The Midi-Pyrenees Has Become the Region for Research. the Major Economic Industries Installed There, Such As Aeronautics, Aerosp

Home , Castres, Gaillac, Lauragais, Quercy

Backing intelligence

Université Paul Sabatier, LAAS-CNRS micro and nanotechology platform.

• A FORMIDABLE POTENTIAL • STRENGTHENING THE POSITION OF THE MIDIPYRENEES • THE SIX FIELDS OF ACTION IN THE REGION

The Midi-Pyrenees has become THE region for Research. The major economic industries installed there, such as aeronautics, aerospace and pharmaceuticals, are a major contributor. However, beyond these historic fields, a truly diverse ecosystem has been created in the Midi-Pyrenees over the last few years. The Midi-Pyrenees Region has chosen to make the most of this taste for science, this scientific culture that flows through the region, because Research can be found at the heart of society’s current challenges – health, energy, environment, transport, etc. – but also because is it one of the keys to the economic development of an entire area..

Dossier created with the support of MIDI-PYRÉNÉES Research and development in the Midi-Pyrenees A formidable potential

Devote a minimum of 3% of its GDP to R&D: this was the objective set in 2000 by the Council of Europe in order to develop access to the knowledge economy. To this end, the Midi-Pyrenees region cuts an exceptional figure, since it is the only one in France to meet this criterion. Better yet, with 5.06% of its GDP devoted to R&D and 7.2% of scientific jobs (public and private) on a national scale, the Midi-Pyrenees is at the top of the French regions for the intensity of its research and in 3rd position (behind the Ile-de- France and the Rhône-Alpes) with regard to jobs.

Leaders in public industrial research… he main unique feature of the region in terms of TR&D is that this is mostly carried out by the private sector (aeronautics, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, etc.), which alone represents 70.3% of domestic expenditure in research and development and 62.5% of person- nel. A uniqueness that is also illustrated by taking 3rd place for declared expenditure as research tax credits, the first source of public funding for corporate R&D expenses. The Midi-Pyrenees is not to be outdone on the public research side. The CNRS, the Midi- Pyrenees-Limousine delegation of the Inserm and the Inra Tou¬louse Midi-Pyrenees centre, the universities and engineering schools gather some 10,000 jobs and contribute to the region’s influence. The Cnes set up the most important of its centres in Toulouse (1,800 people, of which 80% were engineers in 2012). Space vehicles and complete spatial systems (satellites, probes and balloons) have been designed, • The LAAS-CNRS micro and nanotechnology platform hosts projects from the academic developed and operated from and socio-economic world. Micro and nano components are developed and prototyped on this. there. The CEA, already present

Special supplement appearing in La Recherche for March 2014, published by Sophia Publications : 74 Avenue du Maine, 75014 Paris. Tel.: 01 44 10 10 10. Dossier created with the support of the Midi-Pyrenees regional department for higher education and research. Text: Nathalie Mayer. Graphic design and production : Carta-Link & Partners. Photo credits : Philippe Grollier - PatrickDUMAS/Look at Sciences - Becus David/Arch. Cardete et Huet - Laurent Moynat - Sébastien Chastanet -Dutchpilot22/Fotolia - Flô/Fotolia - Dreaming Andy/Fotolia - Smileus/Fotolia - Nuryudijes/Fotolia - LAAS - Cirimat -Goodluz/Fotolia - Frédéric Prochasson/Fotolia - Jean-Luc Exposito - TWB - Damien Cabrol - DR. CANNOT BE SOLD SEPARATELY

2 • La Recherche | MARch 2014 • nº 485 in the Midi-Pyrenees by way of 3 questions to its study centre in Gramat (Lot) competitive launched, at the start of 2013 in clusters Marie-France Barthet Toulouse, with the support of Three leaders... Chair of the- the Region, the State and Europe, The global competitive cluster Community of a regional technology transfer- at Aerospace Valley constitutes Universities platform open to companies and the biggest European labour pool and Establish- laboratories in the Midi-Pyre- in the fields of aeronautics, ae- ments at the nees. The Onera Midi-Pyrenees rospace and onboard systems. In University of centre (Toulouse and Fauga- turn, the Cancer Bio Santé hub Toulowuse, Mauzac) has exceptional testing contributes to the development Midi-Pyrenees facilities including a world-class of technologies and innovative What place is there for public research wind tunnel that allows the products to improve the treat- in the Midi-Pyrenees? study of take-off and landing ment of and fight against cancer An important place. The sector conditions, aerodynamics and employs over 10,000 people, the atmosphere re-entry phases which ranks the Midi- Pyrenees for space vehicles. in 4th place among the French regions. … and in that of the private What relationships are there between public sector and private research? Airbus Group, global leader in Private research is particu- the aeronautic, aerospace, de- larly dynamic in the region. fence and related service sectors This allows strong par- concentrates almost all of its tnerships to be developed research means in France, as between manufacturers and well as its head office, in Tou- public sector researchers. The louse (Haute-Garonne).With proof of this is the 57 projects over 13,000 employees, Airbus chosen within the framework Operations is the biggest fac- of future investments for a to- tory in the country (New Factory tal amount of EUR 1.2 billion. classification, July 2013). Still There are also the competitive in the aerospace sector, the re- • Pierre Potier centre that houses the Institute of Advanced Life Science- clusters, the main aim of gion plays host to Thalès (Ale- Technologies (ITAV). which is to link companies, nia Space, Avionics, Services), research centres and training Alstom, Liebherr Aerospace and and plays a part in the develop- organisations around innova- Ratier Figeac. In the field of ment of a regional biotechnolo- R & D in tive projects. health, Laboratoires Pierre Fa- gies and health channel. Lastly, Midi-Pyrenees bre, which began in Castres the Agri Sud-Ouest innovation Can you give us a few words on the measure to (Tarn) as a dispensing pharmacy, hub seeks to enhance quality and group universities and higher education insti- concentrates almost 80% (i.e. to diversify the markets, to de- 27 800 tutions within the University of Toulouse? people in R&D. some 900 researchers) of its R&D velop technological investments The UNITI project was selec- staff in the Midi-Pyrenees (neu- in biorefining and to take grea- 10 000 ted at the beginning of 2013 ropsychiatry in Castres, onco- ter general public involvement researchers. within the framework of the logy, dermatology and dermo- into account. Excellence Initiative opera- cosmetics in Toulouse). The ... and many more 400 tion, but the idea had been Gaillac (Tarn) site carries out the The Midi-Pyrenees is also invol- public laboratories. sown well before that. Our aim development and production ved in many other competitive is to federate all the higher of the main active ingredients clusters: Water (identification, 17 universities and higher education establishments, in- for all the group’s activities. La- mobilisation, management and education establishments. cluding the 17 engineering and boratoires Pierre Fabre currently use of water), Viameca (design, specialised schools, and the re- employs 2,700 people in the Tarn production and integration of 16 laboratories search organisations around Department alone. Another hea- intelligent mechanical systems), ofexcellence. two major themes: research vyweight industrial sector in the Elopsys (microwaves, photonics, and internationalisation. In Midi-Pyrenees: food processing. secured networks, digital images 11 facilities of excellence. November 2013 we inaugura- Among the main players in this and interfaces), Ceramics (deco- ted the new research and deve- 1 Institute of Technological field: the Arterris agricultural rative and sensory ceramics, Research for aeronautics, lopment centre, a major step cooperative, the 3A agricultural green buildings, extreme envi- aerospace and onboard and a symbol of the synergies group (dairy chain), the Poult ronments, electronics and optics, systems (Saint Exupéry). we hope to encourage. We are biscuit factory and even Nataïs biological uses) and Derbi (re- now waiting for March 2014 (European leader in popcorn) newable energies applied to 122 560 and the publication of our new and Andros preserves. construction and industry) n students. statutes n

nº 485 • MARch 2014 | La Recherche • 3 MIDI-PYRÉNÉES Research supported by the Regional Council Strengthen the position of Midi-Pyrenees

The Region is a presence throughout the innovation chain

ACADEMIC COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH, RESEARCH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FINALISED RESEARCH AND INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION

Make research Encourage transfers Stimulate influential in order to create a link competitiveness The Region supports aca- between research laborato- As innovation is the basis demic research in order to ries and the region’s SMEs. of corporate competitive- form a network of lectures ness, the Region has set and researchers and to up mechanisms aiming to increase its international increase economic deve- influence. lopment and distribute innovation.

Doctoral and post-doctoral grants Innovation support contracts: State-Region Agreement Support for research platforms multiyear support provided Support for the Regional Centre for Innovation to innovative Hosting teams of excellence and Technology Transfers companies

Calls for competitive cluster projects

Laboratory-corporate research contracts

Call for SHS projects Call for industry projects EPICURE, EPICEA, ELECTRA, LAPEROUSE, AEROSAT, AGILE IT, ECO INNOV

Chinese researcher Xiaobo Wang came to Within the framework of the EPICURE A project concerning the development of Toulouse at the beginning of 2012. His spe- regional call for projects, a food processing OLEDs is mobilising two Toulouse labora- cialty: optogenetics or the manipulation of manufacturer and two laboratories aim to tories around the Oliscie start-up. Organic live cells using light in order to understand develop a nonpolluting and non-toxic pro- electroluminescent diodes are capable of how these move as a group within the body, cess (physicochemical denaturation) capa- revolutionising lighting by allowing the particularly in pathological contexts, such as ble of eliminating the major allergens from construction of flashing surfaces such as a the formation of metastases. peanuts and seafood without altering their low consumption light wall that are easy to nutritive and taste qualities. integrate into our environment.

4 • La Recherche | MARch 2014 • nº 485 Strengthen the position of Midi-Pyrenees

In terms of research, the action of the Midi- Pyrenees region is guided by three main objec- « Midi-Pyre- tives: strengthen the links between laborato- nees ranked 8th ries and businesses, ensure the attractive na- in the European regions” » ture of regional research and encourage the distribution of scientific know-how. Martin Malvy, President of the Midi-Pyrenees region

Nearby he support for Research is not part, at universities «Tleast not yet, of the responsibilities Make access to higher educa- transferred to the regions as is the case for tion democratic and promote sixth-form colleges or certain professional innovation economics across training sectors. Nevertheless, we have inves- the land: these are the objecti- ted for several years in supporting this major ves the Midi-Pyrenees region sector in which our region distinguishes it- wishes to achieve thanks to lo- self. The Midi-Pyrenees ranks 8th among the cal universities. The Midi- Py- European regions for the percentage of its do- renees is the largest region in mestic product per inhabitant devoted to Re- mainland France and its préfec- search. All in all, we have over 400 labora- ture, Toulouse, combines the State-of-the-art tories and over 25,000 researchers and staff main education and R&D hubs technological within this sector. Whether public or private for the region. Outside Tou- resources research, we are at the heart of innovation and louse, university sites are also The Midi-Pyrenees region has beyond: the transfer of technology, the emer- developing with the support over 130 public research and in- gence of new developments, competitiveness of the Midi- Pyrenees region, novation platforms. “Since 2000, and thus jobs. Our aim is to create a Research which has drawn up an outline the Region has accompanied se- ecosystem in the Midi-Pyrenees by supporting for higher education and re- veral projects to give the area collaboration between laboratories and busi- search, the main tool of which top-flight technological resour- nesses, and by playing a part in modernising is multi-year contracts for the ces that are accessible to resear- the chain as a whole, in particular by means of sites in Rodez, Albi, Cahors, chers and companies”, explained the calls for projects that we make each year Castres, Figeac, Foix, Millau, Jean Tkaczuk, regional councillor in fields that are as varied as electrical air- Tarbes, Montauban and Auch for Research in the Midi-Pyre- craft, uses for space technologies, IT techno- allowing the 10 university si- nees region. The dynamic is logies or food processing. This is why we have tes outside the state capital to strengthened by the regional also created a regional incubator, a regional set challenges and perspecti- strategy developed in the FEDER innovation agency where we support the re- ves especially in the Research Programme to acquire structu- gional network of business nurseries. » field. “With this tool which, ring equipment for the public when we adopted it in 2011, research platforms open to re- the European regions” Martin €30 M devoted by anticipated the law that now gional businesses. The CALMIP Malvy, President of the Midi-Py- the Midi-Pyrenees region renders these outlines manda- supercalculator and the under- renees region projects in 2014, each year to higher edu- tory, our aim is to support the ground laboratory for measuring representing over 100 million cation and student life. development of research, its low-level radioactivity (LAFARA) hours of calculations. LAFARA, links with the socio-economic are two great examples of public installed in Ferrières (Ariège), is €40 M devoted each players in the region in order research and innovation plat- equipped with two gamma-ray year by the Midi- Pyre- to meet the needs of the popu- forms in the Midi-Pyrenees. The spectrometers placed under 85 nees region to research lation and thus encourage the first will soon rub shoulders with metres of rock. This drastically and innovation. development dynamic with the top 100 most powerful ma- reduces background noise and a view to balanced regional chines in the world (274 expec- analyses samples with extremely town and country planning”, ted TFlops), while making sure low levels of radioactivity (ma- explained Nadia Pellefigue, to keep an acceptable ecological rine sediments, seawater, aero- vice-president in charge of hi- footprint. It should host 220 sol particles, industrial mate- gher education. “Midi-Pyrenees ranked 8th in rials, etc.) n

nº 485 • MARch 2014 | La Recherche • 5 MIDI-PYRÉNÉES The major fields of research in the Midi-Pyrenees An international influence

In addition to the “intelligent specialisation” 30 % of the French fields highlighted by the Regional Innovation R&D workforce in the aero- Strategy, there are sectors in the Midi-Pyrenees nautics sector, i.e.: that are clearly renowned. 5 000 researchers. 50 % This is what the AERONAUTICS ECONOMICS aerospace sector repre- Aeronautics is the main indus- The Toulouse School of Econo- sents in the national trial sector of the Midi-Pyre- mics groups together over 100 workforce… nees. The region groups together economists of excellence. It is constructors, equipment ma- recognised by the State as one …and 25 % of the Eu- ARCHAEOLOGY ropean workforces. nufacturers, sub-contractors, Among the most recognised st design offices, training organi- works of the researchers from 1 structured industrial sations and test and research the «Archaeological Works and channel in the world for centres. In relation to this, it oc- Research on Cultures, Spaces and dismantling aircraft at the cupies a global first place, a posi- Societies» (TRACES) and «Envi- end of their life. tion it intends to strengthen.The ronmental Geography» (GEODE) nd laboratories: the 3D reconstitu- 2 largest wind farm tion of the Marsoulas grotto in France, installed in (Haute-Garonne), the creation Aveyron. of a facsimile of the Large Cave Painting in Marsoulas and even of the thirteen spearheads of re- the human-environment obser- search and its ambition is to vatory project in the Haut Vi- raise itself to be amidst the best cdessos valley (study of the pro- economics departments in the cess, origins and possible world, in a sustainable fashion. consequences of changes to fields studied (fields common to Fields studied: Experimental region) n aerospace): aerostructures (ma- and behavioural economics, in- terials and processes), human/ dustrial economics, public eco- machine interactions, complex nomics, macroeconomics, ZOOM on... systems (design, architecture etc. and integration), etc. CURIOSITY AEROSPACE Since summer 2012, Curio- In the wake of the aeronautics sity, a rover launched by NASA, has been exploring industry, the Midi-Pyrenees has the Martian soil. On board, a been able to develop a high qua- chemical camera designed in the lity aerospace industry (first Midi-Pyrenees. ChemCam is one of 10 place in Europe). Most of the sa- scientific instruments installed on board Curiosity. By determining the elementary composition of tellites carried by Ariane are de- Martian rocks, its ambition is to play a role in stu- signed and assembled in the dying the past habitability of the red planet, but region. also to direct the robot towards more interesting targets for samples and detailed analyses. Piloted from Toulouse, the arms of the ChemCam com- prise a laser, the beam of which can be focussed on a rock and thus cause the release of gas, which is then observed by a camera and a spectrometer. GREEN ECONOMICS This reveals the chemical components present at The Midi-Pyrenees has some the core of the target. For the teams who worked on its development, the challenge was size. They had 1,800 eco-businesses and R&D to transform an 8 Kg laser into a tool weighing 500 hubs (Albi, Toulouse and Tar- g with reduced dimensions (20 x 5 cm), waterproof, bes) recognised for the quality resistant to shocks and vibrations and capable of of their work. Fields studied: operating in a temperature range of - 30°C to + water, eco-materials, waste, re- 30°C. newable energies, etc.

6 • La Recherche | MARch 2014 • nº 485 Six fields at the heart of the Region’s action

The first Regional Innovation Strategy (SRI) was adopted in the Midi-Pyrenees in 2009 to favour a concentrated and co- herent approach to innovation on a regional scale. The new version of the SRI, presented at the end of 2013, defines six fields of “intelligent specialisation” to be explored over the • Mesenchymal following pages. stem cells.

1 Cellular engineering and regenerative medicine Concentrating skills

The potential applications of dical and Scientific Director of and cellular therapy, etc.), a zone cellular engineering and the Etablissement français du sang dedicated to public/private col- regenerative medicine are Pyrénées Méditerranée (EFSPM). laborative projects and a Midi- numerous. The construction An ambition that should be hel- 5 billion Pyrenees Incubator destined for This is the estimated mar- of a building devoted to ped to fulfilment by the project ket amount in Euro for spreading and accommodating research in this field at the for the research and development 2015. startup businesses. Objective: Oncology hub site in building dedicated to these cells, group together on the same site Toulouse represents a good a project carried out within the THE BUILDING IN FIGURES the research, transfer and pro- opportunity to concentrate framework of the subject “Stem Delivery planned for duction forces for mesenchymal Spring 2016 means in the Midi-Pyrenees. cells, bioethics and biotherapy”, stem cells applied to regenera- which the Midi-Pyrenees region 2 tive medicine, and make the best “We wish to develop the research has made one of its priorities. • 3 000 m equipment available to the re- into and production of mesenchymal The property complex will group gion’s scientific community and of which 600 devoted stem cells, which are found in all the together the Stromalab mixed to the production of cellu- businesses. “For example, we will body’s tissues. They are capable of research unit (UMR: University lar medicines for innova- have a complete hypoxia chamber differentiating themselves into se- of Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, tive therapies. (low-oxygen environment) which veral cell types and have immuno- CNRS, INSERM, EFS), a platform will allow us to study the behaviour modulatory actions. We will there- to produce cellular medicines • 100 research and of cells under natural conditions, to fore be better able to understand for innovative therapies (EFS), production staff. develop more suitable culture pro- how to manipulate them ex-vivo an area to host future teams of cesses and to maximise therapeutic and use them in innovative thera- excellence (stem cells, epigene- • 13 M potential”, concluded Luc pies”, explained Luc Sensebé, Me- tics, microenvironment, cancer allocated by the Region. Sensebé n ZOOM on... parameters) and the repair/regeneration processes. They are also Le Stromalab interested in the way in which these tissues could serve as physio- In January 2011, the Etablissement français du sang Pyrénées logical reservoirs for adult stem cells, and from this to develop, Méditerranée (EFS-PM), CNRS, Inserm and the University over the medium term, new therapeutic approaches. Ambition: ac- Paul Sabatier began a unique project with the Stromalab quire international renown in this field, both in terms of the phy- mixed research unit (UMR). The aim of the Stromalab UMR (48 siological understanding of stem cells and their origin, and of the people) is to stimulate research into adult stem cells from adipose clinical effects with their use as regenerative cells for the ex vivo tissue and bone marrow. More specifically, the researchers involved are studying the mechanisms that allow mesenchymal stem production of cells allowing the recreation in the patient of heart cells, one of the best known adult stem cells, to play a role in tissue tissue (for treating heart attacks), skin tissue (skin grafts for major homeostasis (maintenance of physicochemical burns), corneas, bone tissue, etc.

nº 485 • MARch 2014 | La Recherche • 7 MIDI-PYRÉNÉES 2 Onboard systems Achieving the best returns

20 000 jobs In the historic industrial chan- 842 M€ invested over 10 nels of the Midi- years in the IRT Saint-Exupéry The PR2 robot can lo- (Technological research centre Pyrenees, spe- • for aeronautics, aerospace and cialised robotic cate and move objects in onboard systems). electronic and its environment. IT systems are 11 future investment plan legion. However, programmes. the regional fabric is also positio- ning itself on the “onboard systems” diversification markets.

When we talk of onboard systems, of course we first think of all those found on board vehicles of all types. The Aeros- Onboard energy pace Valley competitive clus- In the Plasma and ter also has a section devoted Energy Conversion to R&D, as with the constant Laboratory (Laplace), increase in the complexity of researchers are inte- the systems, it is essential to rested in the pro- continually improve the rela- blems of onboard ted engineering. energy, and more ZOOM on… specifically in the Powerful electronics new related tech- EVERYDAY ONBOARD SYSTEMS Among the life blood of the nologies such as In Toulouse, the Systems Analysis and Architecture sector, the Primes platform, fuel cells. Here Laboratory (Laas) carries out research into informa- dedicated to R&D for the inte- they study the tion sciences and technologies, communications and gration of powerful electro- topics of aging systems applicable to onboard systems and future nic converters, is very busy or conversion habitat. improving the return from efficiency, and Technological advances (internet, sensors, communica- onboard systems and increasing above all the tions, robots, software, etc.) allow for the development of the power mass density. “We hybridisation of so-called cyber-physical systems. Autonomous and cooperative, they combine the virtual IT world with the real have on site a prototype manu- sources. “In order to physical one. The Reconfigurable Dynamic Architectures facturing unit that allows us to improve the energy performan- for Autonomous and Mobile Onboard Systems (Adream) test and characterise these”, stated ces of onboard systems, the idea project carried out by Laas aims to design, produce, deploy Maurice Fadel, Chairman of the is to couple several sources (fuel and assess such communicative systems and to anticipate strategic and scientific steering cell and battery or super-capa- their synergies. Its originality: combining a validation committee. For railway applica- citor). The difficulty is in cor- platform unique to its genre with a research programme tions, for example, the aim is to rectly sizing the components taking the appearance of an intelligent and energy-opti- design high power converters. In and managing their coopera- mised building. “The objects in our daily lives will inte- aeronautics, on the other hand, tion in real time. In the end, grate software that is more and more sophisticated and must communicate between themselves in complete reliability and compactness are it will mean integrating true safety. In order to guarantee an assessment, and appro- essential. “We work on packa- “smart grids” into onboard priate validation, the staff at Laas are the first users”, spe- ging technologies and, amongst systems,” explained Maurice cified Michel Diaz, the project manager. On the platform, other things, we use silicon car- Fadel, also the deputy direc- five robots interact and develop within a flat crammed bide components that allow high tor of Laplace. with sensors (cameras, motion detectors, temperature frequency operation in order to “Our aim is to provide methods sensors, etc.). From this, the companion robots and utility reduce volume”, the chairman that can be reproduced and robots (intervention in dangerous environments, etc.) of of the platform’s steering com- used over a wide range of tomorrow will be prefigured. mittee explained further. applications.” n

8 • La Recherche | MARch 2014 • nº 485 3 Coupling materials and innovative processes An important role in technological innovation

In the Midi-Pyrenees, there • Chemical conversion is an are two complementary innovative process for wet skills in the new materials surface treatments. development sector, a field that finds its applications in both aeronautics and bEx combines six Toulouse la- elsewhere. boratories that work, amongst other things, on synthesising In the Midi-Pyrenees in particu- and studying thin films and lar, innovative materials, their nano-objects that are chemi- use and integration, constitute cally and physically isolated or a big challenge. The aeronautics assembled (nanomagnetism, and aerospace industry is in fact nanotransport, strongly corre- a major consumer. Local skills lated electron systems. nano- (assembly, multi-material and biophysics and nanochemis- hard metal machining, emerging try). The Material Creation and processes, shock resistance, etc.) Structural Study Centre (Cemes are renowned and the know-how - CNRS), for its part, inaugura- in terms of engineering, proces- ted the picoLab last June. This ses, structures and production building is dedicated to design, have seen it able to diversify. For construction and nanocommu- several years, several R&D works nications with a molecular ma- have been launched in the region 25 industrial Nanomaterials allowing for chine or an electronic circuit in relation to composite mate- establishments improvements to the characte- built atom by atom. It houses rials. A resources and transfer ristics and functions of a mate- the first items of equipment in and SMEs. centre for innovative composi- 150 rial or system are another strong the world offering electronic tes will soon be created on the €10 000 point of the Midi- Pyrenees re- and mechanical multiaccess site of the national engineering to send 1 kg of material gion. The Nano, Extremes & with atomic precision to a sin- school in Tarbes (Enit). “One of into space. Theoretical measurements La- gle molecule n our special characteristics will be the study of agro-sourced composites that allow us to develop products resulting from agricul- ZOOM on… ture and which are low energy consumers”, stated Talal Masri, A SURFACE TREATMENT FOR BETTER PERFORMANCES the school’s Principal. They have already made their appearance The Inter-university materials research and engineering centre (Cirimat) has made in the bodywork of electric cars, surface treatments one of its specialties. bicycle frames and even in for- The purpose of the surface treatment is to render a support material functional (rust mula 1 helmets. proofing, anti-wear, lubrication, etc.). “The difficulty is in finding innovative solutions that are economically viable and environmentally friendly”, explained Florence Ansart, team leader at Cirimat (Toulouse). The sol-gel process is one that meets these specifications. The Hi-tech equipment concept: put a functional coating on a metal part and create, at the interface, chemi- Within the Espace Clément cal links that ensure excellent adherence with the material to be protected. When one Ader, researchers will soon have, material is replaced with another, generally lighter material, the surface treatment also for the development of new allows certain useful properties to be found. A telecommunications satellite, for exam- composite materials, extremely ple, contains waveguides (aluminium tubes) that serve for the transmission of signals. high level equipment dedicated “With composites, we can gain a triple weight factor, but we lose in electrical conductivity”, to structural, system and pro- explained Constantin Vahlas, team leader at Cirimat. In this case, the techniques for plating classic thin metal films (anodisation, electroplating) do not work. Consequently, to cess mechanics (microcharac- resolve this sticking point, the team from Toulouse is studying chemical plating in the terisation, intensive calculation vapour phase (dry process). infrastructure platform, etc.).

nº 485 • MARch 2014 | La Recherche • 9 MIDI-PYRÉNÉES 4 Regionalised food processing chain Diverse, quality production

In the Midi-Pyrenees, the influence of agriculture and ZOOM on... food processing in regional development is considerable. AGRICULTURAL Innovation in the service of a COOPERATIVES regionalised food processing chain that is diverse and of Among all the players in the quality is borne by both in- region, the cooperatives take dustry and public research. a predominant place in the coordination of the various links in a channel within 50% of the land in the Midi- Py- the scheme of creating renees is devoted to agriculture, value. and all the players in the food Agricultural cooperatives aim processing chain devote their to enhance the production of energies to match quantity with their members by upstream quality. The region already boasts organisation (supply of input some 120 products bearing the products and advice, product Quality and Origin Identification collection and storage, etc.) and by seeking to add value Label and it is the region where downstream of the channels. organic agriculture is the most They explore various options widespread (+29% in area conver- for strengthening the regiona- ted in 2012). At the end of 2013, lised food processing chains, in conjunction with the Aqui- whether this means entering taine region, a South- West orga- The Midi-Pyrenees was thus • Culture in the closer relations with consu- nic label was launched, designed the first French region to recruit Midi-Pyrenees. mers or developing the techni- to promote agriculture that is a promotional engineer for cal innovations of tomor- respectful of both the environ- this row. They can therefore rely in ment and the consumer. A label type of Programme. The Rami particular on the that the Midi-Pyrenees region Fourrager® (Inra, Farming ins- Agri Sud-Ouest has taken particularly to heart, titute) constitutes one of the innovation as it intends to continue its ac- operational results of the Midi- competitive tions in favour of responsible Pyrenees PSDR3. This partici- cluster and its and sustainable agriculture by pative challenge aims to accom- agro-food chain involving all the players in the pany professionals in the design concept based sector in its approaches (coope- and adaptation of farming sys- on market expec- ratives, manufacturers, commu- tems within the context of cli- tations for a return to the region and to nities, etc.). mate and economic restric- the farmers. The main issue tions. PSDR4, currently under for agricultural cooperatives is Regional challenges construction, will attempt to in managing to link, on a re- In order to make its agroecolo- meet regional challenges in 4,155 industrial gional scale, the various links gical transition a success, the terms of quality and innovation establishments. in the agro-food chain. By players in the Midi-Pyrenees in the regionalised food proces- combining arable and lives- are highly involved in the re- sing chain, by favouring both 60 public research tock production, often in line search programmes For and On the emergence and consolida- units. with quality approaches, they play the integration card, as Regional Development (PSDR), tion of innovation (technique, demonstrated by the exam- co-funded by Inra and the Re- environmental and organisa- 20 future investment plan operators. ples of the Protected Geogra- gion. Devoted to analysing ter- tional economics), in agricul- phical Indications and the ritorial dynamics and the role tural production systems right st 1 employer in the re- Quality and Origin Identifica- played therein by economic ac- up to the consumer. The objec- gion (100,000 jobs). tion Labels: fat ducks from the tivities and rural areas, their tive is to end up with a local South-West, lamb from Quercy, veal from Segala, gar- aim is not just to produce scien- reorganisation of channels and €2,8 M allocated tific knowledge. They also aim a reduction in the dependence lic from Lautrec, Roquefort, each year by the Region etc. to design operational elements on international markets for for the development of for regional players. agricultural inputs n the organic field

10 • La Recherche | MARch 2014 • nº 485 5 Industrial biotechnologies for renewable carbon recovery Innovate in order to recover renewable carbon • Farm with methanisation station: Joël Laverdet’s pig farm in Mayrac (46).

The Midi-Pyrenees region is dustrial site. The Insa is thus the support provided by the one of the major agricultural preparing, for example, to carry Midi-Pyrenees Region to R&D regions in the country. out the first trials of methani- 90 businesses. on the subject of white biotech- Consequently, it has major sation using a discontinuous nologies, thus strengthening renewable carbon deposits to dry process, on the new expe- 3 400 jobs. local knowhow in terms of re- be recovered. rimental platform, Solidia, ins- newable carbon recovery. The talled in Bélesta-en- Lauragais 300 researchers. Agromaterials exchange (Hau- The industrial biotechnologies (Haute-Garonne). This natural tes-Pyrénées) is developing ma- €1,4 M allocated by for recovering renewable car- process for breaking down or- the Region to white bio- terials of 100% natural origin, bon are an element of attracti- ganic matter allows for the re- technologies in 2 years. that are biodegradable and eco- veness for the Midi-Pyrenees covery, as compatible, and the Val-ThERA region, whether in the public biogas, of agricultural waste 2 200 GWh platform (Tarn) is designing research sector or the private with a high dry matter content 1/4 of gas consumption), energy recovery processes for one. Producing molecules, new (greater than 25%) and a uni- this is the estimated an- agricultural, forestry and r food materials or energy out of the form structure (manure, in par- nual potential for biogas processing waste n carbon from biomass and wi- ticular). This is a typological production. thout going into competition substratum that is particularly with food uses actually allows widespread in the Midi-Pyre- €8 M invested by the for the sustainable recovery of nees region. The objective: offer Region into the Midi- Py- renees Biogas scheme the agricultural by-products a more reliable and better per- 2011-2014. abundant in the region. Metha- forming model of methane di- ? Biotechnologies classified nisation is one of the main rou- gester. In the end, this could 20 methanisation units as being white are those that tes explored in the Midi-Pyre- equip medium-size farms (un- in operation at the end of use micro-organisms for the nees, which has emerged as a der 100,000 tonnes of livestock 2013 avoiding the produc- manufacture, transformation pioneering region in this area. effluent to be treated per year). tion of over 4,000 tonnes or breakdown of molecules for Several projects by AgriMip Other technologies profit from of CO2per year. industrial purposes. Sud-Ouest Innovation, Indus- tries AgroRessource, and Clus- ter Enermass are developing around this subject and allow ZOOM on... for the recovery of renewable carbon as products resulting TOULOUSE WHITE BIOTECHNOLOGY from green chemistry or, of Backed by the public laboratories and a private consortium, the aim of TWB (Inra, Insa, course, as energy. In July 2013, CNRS) is to design biological tools (enzymes, micro-organisms, etc.) that can be used in in- a State-Region agreement was dustrial processes. Several projects have been started. Among them, Synthacs is aiming signed for the development of for a world first: design and implement within the heart of a microbe a synthetic process methanisation and the imple- leading to the formation of a molecular precursor with a high commercial potential from mentation of some one hun- renewable carbon resources. An alternative to pe- dred biogas production units trochemicals which could see the light of day in in the region by 2020. In the la- 10 or 20 years. “In order to innovate, you must know how to take risks”, confirmed Pierre Mon- boratories, research is directed san, Director of TWB. Consequently, the demons- towards an inventory and cha- trator team has also chosen to fund projects far racterisation of the resources upstream of industrial applications and designed just as much as towards the im- to generate real breakthroughs. As a result: the plementation of innovative project by Denis Pompon (CNRS). His idea: de- biological processes (aerobic Detail of a pilot digester. sign a yeast that will allow CO2 to be captured granulation, etc.) on a labora- • and use this as a raw material. tory scale and then on an in-

nº 485 • MARch 2014 | La Recherche • 11 MIDI-PYRÉNÉES

6 Translational research in oncology and cancerology Fundamental research to serve the patient

In the fields of oncology and Studying the mechanisms • Building created on the oncology centre hub by Mr Roger Taillibert and gerontology, translation “It is currently important to Laboratoires Pierre Fabre. research is a peculiarity of favour translational research in the Midi-Pyrenees. regard to aging as well”, confir- ple will be aged over 60 in 2050. med Sophie Guyonnet, project 40% of the elderly population The Langlade cancer hub (Tou- leader at the Toulouse genron- are considered as fragile. 280,000 louse), created in 2003 further tology hub. “Our challenge is 1/3 of the 70 million new cancer cases diagnosed in to the national cancer plan, is to develop molecules and inno- French people will be France per year. 223 companies, exceptional because it concen- vative therapies in the fields aged over 60 in 2050. 70 laboratories and over 3,500 trates complementary public of cachexia (weakening of the 40 % of the elderly researchers. €32M allocated by and private skills on a single body), sarcopenia (loss of phy- population are considered the Region to the 2011-2014 Can- site. At the heart of this hub, the sical capabilities) and Alzhei- as fragile. cer Plan. €11.6M (of €41M) in Cancerology Research Centre mers”, specified Bruno Vellas, regional grants (Biggest public (CRCT) is the largest of the type department head at CHU. At the 280 000 new can- financer of the operation) for in France and soon in Europe. All same time, studies are underway cer cases diagnosed in the CRCT. for certain patholo- levels of the illness are studied into the biomarkers for fragility France per year. gies, the adipose tissues pre- here: molecular biology of the and sarcopenia. The Institute sent protective characteristics. deficient gene in the cancerous of Metabolic and Cardiovascu- 223 companies, The best balance must be found cell, biology of the cell and the lar Diseases (I2MC), one of the laboratories and to do this, we must learn tumour, the individual response biggest research centres in Tou- 70 to understand the underlying and behaviour of a cancer suf- louse, has itself recently laun- and over 3 500 mechanisms better”, conclu- ferers and experimental thera- ched several projects aiming to researchers. ded Dominique Langin, deputy pies on cohorts of patients with study the issue from the speci- director of I2MC n their abilities to respond to treat- fic angle of cardiovascular and €32 Mallocated by the ments. “Our aim is to find new metabolic problems. “A mode- Region to the 2011-2014 therapeutic options. The original rate weight loss (5 to 10%) redu- Cancer Plan. feature of the CRCT is in linking its ces the risks of diabetes and €11,6 M ?Translational research aims research projects directly to the fun- heart diseases occurring, but in (of €41M) in regional to speed up the transfer of inno- damental oncological issues raised the elderly the calculation is not grants (Biggest public fi- vative therapies and tools, and by patients”, highlighted Jean-Jac- as simple as that. This is because, nancer of the operation) fundamental research for the ques Fournié, CRCT Director. 1/3 of the 70 million French peo- for the CRCT. patient.

ZOOM on…

THE CAPTOR PROJECT the high quality of the basic research scientists, clinicians The Cancer Pharmacology of Toulouse Oncopole & like professor Attal, director of the University Cancer Ins- Region (Captor) project is one of two university hospi- titute, and manufactures present on the site. Among Cap- tals specialising in cancerology selected in relation to tor’s specialties: social pharmacology. The project there- Future Investments. fore studies the observation of treatments, the post-cancer The ambition of the Captor project (Toulouse oncology phase (psychological problems, after effects, etc.) and even hub) is two open new avenues for anticancer medicinal the influence of social factors on the successful therapy treatments. «France has missed the corner in targeted therapies. sequence. “Assessing the real benefits of a medicine is crucial but With Captor, we hope to recoup some of our delay”, explained we are lacking tools and we hope to develop these with Captor”, professor Guy Laurent, project coordinator. And thanks to concluded Guy Laurent.

12 • La Recherche | MARch 2014 • nº 485