The broad scientific scope of the EDPIF includes the physics of fundamental interactions, quantum physics of dilute or condensed matter, statistical physics, soft matter and biophysics, as well as fundamental topics in optics, acoustics and hydrodynamics. 
Though the School is oriented toward both experimental and theoretical fundamental physics, it is nevertheless open to related applications.

The EDPIF hosts more than 500 PhD candidates preparing their doctorate in its 40 laboratories throughout the Paris region (both center and south area),  and comprises more than 800 researchers involved in thesis supervision.