The creativity of individuals is deeply influenced by the environment in which they work, and this is clearly seen in the context of universities, according to researchers Guy Parmentier and Bérangère Szostak. French universities have shown varied responses to the results of the European Research Council (ERC) funding for excellence in research. Some institutions are celebrating the number of researchers in their labs who received grants, while others are disappointed with results that fell short of their expectations, even though the number of applications has increased. The French Ministry of Higher Education and Research reported an 11.6% rise in proposals for Starting Grants, which is slightly below the European average of 12.5%. Additionally, French researchers were part of 21 of the 66 projects selected for Synergy Grants, compared to 29 from Germany. While these figures are commendable, they raise important questions about how to sustain and enhance scientific creativity over time. ERC-funded projects often showcase a high level of intellectual daring and innovation. For this creativity to continue, it's essential to examine the conditions that support research. A recent study in the Revue française de gestion highlights five key areas for fostering creativity in organizations like universities. These include access to advanced equipment and infrastructure, the availability of knowledge resources and methods, openness to interdisciplinary collaboration, opportunities for idea exchange through socialization, and organizational flexibility. Scientific creativity also depends on having access to tools and methods that support research, such as high-performance databases, artificial intelligence tools, and training in new research methodologies. Openness encourages collaboration across different fields and with industry partners, allowing for the exchange of ideas and expertise. Socialization—where researchers share and refine their ideas through seminars, conferences, and workshops—is also crucial. This process thrives in environments where leadership values boldness and innovation over risk avoidance. Organizational agility, or the ability to make flexible decisions, is another important factor, but researchers often face limitations due to rigid systems and limited budgets. To further develop creativity, the management of ideas needs to become more professional. Collecting, evaluating, and promoting new ideas should be a strategic goal, and researchers should be trained in these practices. A supportive work environment that encourages diversity, offers stable resources, and fosters a stimulating atmosphere is essential. French universities have the potential to become global innovation hubs, but achieving this will require creating the right conditions to support creativity through better infrastructure, openness, collaboration, flexibility, and professional idea management. This challenge extends beyond science, touching on economic, social, and democratic aspects as well.