French government considers merging research organisations IRD and CNRS

The French government is considering bringing together the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).

Valérie Verdier, the CEO of the IRD, wrote a letter to her staff on 08/07/2026, a copy of which News Tank was able to obtain: "Discussions are underway at the request of our two ministries (the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) with a view to bringing the IRD closer to the CNRS. These discussions form part of the ‘Efficient State’ initiative launched by the Prime Minister on 19/09/2025."

This letter follows the announcement of the project at the IRD Days 2026, an internal event held in Marseille on 02 and 03/07, and an initial…