BRGM's scientific strategy defines the French Geological Survey's research priorities for the next decade, in order to address major socio-economic issues in which the surface and subsurface play a key role.
6 August 2020
Cover and excerpt from BRGM's scientific strategy version 2019

Cover and excerpt from BRGM's scientific strategy version 2019.

© BRGM

BRGM's mission is to combine research, expert appraisal, and technological and industrial development relating to the Earth's surface and subsurface, both nationally and internationally. The French Geological Survey is publishing its scientific strategy, which defines the main scientific orientations for the next 10 years. Their aim is to better align the research effort and its implementation, in terms of expertise and innovation.

Geoscience in response to global challenges

BRGM's scientific strategy sets out the main research orientations, in order to address major socio-economic issues in which the surface and subsurface play a key role.

It is based on the main global challenges where geosciences have a crucial role to play in the coming years, such as climate change, anthropogenic pressure on the environment and urban growth.  BRGM's scientific strategy is in line with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, several of whose goals directly concern BRGM: access to clean water and sanitation, use of clean energy, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption, and climate action.

A science programme designed to address six key objectives

BRGM's scientific positioning is now built around six major objectives.

Two cross-cutting objectives:

  • Geology and knowledge of the subsurface
  • Digital data, services and infrastructure

Four specific objectives:

  • Groundwater management
  • Risk management and spatial planning
  • Mineral resources and the circular economy
  • Subsurface potential for the energy transition

Scientific strategy for the next 10 years