To address major research challenges and meet the needs of the Group’s business divisions, R&D relies on collective intelligence. It draws on a strong network of more than 300 partnerships in France and internationally, bringing together universities, research institutes, academic organisations and industrial players. These collaborations enable R&D researchers to combine their expertise with that of leading partners, fostering innovation in support of the energy transition.

Why does EDF R&D rely on such an extensive network of partners?

These collaborations help overcome scientific and technical challenges and ensure that EDF R&D maintains world-leading expertise in disciplines central to the EDF Group’s priorities. They also provide access to specialised expertise and complementary experimental facilities, while helping anticipate future skills requirements.

These partnerships also enhance R&D’s scientific reputation, increasing the visibility and credibility of its research and helping inform the Group’s positions on key strategic issues. They also create opportunities for new sponsorships, partnerships and funded projects.

Finally, this network represents a valuable pool of talent through the joint supervision of PhD theses, internships and postdoctoral research.

Research built through collaboration

R&D maintains a strong network of partnerships with:

  • Academic institutions, including Institut Polytechnique de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay.
  • Industrial partners, such as Naval Group and Safran.
  • Research organisations, including the CEA and the CNRS.
  • International partners, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and EPRI in the United States; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany; the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom; Xi’an Jiaotong University in China; Nanyang Technological University in Singapore; and Politecnico di Torino and Politecnico di Milano in Italy.

For several years, R&D has established around twenty joint research laboratories, each involving a range of institutions, such as the CNRS, universities and engineering schools. It also works with these partners on collaborative research projects funded through various national and European funding programmes. Each joint laboratory brings together a multidisciplinary team to address a shared scientific and technical challenge, with the aim of creating value, expertise and knowledge for all partners.

Research chairs and sponsorship programmes also help strengthen ties between EDF R&D and the academic community. They support innovative, multidisciplinary research projects and dedicated training programmes focused on shared priorities. By supporting these chairs, the EDF Group contributes to education and research, enabling academic institutions to advance and share scientific knowledge related to today’s major energy and environmental challenges.

The Saclay plateau: excellence on our doorstep

Since 2016, EDF Lab Paris-Saclay has been located at the heart of the Saclay Plateau, a world-renowned scientific and technological hub that is expected to account for nearly 20% of France’s research activity. This strategic location has strengthened R&D’s collaborative momentum, placing it within an outstanding research environment alongside two major academic institutions: Université Paris-Saclay and Institut Polytechnique de Paris. This geographical proximity makes it easier for researchers, students and partners to meet, build relationships and develop lasting, trust-based collaborations.