Missions

The work of the Science and Technology Observatory (OST) is organised around four strands, which translate its methodological approach into concrete tools for the higher education, research and innovation ecosystem.

Bespoke studies on request

The OST carries out tailored studies on a contractual basis for public and private partners alike. This fast-growing activity meets the needs of a wide range of research and innovation stakeholders: universities, research organisations, major public decision-makers (SGPI, DGRI, France Stratégie, HCEA) and funding agencies (ANR, INCA).

Designed with tailored scopes of analysis, these services draw on a range of indicators and expertise that effectively guide the strategic choices of the OST's partners.  (Contact the OST) 

In-depth studies in the service of public debate

The Observatory conducts broad studies documenting contemporary scientific dynamics. At the heart of this output is the annual report on France's position in global research, complemented by regular studies on the evolution of public policy and current research dynamics. It is supported by its Scientific Steering Committee in defining its annual work programme. 

These reference notes and studies, widely made available to the community, offer objective keys to understanding French research's place on the international stage and to better grasp current issues relating to science and technology (see our publications)

Informing public action 

The OST provides the State with the indicators needed for the strategic steering of national research. In this capacity, the Observatory contributes to the preparation of finance laws as part of the interministerial mission for research and higher education (MIRES) and Programme 193 dedicated to space research. Its teams take part in drawing up the annual performance projects and reports for the Ministry of the Budget, and contribute to drafting certain annexes to the finance bill.

This institutional support also extends to the regional level for the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. Finally, each year it results in the production of more than 120 individual and comparative reports for universities and research organisations (see our monographs IPERU).
 

Supporting peer review conducted within Hcéres

The OST feeds into the evaluations of universities, research organisations and university hospitals conducted each year by Hcéres's expert committees. 

By producing contextualised institutional monographs, the OST offers support for evaluation that is rigorous, transparent and tailored to the specific features of each institution (see our monographs institutional).

Contact us 

If you have a question about our studies, our methods or specific needs, contact the OST: ost.contact@hceres.fr