The École nationale des ponts et chaussées and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University have chosen to create in early 2018 a joint research center comprising thematic research activities, training programs through research and research, as well as the dissemination of knowledge . The purpose of this center is to create a future Joint Research University School (Graduate School) focused on the challenges of the African continent. It will deal in particular with the following themes: "Simulation and Optimization", "Energy transition", "Industry of the future", "Public action and Public-Private Partnership", "City and Urban Planning", "Logistics and Supply Chain";
The "Simulation Optimization" thematic is already giving rise to 5 ongoing research theses, with the CERMICS laboratory. The themes "Industry of the Future" which involves the Saint Venant Hydraulic Laboratory, and "Town and Urbanism" which involves the Hydrology Meteorology Complexity laboratory, started in 2020, provide solutions to the industrial challenges of the OCP Group.
The Ecole nationale des ponts et chaussées / UM6P Joint Research Center was inaugurated in Paris in March 2018 by Mostafa Terrab, President of the OCP Group and of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, and Sophie Mougard, Director of the Ecole nationale des ponts et chaussées