Calls for Proposals: Collaborative Scientific Research Programme (CSRP) 2026
The Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA/IFCPAR) has officially announced the Call for Proposals under the Collaborative Scientific Research Programme (CSRP) 2026, inviting high-quality joint research proposals from Indian and French research groups. This prestigious programme continues to play a vital role in strengthening scientific cooperation between India and France, particularly in cutting-edge areas of basic and applied sciences.
For researchers aiming to build long-term international collaborations, access advanced infrastructure, and address globally relevant scientific challenges, CSRP 2026 offers a significant and timely opportunity.
About CEFIPRA / IFCPAR
Established in 1987, CEFIPRA (Centre Franco-Indien pour la Promotion de la Recherche Avancée), also known as IFCPAR, is a bilateral institution dedicated to fostering scientific and technological cooperation between India and France. The centre is jointly supported by:
- The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and
- The Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs, Government of France
Over the past three decades, CEFIPRA has supported numerous impactful research collaborations, contributed to capacity building, facilitated researcher mobility, and strengthened institutional ties between the two nations.
Through the Collaborative Scientific Research Programme (CSRP), CEFIPRA provides structured funding to joint Indo-French research teams to pursue ambitious and innovative scientific projects with long-term relevance.
About the CSRP 2026 Programme
The CSRP 2026 is designed to nurture scientific excellence by supporting collaborative research projects involving at least two principal collaborators—one based in India and the other in France. The programme emphasizes originality, scientific rigor, and true collaboration rather than parallel research efforts.
Key Programme Details
- Project Duration: 36 months
- Funding Agency: IFCPAR (Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research)
- Fellowship Support:
- PhD Fellows: €1,870 per month
- Postdoctoral Fellows: €2,400 per month
- Last Date for Submission: 28 February 2026
The programme not only supports research activities but also encourages researcher exchange, joint supervision of students, shared infrastructure usage, and co-authored publications.
Thematic Areas for CSRP 2026
CEFIPRA has identified priority thematic areas that address critical global challenges and emerging scientific frontiers.
1. Health Sciences
Proposals are invited in the following sub-themes:
- One Health & Climate Change
- Early detection of emerging and important pathogens
- Development of new vaccines and therapeutics for infectious diseases
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) for early diagnosis of emerging and important diseases
- Comprehensive studies on metabolic and cardiovascular diseases
- Novel therapeutics and biologicals for emerging and important diseases
These themes encourage interdisciplinary research combining biology, medicine, data science, biotechnology, and public health.
2. Marine Sciences
Proposals under marine and ocean sciences may focus on:
- Underwater systems
- Instrumentation and robotics
- Advanced materials for floating and mobile systems
- Geosciences from coastal zones to deep waters
- Physics and biochemistry of oceans
- Ocean observations and modeling, including the ocean–climate nexus
- Ocean, climate change, marine biology, and pollution
These areas align strongly with global priorities related to climate resilience, sustainable marine ecosystems, and blue economy initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for submission under CSRP 2026:
- Principal Collaborators and Joint Collaborators (both Indian and French) must hold a permanent position in a recognized University or R&D Institution in their respective countries.
- Applicants must satisfy national-level eligibility norms of India and France.
- ORCID ID or ResearcherID is mandatory for proposal submission.
- The project must involve genuine collaboration, with shared objectives, responsibilities, and outcomes.
How to Apply
Interested researchers must submit a Joint Full Proposal through the CEFIPRA Online Submission Portal.
Important Points to Remember
- Proposals must be original, innovative, and of high scientific quality.
- At least two scientists—one from India and one from France—must serve as Principal Collaborators.
- Clear articulation of collaboration mechanisms, work-sharing, mobility plans, and expected outcomes is essential.
- Strong emphasis should be placed on capacity building, student training, and long-term Indo-French scientific engagement.
Researchers are strongly encouraged to consult the official guidelines before submission.
Why CSRP Matters
CSRP-funded projects have historically led to high-impact publications, sustained international partnerships, technology development, and training of young researchers. In an era where global challenges demand collective scientific responses, CSRP provides a robust platform to translate collaborative ideas into meaningful scientific outcomes.
If you are a researcher seeking to expand your international footprint and contribute to impactful science, CSRP 2026 is an opportunity worth pursuing.
0 Comments