In the content of organising its scientific policy, Centrale Lille is confirming its support for research activities and particularly for the development and rollout of technology and engineering platforms by creating a seal of approval granting specific resources.

A technology and engineering platform is a coherent set of equipment, software, methods and human resources. It combines the expertise of academic researchers, engineers and technicians and the use of cutting-edge scientific and technological software and equipment at different levels.

The main activities of a technology and engineering platform are to:

  • Provide a specific, top-quality scientific and technical services offering, based on the areas of expertise and skills of a laboratory or network of labs, for companies or other laboratories through cooperation or services. The platform’s activity is built on different types of services: research contract (testing, feasibility, experimentation, open innovation, etc.), standard or bespoke services, specific training, steps towards technology transfer (proof of concept, technology maturation, scale-up, licensing, etc.).
  • Develop a core set of skills and resources based on:
    • ongoing specialisation and training of platform staff
    • a coherent set of equipment and methods with regular upgrades
    • active resourcing in fundamental and experimental research
    • applied research carried out in conjunction with independent laboratories or companies under research contracts or service agreements
    • a scalable offer for initial or continuing education

There are two dimensions to a technology and engineering platform:

  • “Technological”: The platform allows differentiating state-of-the-art equipment and techniques and high value-added experiments to be developed on different scales. The services provided are technical solutions with scientific measurements and analyses.
  • “Engineering”: The platform offers a combination of cutting-edge technologies and methods for application projects related to training and industrial sectors. The services provide both expertise and complete solutions to a given issue, in project mode. The “engineering” dimension provides added value thanks to a good match between R&D skills and knowledge of the needs of different business sectors such as energy, the environment, health and digital technology.

In 2021, Centrale Lille supported eight platforms (FIRE RESIST, HT SMART FORMU, PPTS, PIMS, 4MAAT, PLEX, REALCAT and UPCAT with a total allocation of €35K) and through this seal of approval, it hopes to widen this circle by providing: additional resources, structuring in the “technological” and “engineering” dimensions and visibility.

Through a call for applications for the platform seal of approval, Centrale Lille aims to:

  • supplement the financial resources of its academic partners
  • calibrate the activity of platforms to meet the abovementioned challenges
  • optimise operations, financial management, pricing and regulatory practices
  • Boost the visibility of its scientific strategy
  • provide long-term support and follow-up for platforms
  • strengthen research activity and develop links with the economic world, business sectors and emerging markets
  • be visible at regional, national and international levels
  • develop training on cutting-edge research tools

The approval of a platform will be granted for a period of two years, renewable in the same way as the initial award.

Only operating expenses and minor investments will be eligible under this seal of approval.

Applications

Platforms having a scientific and technical manager who is a member of one of our seven laboratories are eligible for this seal of approval.

For this first call, the application form (Excel file to be completed) must be sent by email to by 1 March 2022.

For more information, please contact Sébastien Paul and Anne-Valentine Duffrène.