International Research Networks (IRN)
An international cooperation tool shared by the CNRS, dedicated to structuring international researchnetworks.
1.

What is an International Research Network?

The purpose of an International Research Network is to structure an international scientific community
around a common theme or research infrastructure. It promotes the organisation of international
workshops and seminars, as well as thematic schools organised by the network partners in France andabroad. It brings together, for a duration of five years, researchers from one or more Frenchlaboratories, including at least one from the CNRS, as well as from several international partnerlaboratories.
2.

Who are International Research Networks intended for?

International Research Networks are intended for personnel conducting research in a CNRS unit, aswell as their scientific partners in France and abroad.
3.

How to propose an International Research Network ?

Applications should be submitted to the CNRS scientific Institute in charge of the applicant’s unit. It isrecommended that candidates contact the international relations correspondents within their
institute as early as possible, in order to find out about the specific procedures for submitting a project.
For interdisciplinary projects, the various Institutes concerned can be informed.
4.

How are International Research Networks evaluated?

Proposals for International Research Networks are evaluated by peer reviews within the CNRS
scientific Institutes based on the following criteria: scientific value of the project, interest of theinternational collaboration, scientific quality and complementarity of teams, past relations, balance ofparticipation in scientific activity, participation of young researchers, ethics, and financial justification.
Special attention will be given to the identification of targeted objectives relating to the expected
impact beyond the scientific activity itself (for example, preparation of a joint response to calls forproposals, promotion of joint programming, insertion into multilateral networks, organisation of theactivity around a research infrastructure).
5.

What are the outlines of the institutional formalisation of International Research Networks?

Once selected, International Research Networks are the subject of institutional letters of commitment
from the French and foreign institutions willing to support them, in particular by granting additional
funds in accordance with the internal evaluation and selection procedures specific to each institution.

6.

How are International Research Networks financed?

In addition to the resources directly provided by the participating teams, International Research
Networks receive funds specifically earmarked by the CNRS for international mobility between thelaboratories involved, and for setting up international workshops and seminars, working meetings, andthematic schools organised by the partners, for a total amount comprised between €50,000-€75,000
over the duration of the project. Managed by the CNRS laboratory overseeing the International
Research Network (lead laboratory), the CNRS funds are allocated by annual instalments dependingon the initial project, scientific assessments, and annual financial reports issued by the lead laboratory
and members of the International Research Network.
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