Project-based funding to advance research

The ANR (French National Research Agency) is a research funding organisation. The Agency was established by the French government in 2005 to fund research projects, based on competitive schemes giving researchers the best opportunities to realise their projects and paving the way for groundbreaking new knowledge. The role of the Agency is to bring more flexibility to the French research system, foster new dynamics and devise cutting edge-strategies for acquiring new knowledge. By identifying priority areas and fostering public-private collaborations, the ANR also aims at enhancing the general level of competitiveness of both the French research system and the French economy.

Project-based research funding is well established in many countries where it is known to stimulate research organisations and strengthen their synergies. The ANR’s approach to funding allows French research to reinforce its international position and better integrate the framework of European cooperation.

ANR funds are available in all scientific fields, for both fundamental and industrial research and for public research organisations as well as private companies (through public/private partnerships). With a peer review process matching the highest international standards, ANR’s general goal is to fund excellent research, while also facilitating innovation and interdisciplinary work and developing European and international collaborations.

Download ANR 2011 Annual Report

The ANR is constantly attentive to the scientific community. Indeed, consulting the scientific community each year on the future needs in both fundamental and applied research is one of the agency’s priorities. The ANR’s goal is to identify themes which can respond not only to societal, environmental and economic needs, but also to technological and scientific challenges, through a broad consultation process.

In order to enrich its portfolio of thematic programmes with the most strategic considerations, the Agency therefore implements a continuous foresight and programme planning process in which it consults the widest possible range of national and international stakeholders.

ANR's programmes are organised in 6 thematic priorities:

Since July 2010, ANR's programme planning and selection processes are ISO 9001 certified.