The development of the scientific cluster Chemistry-Materials presents major stakes for the ‘Campus Grand Lille’ project – the renovation project of universities in Lille (North of France), announced by the Minister Valérie Pécresse last 15th September 2009. At first its goal is to reinforce the international profile of a multidisciplinary cluster which falls within the heart of great national & European priorities (Chemistry of Solids, and Materials under complex environments ; Valorization of biomass, clean processes & products ; Functional ceramic, molecular & macromolecular materials and biomaterials). Its scientific skills and technical capacities constitute the research support of the MAUD & UP-TEX competitiveness clusters.
The development of the Chemistry-Materials branch also remains a priority for the territorial development, in particular because this branch is at the heart of 5 out of 6 technological clusters identified in the Nord-Pas de Calais as (1) Embarked communicating electronics (2) Innovative materials and combined processes (3) Biosourced products (4) Building and sustainable development (5) Waste valorization.
This strategy goes through the development of the Michel-Eugène Chevreul Institute, particularly of its technological platforms. Already pursued in the CPER (Contrat de Projet Etat-Région) for a total amount of 13.50 million euros, linked to the renovation & reorganization of the whole department of Chemistry, the operation is made up by 8.2 million euros, for the new building of the Institute (2,500 sqm), including the housing of the technological platforms, the scientific animation and the welcoming of industrial partners, in particular for those of competitiveness clusters.
