On Friday 4 July 2025, CEREGE inaugurated the Halle CIRENE, a new 400 m² building dedicated to scientific experimentation and environmental innovation, on the Technopôle de l'Arbois in Aix-en-Provence. This platform will strengthen the laboratory's capacity for applied research and collaboration with the socio-economic world.
A platform for testing, developing and pooling resources
Designed as a shared workplace, the Halle CIRENE is intended to host pilot projects at the interface between environmental sciences, engineering and ecotechnologies. It will be used to test depollution processes, analyse complex materials and develop new environmental sensors.
The first research projects housed in the Halle CIRENE focus in particular on :
- recycling of critical metals ;
- treatment of complex waste ;
- recovering carbon from soils ;
- water quality ;
- eco-design of nanomaterials.
A time for sharing and dialogue
The inauguration morning began with a round table discussion on the theme of "What potential for co-innovation around the Halle CIRENE?The event brought together representatives from research, industry and local authorities. Speakers included Ariane Théodose (Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence), Charlie Barla (CISAM), Grégory Brochard (ALLIOS), Cristina Casian Colonna d'Istria (EA Éco-Entreprises), François Feron (OORAY) and Nicolas Roche (CEREGE).
At the end of the round table, participants moved to the Halle CIRENE to hear speeches by Éric Berton, Arnaud Mercier and Lucilla Benedetti, followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The morning continued with tours of the hall and ended with a convivial cocktail reception on site.