In 2010, three Lyonnese research federations in physics, chemistry and engineering came together to design and create an interdisciplinary Laboratory of Excellence at the Université de Lyon.

Using the many multidisciplinary laboratories at the Lyon site, iMUST aims to promote synergies between these three disciplines to strengthen research and innovation in physical sciences, materials science and eco-responsible technology. Experimental studies, modelling and the utilization of complex multiscale problems are central to this LabEx's work.