Building on the alignment of their scientific objectives and the complementarity of their expertise, this new partnership is designed to structure collaboration between the CSN and IFREMER’s Underwater Systems unit, whose scientific and operational capabilities are critical to naval and subsea robotic systems.
An alliance for next-generation marine technologies
This initiative reflects the shared ambition of the Collège des Sciences Navales and IFREMER to develop an integrated, rigorous, and open approach to underwater simulation, at the intersection of academic research, technological innovation, and operational needs.
By combining their expertise and infrastructure, the three partners intend to leverage digital twins to model and simulate complex underwater systems under realistic conditions. The goal is to create virtual testing environments that accelerate innovation while strengthening technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness.
The creation of the Collège des Sciences Navales last June laid the groundwork for a unique framework at the interface of academic research and industrial challenges. This partnership with IFREMER builds on that momentum: it advances our shared ambition to position France and Europe at the forefront of marine technologies by structuring high-level scientific collaboration around digital twins, serving underwater robotics and sovereignty.”
— Godefroy Beauvallet, Chief Executive Officer of Mines Paris – PSL
Four priority research areas
The partnership is structured around four research streams focused on unmanned naval, underwater, or hybrid vehicles—whether remotely operated or autonomous:
- Axis 1: Multiscale modeling of flow dynamics around the drone to optimize design and performance.
- Axis 2: Simulation of low-resolution acoustic imaging to improve underwater perception and navigation.
- Axis 3: Modeling of light absorption and scattering, including active imaging, by suspended particles in water to enhance interpretation of optical data.
- Axis 4: Generation of large-scale realistic underwater environments for training drone operators and validating control algorithms.
A first step in a large-scale scientific collaboration
Beyond research, the partnership includes concrete actions: scientific exchanges, co-supervision of PhD theses and internships, development of interoperable digital tools, joint publications, and participation in national and European projects.
This collaboration represents a foundational step toward larger-scale initiatives. It aims to strengthen national capabilities in underwater robotics and advanced simulation in support of scientific and technological sovereignty. It also reflects a shared commitment to building an integrated, rigorous, and open approach at the crossroads of academic research, technological innovation, and operational needs.
A steering committee will oversee the partnership and coordinate its scientific activities, with the objective of generating new projects and defining a shared roadmap.
This partnership illustrates our commitment to bringing together the strengths of research and industry to address the technological challenges related to understanding, protecting, and using the ocean. Digital twins are key to designing more efficient and safer underwater drones. This collaboration with the Collège des Sciences Navales will help attract young talent and strengthen our capabilities in ocean engineering.
— François Houllier, Chairman and CEO of IFREMER
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IFREMER’s involvement in the alliance between the École des Industries Avancées and Mines Paris – PSL reflects our vision of education rooted in innovation and collaborative research. Together, in Toulon, we are preparing the talents who will shape the future of a high-tech industry. We are also reinforcing a scientific potential that extends its influence across Europe.
— Hervé Guillou, President of the École des Industries Avancées
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Looking back at the signing ceremony on April 24, 2026
At the digital and immersive hall of IFREMER’s Mediterranean center in La Seyne-sur-Mer, participants were given a tour showcasing activities and infrastructure dedicated to underwater technologies, as well as the simulation platform for subsea vehicles.
The visit concluded with the official signing of the partnership between Mines Paris – PSL, the École des Industries Avancées (EDEIA), and IFREMER, followed by a discussion session bringing together all stakeholders involved in the collaboration.
