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12/04/2022

Producing scientific knowledge

ANSES conducts and funds research in conjunction with the French and international scientific communities. It advances scientific knowledge and methods in order to better protect human, animal and plant health. 

    Our research laboratories

    Nine laboratories spread across 16 sites in metropolitan and overseas France, employing more than 700 staff.

    To identify hazards, how they spread and their effects on living organisms, ANSES's laboratories conduct research in three major areas: animal health and welfare, plant health, and food safety (including drinking water).

    They explore the complex interactions between human, animal and environmental health, in particular with a view to anticipating and preventing the appearance of zoonoses or animal diseases with economic repercussions, and combating antimicrobial resistance.

    What is our research used for?

    • to better understand pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites), macro-organisms (insect pests, invasive plants) and chemical contaminants. We study their characteristics, ability to cause disease and the ways in which they spread;
    • to detect, diagnose and characterise their presence using cutting-edge analytical methods;
    • to monitor them more closely through effective epidemiological methods;
    • to understand the determinants of animal welfare and the impact of livestock farming systems on animal welfare and health;
    • to acquire invaluable knowledge for the development of treatments and vaccines, in order to prevent and control animal and plant diseases.

    Around

    400
    category A+ and A scientific publications per year

    Our laboratories at the cutting edge of technology

    Our laboratories draw on high-level skills and technological approaches, such as whole-genome sequencing platforms or high-resolution mass spectrometry.

    Find out more about ANSES's laboratories

    Laboratories on the front line during health crises  

    During epidemics of disease such as avian influenza or African swine fever, it is crucial to ensure effective mechanisms to limit their spread. A central part of several surveillance systems, ANSES helps the public authorities prevent and manage health crises in France or beyond our borders. With over 100 reference mandates, our laboratories coordinate official analyses to identify pathogens or contaminants and trace their source. With their high level of scientific excellence, the laboratories are able to react promptly to detect warning signals and suggest appropriate measures. 

    • 66 national reference mandates
    • 13 European reference mandates
    • 29 international reference mandates

    Find out more about ANSES's reference activities
     

    While addressing the technological challenges they face, the Agency's laboratories provide responsive, operational support to the public authorities on major health issues such as resistance to plant protection products and antimicrobials in farming, animal welfare, major animal epidemics and foodborne illnesses.

    NICOLAS CANIVET
    STRATEGY & PROGRAMMES DIRECTOR

    At the heart of the scientific community in France and Europe

    Because the laboratories are located all over France, they are more able to work closely with other research organisations and professionals in the different livestock sectors.

    ANSES also develops scientific collaborations in France, Europe and internationally with many public and private stakeholders: research or higher education establishments, counterpart organisations in other countries, technical institutes, professional federations, etc. The scientific teams coordinate large-scale programmes and take part in numerous European research projects.

    Find out more about the European research projects in which ANSES is participating

    Training through research 

    Hosting students and doctoral or post-doctoral researchers is of major importance to ANSES, which takes care to foster the emergence of new scientific skills in its priority areas. At any given point in time, it supervises nearly 90 PhD theses, either on its own or with scientific partners.  

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    Funding of research

    In addition to its own studies, ANSES funds research on topics of great importance to health such as radiofrequencies, air pollution, endocrine disruptors and the exposome. In particular, it runs the National Research Programme for Environmental and Occupational Health (PNR EST).

    National Research Programme for Environmental and Occupational Health

    40
    projects funded each year

    The objectives of the PNR EST are to:

    • Produce scientific knowledge on environmental and occupational health risks; 
    • Develop new methods and tools for health risk analysis;
    • Organise and stimulate research and scientific teams to tackle environmental and occupational health issues.

    Find out more about the National Research Programme for Environmental and Occupational Health

    6
    million euros of funding

    Every year, ANSES issues two calls for projects, one on a general theme and one on the specific theme of "radiofrequencies and health". It also organises one or two scientific conferences per year in order to share and promote the research work carried out as part of the PNR EST, often in partnership with other research funding bodies.

    The PNR EST mobilises teams and knowledge from higher education and research establishments in France and abroad, making it an ideal tool for addressing emerging issues such as 5G or cumulative effects. Its calls for projects are significant, particularly in certain areas where there was a scarcity of teams or available funding.

    LAETITIA DUBOIS
    RESEARCH FUNDING & SCIENTIFIC WATCH DIRECTOR

    Other ANSES funding mechanisms

    ANSES can finance work to obtain data that are directly necessary for ongoing risk assessments. Around 20 studies are carried out each year, mainly in the fields of environmental health and human, economic and social sciences. The Agency also funds specific studies on the adverse effects of plant protection products, as part of the national phytopharmacovigilance scheme. This makes it possible to carry out epidemiological studies or surveys on practices, for example, and to collect vast amounts of data on the presence of pesticide residues in environmental media, the exposure observed and the health impacts on living organisms and ecosystems. This scheme is funded by a tax on the revenue of holders of marketing authorisations for plant protection products.

    Find out more about phytopharmacovigilance