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To produce and disseminate scientific knowledge Because of the broad scope of activities it has covered since its inception, INRA has built up a portfolio of fundamental scientific knowledge and skills which are principally founded in the life sciences, but also in economic and social sciences, mathematics and applied informatics, environmental sciences and food sciences, etc. Thus in both France and Europe, INRA has become a cornerstone for specialised scientific communities such as agronomy, animal production and health, soil sciences, plant breeding and protection, forestry research, etc. This range of high-quality skills in different disciplines has today allowed INRA to evolve in line with society and be able to respond to emerging priorities such as the environment, the long-term development of natural resources and biodiversity, or food safety and quality. To develop innovations and know-how for the benefit of society The knowledge thus acquired means that INRA can offer practical answers to agricultural, food or environmental questions in a context of sustainable development. One of INRA's missions is also to develop innovations and know-how of service to society. These practical applications will contribute to developing agricultural, industrial or service companies, and thus favour employment. Through its expertise, to inform decision-making by public and private sector players INRA researchers are often asked for their opinions on questions affecting society at a national, European or international level. Their scientific knowledge allows them to express impartial opinions on the natural, technical and social mechanisms involved and thus suggest actions that public or private sector players can debate and adopt. The knowledge and expertise they have acquired can thus contribute to the development of standards. To develop scientific and technical culture and participate in the science/society debateTo contribute to the dissemination of scientific culture. As a public research institute, INRA's mission is to place the knowledge it has acquired at the service of all, in order to provide keys to understanding the living world and contribute to informing all citizens, particularly young people. To develop discussion in society about science. In addition to providing information and training, INRA has a duty to inform the ongoing debate on the uses and objectives of science. The participation of citizens or representatives from different components of society (associations, unions, professional organisations, elected bodies, etc.) in developing research questions, discussing their results and potential applications, monitoring and evaluating innovations and appraising research programmes is necessary for the targeted management of research.
To contribute to training in and through research. Since 1998, the Institute has multiplied its partnerships with higher education establishments, and particularly universities. Such partnerships in the context of Joint Research Units have encouraged the participation of INRA researchers and engineers in teaching and increased the Institute's capacity for training doctoral students. The closer involvement of INRA in doctoral schools is a high priority. The aim is to train students in agricultural disciplines in their broadest sense, and prepare them for research work in the areas of food and nutrition, sustainable farming and the environment. INRA supports these training policies through allocating grants. Since 2003, INRA teams and researchers have also been involved in the gradual introduction in France of the European standard higher education system (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate), and particularly in the development of specialist training for new research-oriented Master's degrees.
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