What is the CNRS ?

The French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) is a public-funded institution that covers all scientific disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to biological sciences, nuclear and particle physics, information sciences, engineering and systems, physics, mathematical sciences, chemistry, Earth sciences and astronomy, and ecology and the environment.

With 32,000 researchers, engineers and technicians, the CNRS is at the forefront of international research and is the world's first producer of scientific research papers. It has been home to no fewer than 21 Nobel Prize laureates and 12 Fields Medal winners. The organization plays a key role worldwide through 36 International Joint Units and partnership agreements with more than 76 countries. It is also involved in the development and operation of large-scale research facilities, including telescopes, particle accelerators, supercomputers and very large databases.