A first set of laboratories has a common denominator that can be identified in the study of the Environment (broad sense), a second set of laboratories bringing together the actors involved in health research. Environmental sciences include general ecology, evolution, geology, climatology, behavioral sciences, agro-ecology and food sciences, while health sciences include all disciplines related to human health and nutrition.

Some research happens to be at the interface between these two major themes, justifying the existence of a common doctoral school. Such a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach sometimes exists within certain research units. We can cite the strong links between health and food, between food and agro-environments or even between health and the environment. In addition, disciplines such as sensory, psychology and epidemiology happen to be interface disciplines.