All the scientific and technical skills relating to Research and Development are to be found at Boulogne-sur-Mer:
Laboratory of the University of the Opal Coast (ULCO)
As the University of the Opal Coast’s primary objective, the development of competitive and high-quality research is centred around 3 complementary themes: Environment, Coastal Habitats and Sustainable Development, Mathematics, Engineering sciences, Languages, Literature, History and Culture.
The Institut Français de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer – IFREMER (Laboratory for Marine Environment)
Ifremer is the national institute for marine research and, through its work and expertise, it contributes to our knowledge of the oceans and their resources, to the monitoring of the marine and coastal environment and to the sustainable development of maritime activities.
It designs and implements tools for observation, experimentation and monitoring and manages the French oceanographic fleet for the whole scientific community.
The Centre d’Expérimentation et de Valorisation des Produits de la Mer (CEVPM) (Centre for Experimentation and Enhancement of Seafood Products)
The CEVPM is a technical centre for the sector, specialising in the processing of aquatic products for food. It serves the companies in this sector, their representatives and the local authorities concerned.
Its work is mainly carried out at two, highly complementary, units:
- A COFRAC-accredited analysis laboratory
- A food technology hall approved by the Veterinary Services
The Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des aliments (AFSSA) (French Association for Food Safety and Health)
The AFSSA is an independent public body involved in surveillance, alert, expertise, research and the promotion of research which contributes to the protection and enhancement of public health, animal health and wellbeing, plant and environmental health.
It puts forward solutions to improve the performance of public decision-making and guarantee a satisfactory level of safety in its areas of expertise.
It assesses health and nutritional risks and benefits, recommends measures for health protection, conducts and promotes research at national level, oversees, monitors, alerts and carries out training and information activities.
The “Pôle Filière Produits Aquatiques” ( Center for Aquatic products) awarded the national competitive cluster label
The Pôle Filière Produits Aquatiques, an interprofessional association made up of all partners in the Seafood Products sector, coordinates this Technological Research and Development approach for the sector. Boulogne-sur-Mer was selected to host and manage the national competitive cluster. It is managed by the “Pôle Filière Produits Aquatiques”.
An important plus for companies
The aim of the “Pôle Filière Produits Aquatiques” is to develop the competitiveness of companies within the sector by meeting their needs and helping them to sustain their activities through innovation, quality and technological development.
Financial incentives are offered to companies which undertake investments and the development of innovative products covered by the competitive cluster.