With a major research university right in our backyard, a strong military presence and innovative companies throughout the metro region, thereâs often a plethora of interesting science and technology news to be found in Southern Arizona. Hereâs a breakdown of the most interesting recent developments. Â From Pima to Paris. The University of Arizona has entered into a partnership with the French National Centre for Scientific Research to establish an international research center that will focus on environmental, data and climate science. The new âFrance-Arizona Institute for Global Grand Challengesâ is based at UA and will utilize each establishmentsâ science strengths: CNRSâ telescopes, particle accelerators and large-scale research facilities across five continents; and UAâs expertise in the fields of optical sciences, data science and environmental research. But what made UA the ideal partner for CNRS is Biosphere 2, the large greenhouse-like facility north of Tucson, which is âthe only place in the world where scientists can simulate climate change and study its effects on entire ecosystems in one location.â Though UA and CNRS have previously collaborated on multiple projects, UA says the new Institute will tackle issues such as sustainability and resilience in arid lands; how biomes connect and respond to global change; the nature of dark matter and dark energy; and equitability in the digital revolution.Â