CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

The CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research) is a government-funded research organization under the administrative authority of French Ministry in charge of research. The missions of CNRS, defined by governmental decree, are to evaluate and carry out research capable of advancing knowledge and bringing social, cultural, and economic benefits to society ; to contribute to the application and promotion of research results ; to develop scientific information ; to support research training and to participate in the analysis of the national and international situation of science and its perspectives for evolution in view of contributing to the development of the national research policy.

As the largest fundamental research organization in Europe, CNRS is involved in all fields of knowledge. Interdisciplinary programs and actions offer a gateway into new domains of scientific investigation and enable CNRS to address the needs of society and industry. CNRS is organized in more than 1100 research units spread throughout France. These units are either intramural or in partnership with universities, other research organizations, or industry.