Research

The Ocean is fundamental to research

We know more about the surface of the moon than the bottom of the ocean. Yet it is home to a large part of the planet’s biodiversity. More than half of this biodiversity remains to be discovered, and scientists estimate that 50% of this living heritage could disappear before the end of the century.

We urgently need to know more about these jewels of biodiversity so we can better protect them and be inspired by them.

The Ocean is a source of hope for our health: 50% of cancer treatments contain at least one marine molecule.

The Ocean is also a source of innovation, particularly through biomimicry, in many areas such as architecture, transport and biomedicine.

Our programs

The pandemic we are experiencing has highlighted the crucial importance of research. The Fondation de la Mer has decided to give science a prominent place, and promotes the spread of marine research at the highest level.

Françoise Gaill,

Chair of the Scientific Council
of the Fondation de la Mer

The Fondation de la Mer supports research

The Fondation de la Mer grant is awarded to a student enrolled in a thesis in a French-speaking doctoral school (natural sciences, human and social sciences, environmental sciences, history). It is intended to help them in their research efforts on the Ocean, by providing material support: the purchase of computer and scientific equipment, travel, conferences, etc.

With a budget of 5,000 euros, the program has already helped 12 doctoral students since 2016, on a wide range of subjects: from genetic research to the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins, or the correspondence of an officer in the French Royal Navy.

The ambition of the Fondation de la Mer is to create the first European network of researchers in marine science.

Apply for a grant

The Scientific Council of the Fondation de la Mer

Under the supervision of Françoise Gaill, Director of Research at the CNRS, and Pascal-Raphaël Ambrogi, General Inspector of the National Education and Research Administration, the Scientific Council of the Fondation de la Mer includes:

Gilles Bœuf, professor at the Pierre-et-Marie-Curie University, Catherine Boyen, CNRS research director at the Roscoff biological station, Christian Buchet, professor at the Catholic Institute of Paris, Guigone Camus, ethnologist at the EHESS, Christophe Claramunt, Director of Research at the Naval School, Bruno David, Chairman of the National Museum of Natural History, Bleuenn Guilloux, Doctor of Law, “Marine Genetic Resources, R&D and Law”, Claudie Haigneré, Ambassador and Advisor to the manager of the ESA, François Houllier, Chairman of Ifremer, Bertrand Pajot, Dean of the natural science group at the General Inspection of National Education, Laurent Mayet, Special Representative for the Poles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hervé Moulinier, Brittany Sea Cluster, Thierry Perez, Director of Research at the CNRS – Mediterranean Institute of Biodiversity and Marine and Continental Ecology, Philippe Vallette, former Director of Nausicaa, Nardo Vicente, Scientific Director of the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute.

They’re talking about it

Programs

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