scanR. The search engine of the world of research and innovation

Last updated on 17 May 2026

scanR is a powerful a search engine that offers an exciting dive into the world of research and innovation in France. An impressive mapping of the richness of the research universe with all its ramifications. The service is offered by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

ScanR Reference, presents and links companies and research laboratories, authors of research work (theses, publications, patents) and public funding. A tool for teachers, researchers and specialists, but also for all citizens who will find something to understand the importance and diversity of this sector.

An enriched search engine

scanR only uses open and public data. The engine will reference them, format them, create links between them, map them, suggest close references. The result is really interesting and offers an enriched vision for each research topic.

scanR works as a search engine classic.  It allows you to search by topic (global warming, virtual reality, cancer…) For each query, scanR will propose in its results companies active in the field, public research laboratories, public funding and research work (publications, theses, patents).  ScanR will also identify the links between these different objects and allow them to be described in their context.

 

Data visualizations to make the data speak

scanR approached WeDoData’s excellent team to produce high-quality graphical representations that show the richness of the search field. The site offers a section dedicated to thematic focus. Specific topics are discussed in greater detail. Specific contextualisation and data-visualisations make it possible to go further on a specific topic. For the moment the number of Focus proposed is a little limited and the shelves a little empty, but the animators of the site promise that new focus will be made and added regularly.

Among these first focus or close-ups from the search engine, take a look at the one dedicated to Scientific channels on YouTube.  You will find some interesting nuggets.

ScanR is still in the beta phase, but the main thing is already there to make it a valuable tool. It will have to equip itself with the human resources to ensure editorial animation and perhaps also think about the transition to refreshing the graphic interface.

Link: scanR