Scientific cooperation - One-day event to discuss French research abroad in the field of human and social sciences (14 March 2018)

The network of 27 French research institutes across more than 30 countries is a unique French diplomacy of influence tool. This long-standing network, established in some countries for more than a hundred years, is a critical component of our cultural network, dedicated to science diplomacy.

The IFRE/UMIFRE network provides essential added value to the analysis of the modern world. In the countries in which the institutions are established, it helps strengthen our ties with civil society through intellectuals and researchers as well as enrich our bilateral relations with these countries, including in sensitive areas. It also conveys the values expected of France: universality, the promotion of science and intellectual and linguistic diversity. It is also an essential source for the analysis of historical and contemporary phenomena in the field of human and social sciences, enriching diplomatic work while helping to nurture the French scientific and intellectual scene.

The partnership with the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) concluded 10 years ago for 25 of the institutes made it possible to strengthen the network’s scientific excellence and enhance its reputation on the international research scene. This partnership has now been renewed.

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs will allocate €5 million to the network of research institutes in 2018 and make 75 staff available to it, providing a sustained budgetary effort in order to develop this unique intellectual resource – the only one of its kind in the world.

UMIFRE: A network promoting France’s scientific exchanges and influence

More information on UMIFRE (in French)