Created in 1944, the Institute for research and development is a French public institution with scientific technologic orientation of more than 2200 agents placed under the double affiliation with the ministries in charge of Research & Cooperation, headed by Jean-François Girard, State Counselor and directed by Professor Michel Laurent. Involved in many scientific international and European programs, this institution relies on its agency functions to mobilize research organisms and universities supporting research for development.
IRD conducts scientific programs centered on the relations between Man and his environment in Southern countries (Africa, Latin America, Asia and tropical French Over Sea), in order to contribute to their development.