Institut Claudius Regaud

Objective for 2014, the Toulouse Oncopôle

This ambitious medical and scientific project will bring researchers, engineers, doctors and academics together on the same site - 4000 people in total - a first in France. Knowledge of fundamental and applied research along with high technology will be shared to create a truly multidisciplinary environment in order to speed up the development of customised medicine. For Jean-Pierre Armand, the General Director of the Claudius Regaud Institute (2006-2011), “ The Toulouse Oncopole aims to become a centre of expertise and international excellence. It already has the means available to make this ambition come true."

Total investment of 1 billion Euros

This project brings together public and private organisations. The French government has pledged 300 million Euros towards building the cancer centre.

Toulouse, a scientific knowledge pool, the second leading university in France

The focus for treatment at the Toulouse Oncopole relies on longstanding experience in fundamental research and with internationally renowned hospitals. The three key areas are: genetic instability, ARN and epigenetics and finally the micro environment for modelling interactions between cancerous cells and tissues. Each of these areas offers targets for new generations of treatments. The research program will use all different types of skills - engineering sciences (computing, electronic, nanotechnologies etc,), human and social sciences and of course fundamental sciences. The proximity of two laboratories (Sanofi and Pierre Fabre) which are responsible for four international successes, represents strong support for innovative projects.

In addition to the University Clinic for Cancer, the Toulouse Oncopole will be made up of:

• A public research centre
• A private research centre
• An innovation and valorisation centre
• A research and treatment network

Toulouse Oncopole's key strengths

→ A 220 hectare site, to become the largest European Cancer Campus, which will accomodate 4000 professionals, 2400 of which will be researchers.

→ An alliance of all regional health facilities (private and public) at the “University Institute for Cancer” to ensure patients have access to the latest advances.

→ Public and private investments of close to 1 billion Euros.

→ A public contribution (not including the hospital) of 50 millions Euros and a contribution for constructing the hospital totalling 300 million Euros.

→ Strong economic power onsite due to the presence of two internationally renowned industrial pharmaceutical companies. Sanofi-Aventis will have its first international research centre “drug discovery”, and a total of 1000 employees onsite by 2010 in an 80 000 m2 area. Pierre Fabre laboratories will have a research centre housing all its oncology research teams - 750 people in total.

→ Recognition of the high quality of scientific and clinical research teams with the “Treatment Research Network” for their project “Research and Innovation into Cancer Treatment”.

Toulouse, a great lifestyle

The campus wants to provide international teams with the best environment possible so that they can share this human and scientific adventure. Capital of the aviation industry, Toulouse* has around 1 million inhabitants of which 130 000 are students.

Between the sea and the mountains, the city is sunny for most of the year making it a great place to live. Great attention has been paid to the quality of life on the campus. A 40 000 m2 complex containing a business centre, restaurants, sports facilities, residential services and shops will be built on the site.

* One of the 10 most dynamic cities in the world (according to Newsweek's 2006 ranking)

Toulouse Oncopole Website