# Top 30 research institutes in the Rhône department

Tamtam tracks 48 research institutes headquartered in the Rhône department. This list ranks the 30 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lumière Lyon 2 and Université Jean Moulin (Lyon III). Their median headcount is 338. Half of them were founded in 2007 or later. The most common headquarters are Lyon (17) and Villeurbanne (11).

The Rhône department is home to a significant concentration of research institutes, predominantly in higher education. These are mostly large public institutions, several of which were established in the early 1970s. Key players include Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, a public university specializing in sciences and medicine, and INSA Lyon, an international multidisciplinary engineering school. Cerema, a public referent for territory development, also contributes to the research landscape.

Other notable organizations are Centre Léon Bérard, a specialized cancer hospital and research center, and IARC, the International Agency for Research on Cancer. A common pattern observed is the clustering of these institutions within the cities of Lyon and Villeurbanne.

🇫🇷 Rhône · 30 companies · Updated Nov 11, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-claude-bernard-lyon-1) (univ-lyon1.fr)<br>Public university specializing in sciences, medicine, and pharmacy with significant research facilities and a strong regional academic presence. | Higher Education | 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne | 4,476 | 1971 |
| 2 | [Université Lumière Lyon 2](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-lumiere-lyon-2) (univ-lyon2.fr)<br>Large French public university offering diverse programs from bachelor to doctorate, focusing on research, international partnerships, and societal engagement. | Higher Education | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 3,390 | 1973 |
| 3 | [Université Jean Moulin (Lyon III)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-jean-moulin-lyon-iii) (univ-lyon3.fr)<br>Public university offering multidisciplinary higher education and research in law, management, humanities, and social sciences with strong societal engagement. | Higher Education | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 2,461 | 1973 |
| 4 | [Cerema](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cerema) (cerema.fr)<br>Public referent for territory development, assisting government, communities, and businesses in adapting areas to climate change across six activity domains. | Government Administration | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 2,160 | 2014 |
| 5 | [INSA Lyon - Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/insa-lyon-institut-national-des-sciences-appliquees-de-lyon) (insa-lyon.fr)<br>International multidisciplinary engineering school focusing on high-quality education, research, and fostering global openness and social aspects in curriculum. | Higher Education | 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne | 1,831 | 1957 |
| 6 | [Centre Léon Bérard](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/centre-leon-berard) (centreleonberard.fr)<br>Specialized cancer hospital and research center providing personalized treatment, innovative therapies, and compassionate care to support patients throughout their illness. | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 1,418 | 1923 |
| 7 | [École normale supérieure de Lyon](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ecole-normale-superieure-de-lyon) (ens-lyon.fr)<br>Higher education institution specializing in interdisciplinary research and training, fostering scientific excellence and social engagement in education and research. | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 1,268 |  |
| 8 | [Université catholique de Lyon](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-catholique-de-lyon) (ucly.fr)<br>Higher education institution offering multiple faculties, advanced schools, and research centers focused on various academic disciplines and studies. | Education Administration Programs | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 936 | 1875 |
| 9 | [Ecole nationale des Travaux publics de l'Etat](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ecole-nationale-des-travaux-publics-de-l-etat) (entpe.fr)<br>Engineering and doctoral school specializing in sustainable urban development, offering bachelor, engineer, and doctoral programs along with complementary training in various fields | Higher Education | 🇫🇷 Vaulx-en-Velin | 522 | 1954 |
| 10 | [IARC - International Agency for Research on Cancer / World Health Organization](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iarc-international-agency-for-research-on-cancer-world-health-organization) (who.int)<br>Coordinate and conduct research on cancer causes, mechanisms, prevention strategies, epidemiology, laboratory studies, and disseminate scientific information globally. | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 515 | 1965 |
| 11 | [Université de Lyon](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-de-lyon) (universite-lyon.fr)<br>Coordination of academic institutions in Lyon Saint-Étienne, supporting strategies, managing common projects, and promoting the regional academic territory. | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 487 | 2007 |
| 12 | [iaelyon School of Management](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iaelyon-school-of-management) (iae.univ-lyon3.fr)<br>A regionally recognized school of management offering academic excellence and professional pragmatism, preparing future managers and entrepreneurs for complex corporate environments | Higher Education | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 479 | 1956 |
| 13 | [Maison des Mathématiques et de l'Informatique](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/maison-des-mathematiques-et-de-l-informatique) (mmi.universite-lyon.fr)<br>A pioneer in mediation of mathematical and computer sciences, providing interactive, multidisciplinary learning experiences through exhibitions, workshops, games, and more | Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 469 | 2012 |
| 14 | [ECAM LaSalle](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ecam-lasalle) (ecam.fr)<br>Offers five CTI-recognized engineering programs, including generalist and specialized options, a cybersecurity bachelor's, and a continuous improvement master's, located in Lyon. | Higher Education | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 364 | 1900 |
| 15 | [Sciences Po Lyon](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sciences-po-lyon) (sciencespo-lyon.fr)<br>A multidisciplinary and professional education institution in Lyon offering a five-year Master's degree program with a focus on research excellence | Higher Education | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 338 |  |
| 16 | [CRCL Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/crcl-centre-de-recherche-en-cancerologie-de-lyon) (crcl.fr)<br>A cancer research center affiliated with various prestigious institutions, aiming to enhance international recognition, knowledge transfer to clinics and industry, and education | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 309 | 2011 |
| 17 | [CIRI Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ciri-centre-international-de-recherche-en-infectiologie) (ciri.ens-lyon.fr)<br>The organization is dedicated to understanding and controlling infectious diseases through cutting-edge research in bacteriology, immunology, and virology | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 204 | 2013 |
| 18 | [Lyon Neuroscience Research Center - CRNL](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/lyon-neuroscience-research-center-crnl) (crnl.fr)<br>Established in 2011 by INSERM, CNRS, and two universities, this center focuses on understanding brain function and disorders through multidisciplinary research and technological platforms | Think Tanks | 🇫🇷 Bron | 195 | 2011 |
| 19 | [SuperGrid Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/supergrid-institute) (supergrid-institute.com)<br>Expertise in high and medium voltage direct current systems, co-developing solutions to overcome technical barriers for future energy supergrids. | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne | 156 | 2014 |
| 20 | [CETIAT](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cetiat) (cetiat.fr)<br>Independent technical center providing expertise in industrial innovation for eco-energy transition, decarbonization, indoor air quality, and energy metrology from conception to market | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne | 136 | 1960 |
| 21 | [Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l'Environnement de Lyon (IRCELYON)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-de-recherches-sur-la-catalyse-et-l-environnement-de-lyon-ircelyon) (ircelyon.univ-lyon1.fr)<br>The IRCELYON is a leading research unit in heterogeneous catalysis, focusing on sustainable development in energy, environment, and green chemistry | Think Tanks | 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne | 104 | 2007 |
| 22 | [BIOASTER](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bioaster) (bioaster.org)<br>Development of innovative technologies and collaborative projects to combat antimicrobial resistance, improve vaccines, and diagnose infections rapidly. | Biotechnology Research | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 101 | 2012 |
| 23 | [CNRS Délégation Rhône Auvergne](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cnrs-delegation-rhone-auvergne) (rhone-auvergne.cnrs.fr)<br>Research institution explores living things, matter, universe, human societies. Recognized for scientific work excellence in research and development. | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne | 97 | 1939 |
| 24 | [Institut Lumière Matière](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-lumiere-matiere) (ilm.univ-lyon1.fr)<br>Researching physics and chemistry, from fundamental to innovation, across materials, soft matter, nanosciences, optics, theory, and life sciences. | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne | 86 | 2013 |
| 25 | [INL - CNRS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/inl-cnrs) (inl.cnrs.fr)<br>A leading research unit focused on micro and nanotechnologies, conducting multidisciplinary research with applications in various economic sectors | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne | 76 | 2007 |
| 26 | [INSAVALOR](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/insavalor) (insavalor.fr)<br>INSAVALOR facilitates collaboration between INSA Lyon laboratories and companies for research, technology transfer, training, and innovation projects, supported by expert teams and platforms | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne | 68 | 1988 |
| 27 | [IMP Laboratory](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/imp-laboratory) (imp-umr5223.cnrs.fr)<br>Research unit specializing in polymer materials and engineering under CNRS, focusing on innovative research and development in the field | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne | 65 |  |
| 28 | [Laboratoire RESHAPE - Research on Healthcare Performance](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/laboratoire-reshape-research-on-healthcare-performance) (reshapelab.fr)<br>RESHAPE is a research unit focused on public health, healthcare performance, and patient/user journey, formed under two leading institutions | Public Health | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 61 |  |
| 29 | [Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie thérapeutique (LBTI)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/laboratoire-de-biologie-tissulaire-et-ingenierie-therapeutique-lbti) (lbti.ibcp.fr)<br>A leading French research laboratory specializing in studying healthy and diseased tissues, developing innovative therapeutic strategies for clinical applications | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 55 | 2013 |
| 30 | [PULSALYS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/pulsalys) (pulsalys.fr)<br>Incubator and accelerator for Deep Tech innovations, transforming scientific discoveries from the University of Lyon into economic opportunities for companies and startups. | Research Services | 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne | 50 | 2013 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 11, 2026.

## More company lists in the Rhône department

- [The largest companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-rhone) (4,813)
- [Multinational companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-rhone) (577)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-rhone) (509)
- [Professional services firms in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-rhone) (400)
- [Manufacturers in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-rhone) (322)
- [Retail chains in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-rhone) (302)
- [IT services companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-rhone) (286)
- [SaaS companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-rhone) (284)
- [Software Development companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-rhone) (264)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-rhone) (253)
- [Hardware manufacturers in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-rhone) (243)
- [Consulting firms in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-rhone) (242)
- [Business Consulting and Services companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/business-consulting-and-services-companies-rhone) (219)
- [Distributors and wholesalers in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/distributors-and-wholesalers-rhone) (185)
- [Higher Education companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/higher-education-companies-rhone) (155)
- [Education providers in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-rhone) (154)
- [Law Practice companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/law-practice-companies-rhone) (152)
- [Real Estate companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/real-estate-companies-rhone) (151)
- [Family-owned companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/family-owned-companies-rhone) (149)
- [Subscription businesses in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/subscription-businesses-rhone) (149)
- [Construction companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/construction-companies-rhone) (140)
- [Pharmaceutical companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/pharmaceutical-companies-rhone) (134)
- [Financial services firms in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-rhone) (132)
- [Advertising Services companies in the Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/advertising-services-companies-rhone) (126)

## The same list elsewhere in France

- [Research institutes in France](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-france) (965)
- [Research institutes in Île-de-France](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-ile-de-france) (329)
- [Research institutes in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-auvergne-rhone-alpes) (99)
- [Research institutes in Grand Est](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-grand-est) (97)
- [Research institutes in Occitanie](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-occitanie) (91)
- [Research institutes in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-provence-alpes-cote-dazur) (74)
- [Research institutes in Nouvelle-Aquitaine](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-nouvelle-aquitaine) (73)
- [Research institutes in the Bouches-du-Rhône department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-bouches-du-rhone) (51)
- [Research institutes in the Haute-Garonne department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-haute-garonne) (51)
- [Research institutes in Hauts-de-France](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-hauts-de-france) (49)
- [Research institutes in the Essonne department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-essonne) (42)
- [Research institutes in Brittany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-brittany) (36)
- [Research institutes in the Gironde department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-gironde) (35)
- [Research institutes in the Nord department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-nord) (33)
- [Research institutes in the Isère department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-isere) (31)
- [Research institutes in Pays de la Loire](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-pays-de-la-loire) (31)
- [Research institutes in the Hérault department](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-herault) (29)
- [Research institutes in Normandy](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-normandy) (27)
- [Research institutes in Paris](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-paris) (200)
- [Research institutes in Toulouse](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-toulouse) (48)
- [Research institutes in Marseille](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-marseille) (41)
- [Research institutes in Montpellier](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-montpellier) (29)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-rhone