In 2010, French universities involved in marine sciences (research, higher education and observation) decided to create a network to coordinate their efforts in order to enhance their European investment and efficiency in the European Research Area. RUM is also involved in several national and international infrastructures and organizations. As of May 2021, seventeen universities are part of the group. The organisation is made up of several university representatives, from Lille, Boulogne, Le Havre, Caen, Brest, Lorient & Vannes, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Perpignan, Montpellier, Marseille, Toulon, Nice and Paris (SU & MNHN with their 5 marine stations).