Our strategic areas of innovation

The strategic areas of innovation are themes of excellence developed by Inserm. They make up an essential part of innovation at the best global level and contribute to France's attractiveness in human health issues. They require a national and international development strategy in the medium and long term.

Our strategic areas of innovation

Inserm strategic fields of innovation

  • The discovery and validation of molecular, cellular or numeric biomarkers and signatures for prognostic or diagnostic purposes (HLA system, KRAS mutations, Immunoscore, SMA Dx, HPV and HIV Dx)
  • The discovery and validation of therapeutic targets (CTLA-4, IL17, PCSK9, receptor TPO, BTLA…)
  • Biotherapy: early development of therapeutic products, mainly biologics
    • Antibodies (including human mAbs), VHH (single domain antibodies), multi-specific antibodies, conjugated-antibodies, and CAR cells forms, etc.
    • Therapeutic proteins, peptides
    • Cell and gene therapies
    • Nucleic acids (AON, miRNA, aptamers…)
    • Vaccines and adjuvants
  • Digital therapeutics
  • Data from the general population, patients, cohorts and biological materials
  • Artificial intelligence, health data and databases
  • Biological materials for translational research projects
  • Clinical trials, clinical and epidemiological studies

The Digital Heath at Inserm

  • Imaging technologies for diagnostic purposes
    • Computerised methods based on image segmentation and processing (analysis of pixels, textures and other variables) to isolate lesions on MRI, PET, CT scan images, etc.
  • Sequencing technologies for diagnostic purposes
    • DNA/RNA sequencing methods for genome/transcriptome analysis, coupled with computer programmes and signature pipelines to identify biomarkers
  • Digital twins / avatars
    • Modelling (molecules, toxicity, pathophysiology, organs, populations) In Silico
    • Technologies linked to Drug Discovery, Drug Development/ Patient Journey
  • Predictive medicine
    • Integration of clinical parameters within an analysis algorithm to predict the occurrence of future events (diagnosis, prognosis, etc.).
  • Mobile applications & Digital therapies (DTx)
    • Psycho-educational content, CBT, questionnaires, with or without remote monitoring, to predict and/or prevent the onset of pathological events.
  • Others
    • Augmented reality devices, teleportation capsules, etc.

Inserm Research Programs

  • Technology Research Accelerators (ARTs): Biomedical ultrasounds (2016), Bioprinting (2017), Genomic therapy (2018), ART ARNm (2023)
  • Les programmes d’impulsion lancés à partir de 2023 : Mécanismes et mécanique en systèmes multicellulaires tridimensionnels – MeCaCell3D, NeuroTechnologies, Chirurgie et procédures interventionnelles du futur, Changement climatique et santé, Exposome
  • Cross-cutting scientific programme: Microbiota (2016), Aging (2016), Genetic variability (2018), Human Development Cell Atlas – HuDeCa (2018)
  • Booster Programs to be launched from 2023 : Mechanisms and Mechanics in Three-Dimensional Multicellular Systems – MeCaCell3D, NeuroTechnologies, Surgery and interventional procedures of the future, Climate change and health, Exposome
  • Antibiotic Resistance Priority Research Program
  • Priority Research and Resources Programs (PEPRs) – France 2030
    • Infectious (re)emerging diseases and NRBC risks
    • Digital health (with Inria)
    • Biotherapies and Biomanufacturing of innovative therapies (with CEA)
    • Food Systems, Microbiome, and Health
  • Exploratory PEPR
    • Women’s Health, Couples’ Health
    • Mental Health Exploratory (Propsy)
  • Thematic national plans: Cancer Plan (2021-2030), Plan France Genomic Medicine 2025, Neurodegenerative Diseases Plan, Rare Diseases Plan (2018-2022)