Inac, a joint CEA-UGA research institute, is a major actor in fundamental research on condensed matter, soft matter and cryogenics in Grenoble.

Most of its activities in physics, chemistry and at the interface with biology are included under the banner of nanoscience. It has programmes in several strategic areas: low carbon energy, information technology, heath technology, global defence and security, development and use of large facilities, cryogenics for space and for large facilities.