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- Inserm at a glance
Inserm, one of the world's leading medical research organizations.

Created in 1964, Inserm is a public scientific and technological establishment under the dual authority of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Research.
Dedicated to research in fundamental biology, healthcare technologies and public health, it covers the entire pathway from the research laboratory to the patient’s bedside.
At the interface of a multitude of scientific fields, Inserm is at the origin of major advances in health, innovation and significant societal progress.
On the international stage, it is the partner of the most important institutions involved in scientific challenges and progress in these fields.
A source of major advances
- The first prenatal diagnostic tests
- Deciphering the mechanisms of the HLA system, key to the immune system’s ability to distinguish between the body’s own cells and foreign cells
- The first in vitro fertilization
- Identifying the AIDS virus
- Radiotherapy treatment of cancer
- The first skin graft
- Deep brain stimulation
- Gene therapy…
In 2023 alone, Inserm researchers developed a neuroprosthesis to help a Parkinson’s patient regain fluid walking. Other teams have designed a safe and more effective intranasal vaccine against whooping cough.
Leading national health programs
In 2024, the French government has designated Inserm as the lead agency for national biology and health research programming. . In this capacity, Inserm chairs the agency for health research programs, which defines research priorities. . In addition, as part of France 2030, the French government has entrusted it with the management of a funding program for disruptive, high-risk and high-impact research in the healthcare field, called Impact Santé.
Inserm is at the heart of French people’s health.

Testimonial
“It is with great pride that I speak to you today about the Inserm Foundation, created to support and promote health research in France. The Inserm Foundation was established to strengthen our commitment to innovation and scientific excellence. It aims to facilitate the funding of ambitious research projects, encourage interdisciplinary collaborations and foster the transfer of knowledge between research and the clinical world.
Together, we have the opportunity to transform scientific discoveries into concrete solutions to improve the health of our population. I invite you to join this collective momentum, because every contribution counts in our quest for a better future. Thank you for your commitment and support.”
Professor Didier Samuel, Chairman of Inserm and the Inserm Foundation
Key figures
1st
academic patent filer in biomedical research in Europe
11 000
Inserm-affiliated primary publications in 2022
9 000
researchers and technicians, including 4,972 civil servants and 3,719 contract and part-time employees in 2024
278
research units
2
Nobel Prize
9
thematic institutes to cover all disciplines research
34
clinical investigation centers in France
106
partner countries
7 000
international cooperation in the world