Arènes (UMR 6051) is a French joint research unit in the humanities and social sciences, created in 1973 and based in Rennes. Bringing together researchers from the University of Rennes, Rennes 2 University, Sciences Po Rennes, the EHESP School of Public Health and the CNRS, it also includes a team accredited by INSERM. Its work is multidisciplinary, drawing on political science and sociology as well as history, communication and information studies, public health, management and epidemiology.

The laboratory investigates social and health inequalities across the life course; mobilisations and public, media and political spaces; public policy, democracy and changing territories; and the organisation and management of health services. Its research groups and projects also address gender, environmental knowledge, political engagement and social science methods. Arènes shares its work through publications, books, videos, seminars, conferences and other scientific events. It supports doctoral research and offers information on theses, training and academic life.