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CNRS's Scientific Decisions: Scientific Councils disclose outcomes from their deliberations

Discussion instigated by the president-director general and head of publication, the president-director general of CNRS, on the scientific strategy of the organization, involving the Scientific Council.

CNRS's Scientific Decision-Making: The Scientific Boards Share the Outcomes of Their Discussions
CNRS's Scientific Decision-Making: The Scientific Boards Share the Outcomes of Their Discussions

CNRS's Scientific Decisions: Scientific Councils disclose outcomes from their deliberations

CNRS Seeks Input on Scientific Policy and Role in French Research Ecosystem

In early 2025, the President-Director General of the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) sent a letter to the Scientific Council of the CNRS and the Scientific Councils of the ten institutes, inviting them to formulate their recommendations on the organization's scientific policy. This move marks the beginning of a comprehensive reflection on the role of the CNRS in the French research ecosystem and its position in international scientific competition.

The focus of these recommendations is twofold: animating and coordinating national research, and organizing and supporting research units. The opinions submitted by the Scientific Councils are expected to help determine the added value of the CNRS and its place in the competitive world of scientific research.

The announcement of a new "CNRS Key Labs" label, unveiled at a convention of unit directors on December 12, 2024, has sparked lively reactions within the scientific community. These reactions have expressed concerns and questions about the label, which may influence the ongoing negotiations with the ministry, universities, and other partners in higher education and research.

The opinions of the Scientific Councils will be used to clarify the priorities of the scientific policy internally. They may also contribute to ongoing discussions with the ministry in charge, universities, and all partners in higher education and research.

Notable authors of the recommendations concerning the scientific policy of CNRS include Corine Defrance (CNRS, Sirice) and Prof. Dr. Ulrich Pfeil (University of Lorraine/CEGIL), both affiliated with CNRS and the University of Lorraine respectively.

In response to these reactions, the President-Director General of the CNRS has decided to impose a moratorium until the summer of 2025 to clarify the priorities of the scientific policy internally. This move serves as a request for input from the Scientific Councils to aid in the ongoing reflection on the scientific policy of the organization.

The opinions of the Scientific Councils will be considered as part of the comprehensive reflection on the role and position of the CNRS in the French and international research landscape. The CNRS, as a national operator, seeks to ensure its continued relevance and success in the competitive world of scientific research.

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