3. Research environment (simplified presentation)

Research is highly diverse, ranging from the so-called "hard" sciences (physics, chemistry, etc.) to the so-called "soft" sciences (humanities), with a variety of objectives ranging from the acquisition of knowledge with no stated purpose (fundamental research), to work that can be put to good use in industry (applied or operational research).

• In terms of funding, a distinction is made between "public" research, funded by the State and local authorities, and private research (funded by companies), although recent developments (Agence nationale de la recherche (ANR)) have led to a mix of public and private funding (Decree no. 2006-963 of August 1 ^er 2006).

• French public research, overseen by the Direction Générale de la Recherche et de l'Innovation...