The Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) is one of the most prominent scientific research institutions in France. It conducts researchs in all of scientific areas, divided between 8 departments:
- nuclear and corpuscular physics
- mathematical and physical sciences
- sciences and technologies of information and communication
- sciences for the engineer
- chemical sciences
- sciences of the Universe
- life sciences
- sciences of life and society.
It runs its laboratories either directly or in association with universities, other higher education institutions, or other research institutions.