A network of Biological Reference Centers for Microorganisms

The CIRM is a scientific interest group (GIS) founded in 2004 by the Microbiology and Food Chain Department (MICA) of INRA in order to preserve and develop its collections of micro-organisms.

It brings together five MicroBiological Resource Centers (mBRCs) specialised in the conservation, distribution and characterisation of 15,000 pure strains of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, yeasts) of interest for agronomic and environmental research. All CIRM's BRCs are certified in accordance with the OECD charter (ISO9001) to ensure the quality and monitoring of their missions.

The CIRM comprises 20 permanents scientists, engineers and technicians working in the 5 mBRCs.

In 2021, the CIRM, which is managed and governed by INRAE, will involve five partners:

- The University of Aix-Marseille

- The University of Angers

- The University of Rennes

- The University of Montpellier

- The Institut Agro Campus Ouest and Montpellier

In 2017, INRAE created a full-time CIRM coordinator position  (michel-yves.mistou@inrae.fr) to foster synergies between the BRCs, promote the network's visibility and define the scientific and organisational strategy.