CERFACS (Centre Européen de Recherche et de Formation Avancée en Calcul Scientifique) is a research organization that aims to develop advanced methods for the numerical simulation and the algorithmic solution of large scientific and technological problems of interest for research as well as industry, and that requires access to the most powerful computers presently available. CERFACS is governed by a Conseil de Gérance with representatives from its shareholders, and benefits from the recommendations of its Scientific Council. 

CERFACS has seven shareholders : CNES, the French Space Agency; EADS France, European Aeronautic and Defence Space Company; EDF, Electricité de France; Météo-France, the French meteorological service; ONERA, the French Aerospace Lab; SAFRAN, an international high-technology group; TOTAL, a multinational energy compagny. 

CERFACS hosts interdisciplinary teams, both for research and advanced training that are comprised of: physicists, applied mathematicians, numerical analysts, and software engineers. 

Approximately 115 people work at CERFACS, including more than 95 researchers and engineers, coming from 10 different countries. They work on specific projects in nine main research areas: parallel algorithms, code coupling, aerodynamics, gas turbines, combustion, climate, environmental impact, data assimilation, and electromagnetism & acoustics. 

Part of the research activity of CERFACS is associated with CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, www.cnrs.fr), as an "Unité de Recherche Associée" (SUC, URA 1875).CERFACS and INRIA Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et Automatique :www.inria.fr) joined parts of their activities within a common laboratory. CERFACS participates in the TVE (Terre Vivante et Espace, www.omp.obs-mip.fr pole of laboratories). It is also a member of RTRA/STAE (Réseau Thématique de Recherche Avancée "Sciences et Technologies pour l'Aéronautique et l'Espace",www.fondation-stae.net/, see also www.cerfacs.fr) and participates in the activities of AESE (Pôle de Compétitivité "Aéronautique, Espace et Systèmes Embarqués", www.aerospace-valley.com).