ANR Postdoctoral Fellows Return Scheme

René-Luc Bénichou

This new programme of the French National Research Agency (ANR) helps young researchers who have done a postdoc abroad to come back to France. Deadline for application: March 17th, 2009.


To help outstanding young researchers come back to France after a postdoctoral stay abroad, the French National Research Agency is launching a new programme entitled "Postdoctoral Fellows Return". This programme enables them to carry out a research project in a research organisation, university or business with a recruitment view.

The programme is aimed for young researchers of all disciplines who have obtained their PhDs since less than three years ago and who have done a postdoc abroad during at least one year. Foreign young researchers are eligible, provided they have defended their theses in France. An excellent, internationally recognised scientific background is expected.

Young researchers must develop a fundamental or industrial research project, lasting between two and three years. The project can be hosted by any French research institution, public or private, whose laboratories are located in the national territory.

The ANR's support covers, during three years maximum and up to 700,000 euros, all or part of the young researcher's salary, as well as the expenses related to the creation of a small team (one PhD student and one or two postdoctoral researchers).

Applications must be submitted by the host organisations not later than March 17th, 2009 at 13:00 PM. Detailed information about the programme is available on the ANR's website.