Structuring research activities

Departments

In order to meet societal challenges, IFSTTAR continues to structure its research activities with coordination as a priority.

Internal changes in its research structures are an integral part of the life of a research institute to better adapt to scientific issues while taking into account the ambitions and desires of the staff working in the laboratories.

An emerging Simu&Moto research team (Simulators & Motorcycles) was created in 2017 within the TS2 department with as its main topic the simulation of motorised two-wheeler driving. The team is currently concentrating on formalising its scientific project, which could eventually be integrated within an existing laboratory or jointly-managed research unit.

The GEOLOC laboratory which conducts research and expert appraisals on geolocation methods and systems has migrated from the COSYS department to the AME department. It has upgraded its scientific project to respond not only to the technological and societal challenges linked to the digital transition and greater connectivity for all transport stakeholders, but also to accommodate changes in mobility practices and vehicles. It is thus moving closer to the uses of mobility.

Within the MAST department, a new laboratory EMGCU (Testing and Modelling for Civil and Urban Engineering) was set up at the start of 2018 as a result of the merger of two laboratories covering similar scientific themes: EMMS (Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Materials and Structures) and SDOA (Safety and Durability of Structures). This merger gave rise to discussions held throughout 2017 in order to finalise the scientific project for the new single laboratory. EMMGU focuses its activity on engineering structures and all aspects related to their aging: the development of diseases and understanding of the processes that lead to disorders (cracking, etc.), estimating their lifespan and managing their lifecycle optimally.

Cooperation with external partners

Cooperation with external partners also helps to structure research activities. It is encouraged where it is scientifically relevant and speeds up the creation of teams that possess the necessary skills to tackle emerging scientific problems. IFSTTAR creates various forms of partnership. In 2017, a Joint Research Team (ERC) was set up in collaboration with Agrocampus Ouest bringing together the Water and Environment Laboratory (EE) in Nantes (GERS Department) and an Angers-based laboratory, the Physical Environment of Horticultural Plants (EPHOR). This ERC will go under the name of VESPA (City Water Soil Plants Atmosphere), and is the first research team to deal with plants and soils in urban areas. In addition, a ninth jointly-managed research unit was created with CEREMA in the area of environmental acoustics, confirming long-standing collaborations between the teams. A project for a UMR was also presented for evaluation by HCERES in the field of psychology. This UMR would be formed by a merger between the Mobility and Behaviour Psychology laboratory (LPC, AME department) and the Laboratoire Adaptations Travail-Individu (LATI) at the University of Paris Descartes.

The launch of four unifying projects

The launch of four unifying projects aims to encourage cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary research within the Institute in the laboratories of its five departments. It must also make IFSTTAR's presence felt on current issues with high stakes for society.

In 2017, kick-off seminars were held for each of these projects. These seminars brought together a large number of participants and enabled the various teams to discuss their work and consider new common approaches. They are led by teams of three researchers and the progress of the work is consolidated by an operational committee.

In addition to unifying projects, the scientific directorate encourages important research collaborations with partners, network leadership and targeted initiatives by young researchers or emerging research topics. In 2017, 11 targeted initiatives, 3 research collaborations and 1 networking action were launched. That same year, 4 network leadership initiatives, 5 targeted initiatives and 7 research collaborations were concluded with 5 seminars to present the work.