Deadline: 14-Apr-2026
The French National Research Agency (ANR) is launching the second call for projects under its PPR Antimicrobial Resistance Program to fund interdisciplinary research addressing antibiotic resistance in France. The program supports innovative approaches spanning human, animal, and environmental health, aiming to optimize antibiotic use, understand socio-economic drivers, and develop novel diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies. Grants range from €600,000 to €750,000 for four-year projects.
Program Overview
The ANR PPR Antimicrobial Resistance Program is designed to tackle the urgent public health threat posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in France. The program encourages ambitious interdisciplinary research to better understand the emergence, spread, and control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across human, animal, and environmental sectors.
Key Focus Areas and Objectives
The second call for projects targets four critical areas:
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Resistance Dynamics and Control
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Investigate the emergence, transmission, and dissemination of resistance genes, including those in highly resistant bacteria or linked to biocides.
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Develop strategies to curb the spread of resistant organisms across human, animal, and ecosystem interfaces.
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Optimization of Antibiotic Use
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Design and evaluate tools, methods, or strategies to improve prescription practices.
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Minimize the spread of resistance while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
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Socio-Economic and Cultural Determinants
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Therapeutic and Diagnostic Innovation
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Identify new diagnostics, treatments, and preventive measures.
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Ensure interventions respect commensal flora and non-targeted microbial ecosystems.
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Why It Matters
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High antibiotic consumption in France affects critical sectors like surgery, oncology, hematology, and organ transplantation.
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Interdisciplinary research is essential to develop comprehensive solutions addressing AMR across human, animal, and environmental health.
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National public health priority: The program supports France’s strategy to reduce antibiotic use and educate both the public and health professionals.
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Innovative impact: Expected outcomes include safer prescribing practices, novel diagnostics, and new therapeutic strategies that mitigate resistance spread.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Research consortia integrating basic, clinical, translational, environmental, and public health expertise.
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Institutions operating in human health, animal health, or ecosystem and environmental research.
Funding conditions:
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Grants range from €600,000 to €750,000 per project.
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Project duration: 4 years.
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Strict eligibility criteria apply, including the ability to demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration.
How to Apply / How It Works
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Form a research consortium: Integrate expertise from multiple disciplines including medicine, biology, veterinary science, sociology, economics, and public health.
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Prepare proposal: Address one or more of the four focus areas, with clear objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
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Submit application: Applications are processed by ANR, following scientific oversight from Inserm.
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Evaluation process: Applications are rigorously reviewed for innovation, interdisciplinary integration, feasibility, and potential public health impact.
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Grant management: Successful projects receive funding for four years, with structured reporting and accountability measures.
Common Mistakes / Tips
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Incomplete interdisciplinary integration: Ensure all relevant fields are represented and collaborate effectively.
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Lack of clear methodology: Proposals must detail experimental, clinical, or field approaches.
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Neglecting public health relevance: Projects must demonstrate clear impact on antibiotic stewardship or resistance control.
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Insufficient justification of budget: Clearly explain how funds will support the proposed research activities.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for the ANR PPR program? Interdisciplinary research consortia across human, animal, and ecosystem health sectors.
2. How much funding is available per project? Between €600,000 and €750,000 for a duration of four years.
3. What are the main research areas? Resistance dynamics, antibiotic optimization, socio-economic determinants, and therapeutic/diagnostic innovation.
4. What is the role of Inserm? Inserm oversees scientific management and evaluation of proposals.
5. Can projects involve international partners? Yes, as long as they contribute to the program’s objectives and comply with eligibility requirements.
6. What is the expected impact of funded projects? Improved antibiotic stewardship, novel diagnostics and treatments, and mitigation of AMR spread across sectors.
7. Is this program part of a broader national strategy? Yes, it contributes to France’s national plan to reduce antibiotic use and improve public and professional awareness.
Conclusion
The ANR PPR Antimicrobial Resistance Program provides a strategic, interdisciplinary approach to tackling one of France’s most pressing public health challenges. By funding innovative research across human, animal, and environmental sectors, the program aims to curb antibiotic resistance, optimize antibiotic use, and foster sustainable solutions that protect public health and ecosystem integrity.
For more information, visit ANR.