Introduction

Cooperation with laboratories, universities and top professional schools is an important part of Total’s research and development strategy.

Cooperation with academic research takes a number of forms, including consultations with experts, financial support and partnerships. Some 500 international agreements with universities and research organizations have been signed to pursue joint projects and programs, such as doctoral theses, post-doctoral work, science co-op placements under France’s International Scientific Volunteer System and financial support for research in academic laboratories and departments.

This extensive commitment to cooperative research is shared by the R&D departments in all of our major business units, including Exploration & Production, Gas & Power, Refining & Marketing and Chemicals. In addition, the divisions operate 20 internal research centers, employing 4,200 engineers and technicians. In all, the Group's R&D budget totalled 600 million euros in 2007.

All of these R&D activities and interfaces with academia are coordinated by the Science Division.