Section 08 of the CN

Section 08 of the Comité National is dedicated to the physics of complex matter and living systems. It coordinates research activities, evaluates laboratories and researchers, and contributes to national scientific policies in this field.

Associated Institutes

The main institute of Section 08 is CNRS Physique (ex INP), and the secondary institutes are CNRS Biologie (ex INSB), CNRS Chimie (ex INC), and CNRS Ingénierie (ex INSIS).

Keywords

  • Physics of soft matter, complex fluids, and granular media
  • Nonlinear physics, instabilities, morphogenesis
  • Statistical physics, disordered systems, complex media
  • Waves in complex media, microscopy and imaging, biophotonics
  • Interfacial phenomena, confinement, and nanofluidics
  • Out-of-equilibrium phenomena, self-organization, active matter, programmable matter
  • Bio-inspired systems, biomaterials
  • Physics of macromolecular, cellular and tissue systems
  • Physics of living matter, electrobiology, bioelectronics interfaces
  • Physics of population and ecosystems dynamics
  • Neurophysics and physical approaches in neuroscience, cognitive and behavioral sciences
  • Experimental methods and instrumentation for complex and living matter, large-scale research facilities
  • Theory, modeling, numerical simulations

See also this official document on the renewal of the sections of the National Committee for the 2025–2029 mandate for more information.

Main Missions of the Comité National

  • Participation in the recruitment of researchers through eligibility juries and specific competitions.
  • Evaluation and career monitoring of researchers, including advice on promotions and transfers.
  • Advice on the creation, renewal, and closure of research units and federative structures.
  • Advice on the creation and renewal of research groups and thematic schools.
  • Analysis of the national and international scientific situation and preparation of prospective reports every five years.
  • Carrying out expert reviews and exchanges with other institutions at the request of the CNRS President or partner organizations.

See the internal regulations of the sections for details on missions and operational procedures.
For more information, you can consult the Coordination of Comité National bodies (C3N).

Disclaimer

This site is not officially affiliated with the National Committee for Scientific Research (CNRS). It is created and maintained by members of the section and aims to provide information to the scientific community of section 08.