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INRAE wishes you all the best for 2026
“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood” Marie Sklodowska Curie (1867-1934) quoted by her daughter Eve Curie (Madame Curie, 1938). These words remain a source of inspiration. Despite the succession and intensification of climate, health and geopolitical crises, there are reasons to hope. We take a look back at some of the highlights of 2025 and present the main milestones for 2026.
Published on 06 January 2026
In 2025 we saw major scientific advances in every field of INRAE research. Our research, including the most fundamental, provides solutions and promotes the transition to healthy and sustainable agriculture and food and the improved protection of our forests and the environment. These advances are due to the strength of our teams and partnerships.
2025 was also a significant year for the renewal of our governance:
- our scientific and political priorities reaffirmed for the next 5 years (INRAE 2030 roadmap)
- the renewal of our scientific directorates with the new Bioeconomy directorate, alongside the 3 existing ones: Agriculture, Food and Health, Environment and Forest
- a new scientific advisory board with qualified professionals from across Europe as well as elected staff representatives.
Pursuing research excellence, a source of innovation and solutions
In 2026, we will pursue research excellence, a source of innovation and solutions, develop support for public policies and strengthen our partnerships in France and with the best teams in Europe and worldwide.
Here are a few milestones in the year ahead which will be marked by ambition, solidarity and commitment:
- 2 priority research programmes (PEPR) are to be launched: Sustainable Livestock Farming and Living Soils. They demonstrate our strengthened role in leading the scientific community in our fields of research via the Agralife programme agency
- 15 Research and Innovation challenges focused on short and medium term priorities will be presented this month and during the 2026 Paris International Agricultural Show
- New funding for high-risk, breakthrough research is expected for the Explor’AE programme
- There will be stronger engagement in the European Research Area and on the world stage
- The One Health Summit, hosted by France in April, will enable us to present our research and our initiatives on planetary health.
2026 is also a year of economic sobriety in a context of budget restrictions nationwide. We are looking for savings at all levels to maintain what is essential: our human resources and investment in world-class research and infrastructure. We continue to look for ways of simplifying our procedures, to enable us to reduce spending and streamline operations with universities.
INRAE’s carbon action plan will be implemented throughout the institute to reduce our impact on the environment.
A very happy 2026 to you all.
Philippe Mauguin, Chair and CEO of INRAE