The CEA research centre in Grenoble was started in 1956 by Professor Louis Néel, winner of Nobel prize for physics, and now ranks as Rhône-Alpes'
top technology research centre. In conjunction with Grenoble INP, CEA Grenoble started the Minatec innovation centre and is now one of the main
partners. With a workforce of 4,200 people it comprises 115 laboratories (encompassing Leti research themes) working on all the main
topics related to micro and nanotechnology, biotechnology, new energy technologies and nanomaterials.
The research in biotechnology is oragnise around 3 laboratories:

IRTSV (Life Science and Technology Research Institute), with a staff of 400 people is both an institute reporting to CEA's Life Science Directorate (DSV) and a Federative Research Institute (IFR). iRTSV coordinates the research programmes of two directly managed CEA units and six mixed units, under the supervision of CEA and UJF , as well as one or more other research bodies (three with CNRS , four with Inserm, one with INRIA ). Its research draws on a wide range of experimental approaches in cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry and physics. Primarily it combines basic research with a concern for biotechnology development. It also plays a key role in the work of the Rhône-Alpes Genopole, the Lyon Rhône-Alpes Auvergne Canceropôle (Clara ) and the Nanobio programme.
Its work hinges on three main research programmes:
- metals in biology (nuclear toxicology, biocatalysis),
- cell signalling and effectors,
- interfaces between cell biology and new technology (development of highly integrated analysis tools).

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CEA's Electronics and Information Technology Laboratory (Leti) was started in 1967 in Grenoble and is now one of the leading European centres for applied research in electronics.It employs almost 1,000 people (2006 figures), with a further 500 outside staff (thesis students, research partners, firms). It boasts impressive technological resources. CEA Leti applies nonotechnologies to biology and health sciences. Cette dernière activité concerne le Département des microTechnologies pour la Biologie et la Santé. The Microtechnology for Biology and Healthcare Department (DTBS), with staff of 170, focuses on developing its key activities and preparing for breakthroughs in fields in which demand is strong. DTBS combines microsystems and data-processing sensors to provide medical systems with robust digital data. More info

DRFMC is the basic research department of CEA's Material Science Directorate (DSM). The priority concern of DRFMC is basic research in nanoscience, a field in which the department is set to play an important role as part of the development of the Minatec centre, the emergence of the Nanobio project, and new energy technologies. DRFMC is focusing its activities on condensed matter and chemistry, and is consequently
involved in the work of two key European facilities, the ILL and the ESRF . More info