The MiDi (Habitats & Diversity [Milieux & Diversité]) network is a Thematic Research Network in the Centre-Val de Loire Region, covers multiple fields of BioGeoSciences and Human and Social Sciences. An extension of the RESONAT Cluster since 2014, it has brought together the laboratories of INRA, BRGM, the Universities of Tours and Orléans, IRSTEA and CNRS involved in the observation and management of natural resources. It develops its activity in close relation with the DREAM cluster.

Its Ambitions

  • In the Region, promote cross-disciplinary and integrated activities in the BioGeosciences and the Human Sciences on the theme of interactions between Habitats, Biodiversity and Society.
  • Strengthen the international visibility of the Region’s academic competences relating to this theme.
  • Use research outputs to investigate case studies and contribute to solve local issues in collaboratiohn with local stakeholders and partners.

Its Scientific & Technical Perimeter

On the basis of the competences present in the Region on habitats, biodiversity and societal dynamics, MIDI has defined 3 directions of activity:

  • The dynamics of natural resources concerns their composition, functioning and utilisation (economic, social and political dimensions) under conditions sof global change.
  • Adaptation mechanisms of living organisms to variations in habitats subject to anthropic forcing, and the impacts of these adaptations on habitats (retroaction).
  • The technical and social engineering of habitats and biodiversity, and decision aids for the sustainable management of natural resources.

Its key figures

MiDi has forged a network of more than 1500 researchers in the academic world.

  • 7 research organisations: INRA, CNRS, IRSTEA, BRGM, MNHN, the Universities of Tours and Orléans
  • 24 units: AGPF (INRA), BBV (UT), BGE (BRGM), CEDETE (UO), CITERES (CNRS, UT), D3E (BRGM), EFNO (IRSTEA), GBFor (INRA), GéHCO (UT), ICARE (CNRS), ICOA (UO), InfoSol (INRA), InTRu (UT), IRBI (UT, CNRS),  ISTO (CNRS, UO,BRGM), LBLGC (UO), LEO (UO CNRS), LPC2E (CNRS, UO), OSUC (UO, CNRS), PRC (INRA, CNRS, UT, IFCE), RHT (MNHN), URA (INRA), UR SOLS (INRA), URZF (INRA).
  • 7 partners: DREAM cluster, SATT Grand Centre, Intelligence des patrimoines (I-PAT), the Zone Atelier Loire (ZAL), Labex Voltaire, the Natural Regional Park of Loire Anjou Tourraine (PNR LAT), the Conservatory of Natural Areas of Centre-Val de loire (CEN).

Its actions

  • Bring the laboratories in the Region that focus on environmental themes to work in a networkso as to facilitate meetings and exchanges between the researchers and the different actors.
  • Create scientific and technical events of national and international scale to promote and give prominence to the research carried out in the Region.
  • Favour interactions between the region’s research and socioeconomic activities. The objective for the academic and socioeconomic worlds and the Region is to permit the production of scientific knowledge, share and disseminate knowledge to drive the emergence of new concepts in the environmental sciences, the emergence of collaborative platforms, and technology transfers.