[3] It was created in 2011 from the merge of 3 "Unités Mixtes de Recherche" CNRS/University laboratories: LMP, TREFLE, US2B and 3 "Equipes d'Accueil" of Research Ministry: LAMEFIP, LGM2B, GHYMAC.

Since its creation, the institute plays an important role in the project "H2E" (Horizon Hydrogen energie).

Its work is mainly focused on two fields : multi-scale characterization and development of a new kind of mechanical test.

As a member of the association Fondaterra, the I2M is also in charge of a massive geological studies program in order to certify the occupation of lands.

[4] High-tech apparatus are available in the institute especially in the fields of optics and numerical computations :