International cooperation tools

International Research Centres (IRC)

The International Research Centres (IRCs) are institutional cooperation tools designed by the CNRS to consolidate special partnerships with some of its main international partners. Motivated by a shared desire to tackle complex scientific issues by linking disciplines, the IRCs are based on a multidisciplinary foundation of structured cooperation. Incorporating institutional dialogue and shared scientific management between the CNRS and its partners, the IRCs mark a new level of strategic cooperation for the CNRS.

International Research Laboratories (IRL)

International Research Laboratories (IRL) are laboratories abroad whose legal framework is the same as that of mixed research units (UMR) in France. They are managed under joint supervision by the CNRS and one or more foreign organisations in the country where they are located. The Insmi has a large number of IRLs in which long-term mobility and assignments are possible, as well as missions to participate in their scientific activities.

International Research Networks (IRN)

International Research Networks (IRNs) are networks organised around a theme in several regions of the world, or around several themes in a particular region of the world. They structure a community, in particular through the organisation of workshops, seminars and thematic schools by French and foreign partners.

International Research Projects (IRP)

International Research Projects (IRP) are designed to make new international collaborative projects possible or to consolidate research collaborations already established as part of short programmes. The main purpose of these projects is to organise working meetings or seminars and to supervise students. They can last three or five years, depending on the size of the teams involved and the scope of the planned programme.