A joint laboratory for agriculture named MATIAIRE
CNRS, the University of Haute-Alsace (UHA) and TIMAC AGRO Launch a Groundbreaking Joint Laboratory to Address the Challenges of Tomorrow’s Agriculture
Carnot MICA is formalizing a new joint laboratory dedicated to the agriculture of the future, bringing together CNRS, UHA (University of Haute-Alsace), and TIMAC AGRO, a global leader in plant nutrition innovation.
Named “MATIAIRE,” this research partnership—the first collaboration with CNRS in the field of agriculture—aims to combine unique expertise to develop innovative materials that will make agriculture more efficient and sustainable. These materials are designed to deliver active ingredients for plant nutrition and livestock production.
Innovative Materials for Environmentally Friendly Agriculture
A Joint Laboratory to Develop Innovative Materials and Transform Agriculture
In a context of rapid agricultural change—fluctuating raw material prices, increasing climate uncertainties, and evolving production methods—this joint laboratory will accelerate the development of high value-added solutions in plant nutrition. Building on over 60 years of expertise from TIMAC AGRO, the goal is clear: to ensure that farmers no longer have to choose between yield, quality, and environmental sustainability.
Advances in plant nutrition will also support research in animal nutrition, improving efficiency, animal health, and welfare.
To achieve this, TIMAC AGRO, CNRS, and UHA (co-supervising institutions of the Institute of Materials Science of Mulhouse – IS2M) have joined forces to develop new eco-designed materials that enhance plant nutrition. Over a four-year period, a multidisciplinary team of more than 15 experts (agronomy, chemistry, physics, biology, etc.) will work on designing new nutrients to support plant growth while protecting the environment.
Thomas GEORGELIN, CEO, Roullier Global Innovation Center – TIMAC AGRO:
“A pioneer in technological fertilizers for over 60 years, TIMAC AGRO has built a network of high-level scientific partners to develop high value-added products for farmers. Our collaboration with IS2M for more than seven years has already resulted in publications and patents that will support future work. We are particularly enthusiastic about this new step, which will enable us to go even further in developing innovative technologies. This joint laboratory—the first with CNRS in agriculture—will provide farmers worldwide with increasingly innovative solutions tailored to their needs.”
Jean-Luc MOULLET, CNRS Deputy CEO for Innovation:
“Convinced of the value of flexible and long-term public–private research collaboration, CNRS welcomes the signing of its first joint laboratory with TIMAC AGRO. This initiative builds on a relationship of trust established since 2016, with around fifteen collaborative projects addressing the challenges of future agriculture. It also reflects the strong momentum of CNRS research collaborations in the agricultural sector.”
Pierre-Alain MULLER, President of the University of Haute-Alsace, represented by Jocelyne BRENDLÉ, Vice-President for Partnerships, DDRS and Student Entrepreneurship:
“By combining the expertise of TIMAC AGRO and IS2M teams and pooling financial, human, and technical resources, we will accelerate research and offer farmers a truly differentiated approach. Through this initiative, we aim to actively contribute to the transformations in food production and agriculture in the short, medium, and long term.”
A Collective Venture Bridging Public and Private Expertise
Supported by Carnot MICA—whose mission is to professionalize public research—this joint laboratory is the result of a strong collaboration between a public research lab, IS2M (jointly supervised by CNRS and UHA), and the private company TIMAC AGRO.
Lionel LIMOUSY, Director of Carnot MICA:
“We are very pleased to formalize our seven-year partnership with TIMAC AGRO, a major industrial player in agriculture, through the creation of this joint laboratory. Carnot MICA played a key role in initiating the collaboration between TIMAC AGRO and IS2M and in structuring the project. After identifying TIMAC AGRO’s needs, we defined a strategy to optimize their R&D investments. We supported them throughout the process—from contract preparation to identifying the right experts and implementing tools. Over the next four years, we will continue to monitor all processes through to final deliverables.”
The joint laboratory is co-designed and co-managed by the project leaders. Human (multidisciplinary skills transfer), material (facilities, equipment), and financial commitments will be shared among partners. Researchers will also engage in cross-training, exchanging methodologies and addressing challenges related to industrial-scale implementation. In addition, outreach workshops for farmers will be regularly organized.
From left to right: Pierre Roy (Deputy Director, “European and Public Funding for Academic-Industry Collaborative Research,” CNRS), Jocelyne Brendlé (Vice-President for Partnerships, UHA), and Thomas Georgelin (CEO, Roullier Global Innovation Center – TIMAC AGRO)
About Carnot MICA
Carnot MICA supports companies in developing their R&D projects. It specializes in functional materials, surfaces and interfaces, and associated processes, from fundamental research to industrial applications. The institute brings together 18 members and supports around 900 companies each year through partnerships with leading laboratories and high-tech platforms.
About CNRS
The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is one of the world’s leading research institutions. Its scientists explore life, matter, the universe, and human societies to address major global challenges. Internationally recognized for the excellence of its research, CNRS is a key reference in both R&D and public science.
About UHA
The University of Haute-Alsace has five campuses in Mulhouse and Colmar, with over 11,000 students enrolled in nearly 200 programs. Rooted in industrial and scientific needs, UHA emphasizes professional training and innovation. It hosts around fifteen research laboratories and is strongly committed to environmental and energy transition challenges.
About TIMAC AGRO
As a global leader in soil nutrition, fertilization, biostimulation, and animal production, TIMAC AGRO works closely with farmers worldwide. As part of the Roullier Group (€2.65 billion turnover), the company focuses on agronomic and industrial innovation to deliver efficient and responsible solutions aligned with today’s economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Key figures: 42 subsidiaries / 7,200 employees / 87 production units