Founded in 2004, GeM – Research Institute in Civil and Mechanical Engineering – is a joint research unit of Nantes Université, Centrale Nantes and the CNRS (UMR 6183).
It brings together within a single laboratory all the expertise of the Nantes Saint-Nazaire area in civil engineering, mechanics of materials and processes, and modelling and simulation in structural mechanics.
Our missions
Original research in response to concrete industrial problems.
Innovative processes
Propose innovative manufacturing processes for materials, components and structures.
Simulation and design
Develop simulation tools suited to the design of products, structures and civil engineering works.
Life cycle and durability
Manage their life cycle, taking into account the influence of severe loadings and environmental actions.
From fundamental research to applications
Research at GeM is balanced between fundamental and applied research. The unit stands out for its significant and distinctive testing resources, gathered in several technological platforms.
Civil engineering
Test slab, durability characterisation, environment
Manufacturing
Bio-printing and additive manufacturing, composite processes
Materials
X-ray diffraction, durability of composites
Structures
Membrane structures, static and dynamic testing
Computing
Computing resources centre
Working closely with industry
Projects are carried out in close collaboration with industry, project owners and companies specialising in mechanical and civil engineering. They also involve scientific collaborations with other research centres in France and abroad, in particular within European programmes and networks.