrating its research forces in a limited number of priority research platforms in partnership. Following an identification and approval stage, it now has fourteen such platforms, with others being built. They centre on scientific projects established between regional or national partners and CIRAD, and take the form of research and education platforms or dynamic, flexible networks, depending on the scientific topics chosen by CIRAD and its partners. They are long-term structures founded on a multilateral agreement between the participating organizations, with governance bodies, and subject to periodical audits, on a four-yearly basis. In adopting this approach, CIRAD is coordinating its scientific priorities, its partnerships and its resources.

The list of priority research platforms in partnership overseas

CIRAD has adopted a similar approach for its geographical partnership strategy in the French overseas regions, through research hubs that are increasingly integrated into regional cooperation projects.