IRD - French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, France

The IRD is a multidisciplinary research institute dedicated to working closely with partner countries, primarily intertropical and Mediterranean ones, on global development issues. Placed under the supervision of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for Higher Education and Research and Innovation, the IRD aims at using its research and tools for the benefit of countries that make science and innovation the prime levers for development. The IRD’s cooperation methods, based on equitable scientific partnership, are flexible and responsive, ranging from support for interdisciplinary research centres put in place by the partner countries, to participation in joint scientific projects and programmes. Junior associated teams (JEAI), International Joint Laboratories, International Research Groups, Observatories, support for researchers and for programmes all allow the strengthening of research teams, within scientific partnerships with the IRD’s research units. Since the adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations General Assembly, the IRD has structured a new research strategy in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, addressing key issues for development such as understanding climate change in order to implement adapted solutions, quantifying uncertainties and managing risks, protecting biodiversity, improving population health, sharing knowledge and mobilizing the world’s youth. The IRD works with all the public and private players involved in sustainable development issues, by making research part of a co-creation process to change ways of live and economic models.

IRD consists of about 56 research centres, operating jointly with academic partners in France, in the French overseas territories and in 50 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Mediterranean Basin. About 35% of the 2018 IRD’s staff is based in Southern countries. IRD research unit Eco&Sols (Functional ecology of soils and agroecosystems) based in Montpellier, France, will be involved in the project. This unit is co-animating a joint international lab based in Western Africa called IESOL (Ecological Intensification of cultivated SOiLs in Western Africa) with CIRAD and local partners (UCAD, University of Thiès, ISRA, University of Ouagadougou, INERA). This lab offers soil analysis facilities and will constitute a platform for development of related activities, as well has hosting participating scientists and students

Role in project

Key persons involved

Dr. Laurent Cournac: Co-leader of WP5, maintain connections with WPs, 2, 3 4 and 6
Dr. Cathy Clermont: WP4 and WP5
Dr. Lydie Lardy: WP5
Dr. Komi Assigbetse: WP5
Dr. Frederic Do: WP4 and WP5
Dr. Josiane Seghieri: WP2 and WP4
Dr. Raphaël Manlay: WPs 4, 5 and 7
Dr. Didier Orange: WPs 4, 5 and 7
Ms. Patricia Moulin: WP5
Prof. Dr. Edmond Hien: WP5