The Master in Microfluidics (Master 2) is an interdisciplinary program supported by the Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes (IPGG).
It is oriented towards innovation, research, and industrial applications, and offers one of the fastest ways to connect with the start-up ecosystem in the field of microfluidics.

This program is part of two internationally recognized Master’s degrees:

  • Physics of Complex Systems (Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Université Paris-Saclay) – for students with a physics background.
  • Materials Science and Engineering (Université PSL) – for students with chemistry or biology backgrounds.

Why join the Microfluidics program?

The program provides a unique combination of advanced scientific training, cutting-edge research experience, and exposure to innovation.
Two key strengths define the student experience:

  • Excellence in academic teaching with a highly interdisciplinary curriculum.
  • Hands-on research & technological training, directly linked to academic labs and industrial innovation.

Students are trained to think like scientists and engineers while solving real-world problems. They benefit from:

  • A faculty of internationally recognized experts
  • Access to state-of-the-art research platforms
  • A strong culture of innovation through collaborations with start-ups and incubators

A unique location

Student life takes place in the heart of Paris, within the Latin Quarter – a historical hub of French science.
The IPGG campus is within walking distance of world-class institutions such as:

  • Sorbonne Université
  • Institut Curie
  • École Normale Supérieure
  • Chimie ParisTech
  • ESPCI Paris

This geographical concentration fosters constant interdisciplinary exchange.
Paris itself is a thriving multicultural hub of innovation and research, offering direct access to Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris Cité, and innovation clusters.

Curriculum Overview

The program runs from September to June/July and is worth 60 ECTS.

  • Courses (30 ECTS) → Core & specialized classes in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
  • Research Project (3 ECTS) → A first-semester project in an IPGG lab.
  • Master’s Thesis & Internship (30 ECTS) → A 5–6 month research internship, defended before a jury.

Core Topics

Technology

  • Micro- and nanofabrication: silicon, PDMS, plastics, flexible electronics
  • Surface functionalization (molecular & biomolecular methods)
  • Characterization: microscopy, flow cytometry, rheology, single-molecule imaging

Physics

  • Hydrodynamics at the microscale, nanofluidics
  • Capillarity, wetting, soft matter & interfaces

Lab-on-a-chip

  • Continuous & segmented flow chemistry
  • Bioassays & analytical microdevices

Biology & Biochemistry

  • Droplet-based biochemistry & single-cell analysis
  • Single-cell & collective cell behavior in microdevices
  • Organ-on-chip approaches

Hands-on Training

From the very start, students receive intensive lab training on the IPGG technological platform, learning to design, fabricate, and manipulate microfluidic devices.

This foundation is reinforced by:

  • A short research project in semester 1.
  • A Master’s thesis (30 ECTS) in semester 2, carried out in academia or industry, in France or abroad.

Innovation & Industry Connection

Microfluidics is a driver of deep-tech entrepreneurship.
The program benefits from strong ties with innovation clusters:

  • PC’Up incubator
  • Tremplin Carnot IPGG TT office

Students meet start-ups and industrial partners during regular events, and many companies have directly emerged from IPGG labs.

Faculty

Teaching is provided by leading researchers from across Paris, including:

  • Institut Curie: M. Thery, P. Silberzan, B. Hajj, S. Descroix, S. Coscoy, L. Muller
  • Sorbonne Université: H. de Maleprade
  • ENS Paris-Saclay: B. Le Pioufle, K. Perez-Totalla
  • ESPCI Paris: N. Brémond, D. Quéré, C. Trégouet, M. Ardre, J. McGraw
  • Chimie ParisTech: M. Tatoulian, S. Ognier
  • École Normale Supérieure: M. Morel, J. Fattaccioli
  • Université Paris Cité / Paris Diderot: A. Lindner
  • Université Paris-Saclay: B. Le Pioufle