Availability of materials to meet ever more demanding specifications in terms of specific technical performance, reliability, economy development, sustainability, environmental impact and recycling capacity, is central to the innovation process in which CEA is engaged.

This innovation is based on the original design of advanced components for new technologies of defense and global security, energy, information and health often with a key role played by these materials. Recognizing these challenges, the CEA has always had the desire to develop materials science to meet the challenges of its programs. Although, over time, the manner of its organization in this area were of various shapes, materials stay a major and constant concern.