About us

In a glance

The CRIOBE laboratory is a research support unit bringing together nearly 90 people, including university professors, researchers, and technical and administrative staff from three of the largest research institutions in France: the École Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE), the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), and the University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD). The laboratory is part of the prestigious PSL University.

Facilities at CRIOBE are spread over two main campuses: the University of Perpignan (UPVD) in the south of France and the CRIOBE Research Station located on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia. The unit also has an office at the Maison des Océans in Paris, France.

Our History

1971
1971

Creation of the MUSEUM-EPHE branch in Tiahura

The current research group stems from the emergence in the early 1970s of a research team from the École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE) and the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN).

1981
1981

Installation in ‘Opunohu bay

Creation of the Island Research Center and Environmental Observatory.

1991
1991

Creation of URA 1453 CNRS – EPHE

The research activity on coral reefs carried out over the years earned it recognition by the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in 1991.

2010
2010

Creation of USR 3278 EPHE-CNRS

The USR 3278 Services and Research Unit was founded to develop French research on coral reefs.

2014
2014

UPVD joint affiliation

The UPVD becomes an additional institutional partner of the CRIOBE through the integration of the host team "Laboratory of Chemistry of Biomolecules and the Environment" of the UPVD.

2019
2019

New five-year program

Start of the new five-year program “Coral Reefs of Tomorrow”.

1971
1990
2021

Strategic programs

The research conducted by CRIOBE is structured around four major strategic research programs.

Studying the interactions and chemical communication among coral reef organisms to better understand the role that chemicals and olfactory components play in the structure and function of coral reefs, as well as the impact of environmental changes on chemical processes. Learn more

Describing, understanding and anticipating the changes that reef organisms will face in the coming years for scientifically-sound conservation management, restoration, and coastal planning decisions. Learn more

Understanding the local and global factors that enable coral reefs to provide vital services to humans, assessing their vulnerability to anthropogenic and climatic pressures, and studying their resilience capacity. Learn more

Improving our understanding of the key drivers and most influential internal linkages at play within coral reef social ecosystems in order to lay the foundation for effective decision-making. Learn more

Activity reports - OFAI

OFAI 25

Rapport d’activités 2020/2021

OFAI 24

Rapport d’activités 2018/2019

OFAI 23

Rapport d’activités 2016/2017

OFAI 22

Rapport d’activités 2014/2015

OFAI 21

Rapport d’activités 2012/2013

CRIOBE members work on three geographical sites. Two located in mainland France and one overseas.

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In 2019, a new governance scheme is in place.

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The CRIOBE laboratory works at the local, national, and international levels and collaborates with various institutions and scientific organizations as part of its research and research training activities.

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A team of more than 90 people, researchers, technical and administrative staff.

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We welcome interns, PhD students, post-docs and researchers under contract for specific research projects, but also engineers and technicians.

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CRIOBE, the first research center of excellence on coral reefs is celebrating its 50th anniversary!

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Events