International Research Laboratories (IRL)
An international cooperation tool shared by the CNRS, aimed at structuring highly-localisedinternational research collaboration.
1.

What is an International Research Laboratory?

International Research Laboratories are international schemes in which research work is jointly
conducted around a shared scientific focus. They structure, within an identified location, the significant
and lasting presence of scientists from a limited number of French and foreign research institutions (asingle foreign partner country).
International Research Laboratories have a duration of five years.
2.

Who are International Research Laboratories intended for?

International Research Laboratories bring together personnel conducting research at the CNRS or atpartner institutions.
3.

How are International Research Laboratories established?

International Research Laboratories are proposed by the scientific Institutes of the CNRS based on
structured international collaborations. They involve a high degree of internationalisation among theparticipating teams, as well as a strong concentration of research activity within a partner organisation.
They are evaluated by peer review within the Institutes as well as by the relevant section of theNational Committee for Scientific Research, when necessary. The location of activities (prospect oflong-term scientific stays or assignments depending on specific cases) is an essential criterion ofevaluation. Consideration is also given to the scientific value of the project, the potential interest of
the collaboration and its expected impact, the quality of the team and institutional partnership, thebalance between institutional partners in contributing resources, the participation of young
researchers, collaboration history, ethics, and financial justification.
The decisions relating to the creation or renewal of International Research Laboratories are made by
the CNRS Executive Board.
4.

What are the outlines of the institutional formalisation of International ResearchLaboratories?

International Research Laboratories are developed over a year, during which a cooperation agreement
is negotiated between the various French and international supervisory bodies involved.

5.

How are International Research Laboratories financed?

In addition to the resources pooled by the institutions involved and directly provided by participating
laboratories, International Research Laboratories receive, over their duration, funding earmarked by
the CNRS for a total amount comprised between €75,000-€100,000 . Managed by the CNRS laboratory
overseeing the International Research Laboratory, these funds are allocated in annual instalments
depending on the initial project, scientific assessments, and the annual financial reports issued by its
director and members.
Should a dedicated unit be created, the funds are allocated to this structure, and supplemented by
specific resources (functioning, equipment, investment), and the assignment of personnel.
More information and points of contact are available on the CNRS’s international webpage
http://international.cnrs.fr
European Research and International Cooperation Department
CNRS-Campus Gérard Mégie
3, rue Michel-Ange 75794 Paris Cedex 16