National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) – PhD Research Funding Opportunities

As the largest fundamental research organisation in Europe, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) offers a wide range of funding opportunities for prospective PhD students. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about securing CNRS PhD funding.

What is the CNRS?

The CNRS, or Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, is a research organisation under the administrative authority of the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. This national institute covers all fields of knowledge, from the social sciences and humanities to the hard sciences. It’s a vast network of research excellence, spanning many disciplines and French universities.

With over 1,000 research unit locations across France, the CNRS is a major player in international partnerships. This research organisation focuses on pushing boundaries and fostering scientific collaboration across borders, making it an attractive destination for ambitious doctoral students from around the world. It employs over 33,000 researchers, engineers and support staff and is present in over 1000 laboratories.

Understanding CNRS PhD Funding

The CNRS funds research projects to invest in the next generation of researchers. CNRS PhD funding is a gateway to joining this scientific research community. Unlike some French universities and their broader doctoral contracts, CNRS funding often focuses on targeted joint research projects and thematic programme initiatives.

The CNRS offers PhD funding through several avenues. These include:

• Joint research programs with international partners,
• Direct funding schemes like the BDI Grants,
• Doctoral contracts within CNRS laboratory environments.

It’s this focus on collaborative and thematic research that distinguishes CNRS funding. The CNRS isn’t just a research institution, it is a fundamental research organisation that participates in international research projects across many areas of research.

Types of CNRS PhD Funding

The CNRS funding landscape is diverse. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

• Joint Research Programmes: These are collaborative initiatives with international research institutions. Examples include the UChicago-CNRS Program and the UoM-CNRS Scheme. These programme initiatives provide comprehensive support, often covering tuition, living expenses, and research-related costs for PhD students.
• Doctoral Contracts: These are essentially employment contracts offered within a research unit, providing a salary for the duration of your PhD. It’s important to note that these contracts are not tax-free.
• CIFRE Grants: These grants are for PhD candidates who wish to pursue their research while employed by a company. It’s a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
• Regional Grants: Some local authorities in France offer thesis grants or allowances to support doctoral students. These grants are worth exploring, though availability and amounts vary.
• Eiffel Excellence Scholarships: While not specific to the CNRS, these prestigious scholarships, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, are open to international PhD students and can be a valuable source of funding.
• BDI Grants: Specifically for engineers, BDI grants fund phd candidates through partnerships.

Eligibility Requirements

CNRS funding is competitive and eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific call or programme. However, some general criteria apply to most funding opportunities.

The affiliation of the Principal investigator (PI) is important. In general, they must be CNRS or CNRS unit-affiliated researchers or professors with accreditation to supervise PhD candidates. Their employment contract must extend beyond the PhD project’s completion.

Collaboration is key. Projects must involve collaboration between a CNRS-affiliated PI and a PI from the partner institution. The project’s scope should also align with the specific research areas outlined in the call or programme.

For PhD student candidates, you’ll need to meet the enrollment criteria of both institutions involved in a joint research project. Often, you should be either a prospective PhD student or already enrolled in a PhD programme.

Some calls may specify a time limit since obtaining your Master’s degree. A good example of this is the CNRS – JSPS Joint Calls, which have specific requirements for CNRS researchers, including postdoctoral researchers, collaborating with Japanese counterparts.

Funding Amounts and What’s Covered

CNRS typically offers a full three-year PhD grant for PhD students based at a CNRS laboratory. The amount is approximately 1,400 euros net per month. In addition to this, you can expect around 5,000 EUR per year for research-related activities. This can include travel expenses for both the PhD student and the principal investigator (PI), as well as costs associated with workshops or virtual collaborations.

The funding structure can vary depending on the collaborating institution and the specific call for proposals. For example, collaborations with Imperial College London may involve funding for mobility, research consumables, and even tuition costs.

CNRS-UoM funding specifically focuses on a full PhD grant, coupled with the 5,000 EUR annual support for research activities. This comprehensive approach ensures that CNRS PhD students have the resources they need to conduct their research effectively.

Additional Support and Benefits

Beyond the direct financial support, CNRS PhD funding often comes with additional benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life in France. Housing benefits, such as the APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) from the CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales), can help reduce your housing expenses. These are calculated based on your specific circumstances and rent amount.

You can also access commuting allowances, which partially reimburse the cost of public transport, cycling, or carpooling. The “Prime d’activité,” another benefit from the CAF, is an employment bonus for those on a low salary, which may apply to some PhD students.

Health insurance is covered, and you might have the option of employer-subsidised complementary health insurance (mutuelle). All of these benefits contribute to a more secure and comfortable experience during your PhD journey.

Navigating the Application Process

The application process for CNRS PhD funding varies depending on the specific joint research programme or funding scheme. However, some common elements apply to most applications. A joint research proposal is typically required, developed collaboratively by the PI at your home institution and the PI at the CNRS laboratory.

Eligibility criteria must be met by both PIs and PhD students. PIs must be accredited supervisors from their respective institutions. The PhD student must be eligible to enroll in either the CNRS laboratory or the home institution’s joint PhD programme. Submission channels differ. For CNRS, proposals are usually submitted via their dedicated online portal (e.g., https://noa.cnrs.fr) by a set deadline.

Evaluation Criteria

Your proposal will be evaluated based on several criteria, including:

• Scientific merit and innovation: Is the research original, impactful, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge?
• Team synergy: Does the collaboration between the French research team and the international partner demonstrate strong potential for success?
• PhD student engagement: Is the PhD student actively involved in the research, and does the project contribute to their development as a researcher?
• Project sustainability: Is there a plan for continued scientific collaboration beyond the grant period?
• Career benefits: Does the project offer significant career development opportunities for the researchers involved, particularly the PhD student?

Key Dates and Deadlines

Staying on top of deadlines is crucial. These vary significantly between different CNRS calls and international partnerships. Here’s a glimpse of some important dates for specific programme initiatives:

Table 1: CNRS Funding Deadlines

Note: Always refer to the official call documents for the most accurate and up-to-date information on deadlines. These dates can change, and specific requirements may vary.

Duration and Renewal of Funding

CNRS PhD funding typically lasts for three years. This aligns with the standard duration of a PhD in France. Renewal beyond the initial three-year period is not standard for CNRS joint programme initiatives. Other funding mechanisms, like doctoral fellowships, might offer the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years, subject to satisfactory progress and performance.

For instance, doctoral fellowships might offer a net monthly salary of around €1,400, while research institute contracts might offer around €1,500, with annual renewals. CNRS joint programs, however, are generally set for three years without a standard renewal option.

Specific Considerations for International Students

International PhD candidates applying for CNRS funding should pay close attention to the specific requirements of each programme. For example, the CNRS-UChicago program offers a three-year fellowship for CNRS PhD students, while UChicago provides support from the home institution.

The CNRS-UoM program fully funds two joint PhD candidates, covering scholarship, tuition, and travel for both. The CNRS-Imperial program provides three-year funding for the CNRS student, with partial funding for the Imperial student to be sourced by their department or external sources.

Mobility costs are often covered, allowing for international travel for both PIs and PhD students. Most programme initiatives last for three years, and joint research projects must be prepared collaboratively by both institutions.

Applications are typically in English. Selection is based on scientific quality, originality, the benefits of international collaboration, and the synergy between the teams. Ensure you understand the funding structure of both the CNRS and the collaborating institution.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Read the Guidelines Carefully: Each call for proposals has its own set of guidelines. Pay close attention to the eligibility criteria, required documents, and evaluation process.
• Start Early: Preparing a strong application takes time. Don’t wait until the last minute to start working on your proposal.
• Collaborate Closely with Your PIs: Work closely with your PIs at both institutions to develop a compelling and well-structured research proposal.
• Highlight the Benefits of International Collaboration: Emphasise the added value of working across borders and the unique opportunities offered by the joint research programme.
• Demonstrate a Clear Plan for Supervision: Outline how the PhD student will be supervised and supported by both PIs.
• Submit All Required Documents: Ensure you have included all necessary documents, such as CVs, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and endorsements from both institutions.
• Contact the Programme Coordinators: If you have any questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to the programme coordinators. Their contact information is usually provided in the application guidelines.

Conclusion

Securing CNRS PhD funding can be a transformative step in your research career. It offers not only financial support but also access to a world-class research organisation and a vibrant international research network. By understanding the different funding options, eligibility criteria, and application process, you can increase your chances of success.

Remember, the CNRS is not just a national center for scientific research; it’s a global hub for interdisciplinary research and international collaboration. As a prospective PhD student, tapping into CNRS funding opportunities can open doors to a fulfilling and impactful research journey.

Good luck!