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Request for Proposals: Collaborative Scientific Research Programme (India and France)

Deadline: 28-Feb-2026

The CEFIPRA Collaborative Scientific Research Programme (CSRP) is a bilateral funding initiative supporting high-impact basic and applied science projects between India and France. The 2026 cycle features a Thematic Call in Health and Marine Sciences, offering up to €220,000 for three-year projects. Applications require a joint proposal from Indian and French Principal Collaborators and must be submitted by February 28, 2026.

The Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA), also known as IFCPAR, acts as a bridge for scientific excellence between India and France. Through the Collaborative Scientific Research Programme (CSRP), it funds academic-to-academic partnerships designed to nurture scientific competency and foster long-term international research networks.

Why It Matters: Global Scientific Synergy

Bilateral cooperation through CEFIPRA allows research groups to pool resources and expertise to solve complex global challenges.

  • High-Impact Research: Encourages the generation of joint publications in top-tier scientific journals.

  • Training Next-Gen Scientists: Prioritizes the involvement and mentorship of young researchers (PhD and Post-Docs) through international exposure.

  • Knowledge Forward Chain: Facilitates the transition of fundamental research into practical, knowledge-based applications.

  • Diplomatic & Academic Strength: Strengthens the S&T (Science and Technology) network between the Department of Science & Technology (DST), India, and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Key Concepts and Definitions

  • Thematic Call: A specialized funding round targeting specific high-priority scientific domains.

  • General Call: A broader funding round covering all disciplines of Science and Technology (currently closed for this cycle).

  • Principal Collaborator (PC): The lead researcher from each country responsible for the project’s intellectual and administrative execution.

  • ORCID/ResearcherID: Unique digital identifiers for researchers, mandatory for all CEFIPRA submissions to ensure accurate citation and academic tracking.

Who is Eligible?

The CSRP is specifically designed for established researchers in academic and R&D settings.

Applicant Requirements:

  • Principal Collaborators: Must hold a permanent/tenure position in a university or recognized R&D institution in India or France.

  • Team Structure: Each project must have exactly one Principal Collaborator from India and one from France.

  • National Norms: Candidates must comply with their respective national eligibility criteria regarding retirement age and grant management.

  • Identification: Submission of an ORCID or ResearcherID is mandatory for all collaborators.

Participation Limits:

  • A scientist can only be part of one project proposal at a time.

  • If a researcher has previously implemented a CEFIPRA project, specific cooling-off or completion guidelines apply before a second project can be submitted.

2026 Call Focus Areas (Thematic Call)

While the General Call is currently closed, the Thematic Call is actively seeking proposals in the following areas:

1. Health Sciences

  • One Health & Climate Change nexus.

  • Early detection of emerging/important pathogens.

  • Development of new vaccines and therapeutics for infectious diseases.

  • AI applications for early diagnosis.

  • Metabolic and cardiovascular disease studies.

2. Marine Sciences

  • Underwater systems, instrumentation, and robotics.

  • Advanced materials for floating and mobile systems.

  • Geosciences from the coast to deep waters.

  • Ocean observation and modeling, including the Ocean-Climate Nexus.

  • Marine biology and pollution studies.

Funding Structure and Budget

The total budget for a supported project is capped at €220,000 (or the equivalent in INR) for the entire duration (typically 36 months).

  • Indian Side Funding: Covers manpower (JRF/SRF/RA), recurring expenses, international travel, and limited minor equipment (max 10% of budget).

  • French Side Funding: Covers international travel, daily allowances, and the appointment of students (PhD/Post-Doc/Master).

  • Mid-Term Review: Funding continuation is contingent upon a successful mid-term assessment of scientific progress.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

  1. Partner Selection: Identify a counterpart in the other country with complementary expertise.

  2. Concept Development: Draft a Joint Concept Proposal highlighting the project’s originality and collaborative value.

  3. Submission Portal: Both the Concept Proposal and the Joint Full Proposal must be uploaded to the CEFIPRA Online Submission System.

  4. Agreement: Submit a signed “Joint Proposal Submission Agreement” between the two Principal Collaborators.

  5. Deadline: Ensure final submission by February 28, 2026.

Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Self-Plagiarism/Originality: CEFIPRA strictly requires original research. Re-submitting existing work without a clear collaborative “added value” will lead to rejection.

  • Budget Realisticness: Proposals with budgets exceeding €220,000 are disqualified. Ensure the budget is realistic and follows institution-wise consolidation.

  • Role Clarity: Clearly define the responsibilities of Joint Collaborators (additional team members) versus the Principal Collaborators.

  • Documentation Errors: Failing to include ORCID details or a brief CV (max 5 pages) often causes rejection during the initial screening phase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a project have two Principal Collaborators from the same country? No. There must be exactly one Principal Collaborator from India and one from France.

2. Is industry participation allowed in the CSRP? While CSRP is primarily “Academia-to-Academia,” industry participation is welcomed as Joint Collaborators or through the related IARDP (Industry-Academia) program.

3. What happens if a Principal Collaborator retires during the project? Collaborators are expected to be in active service until project completion. Any change in PIs requires formal permission from CEFIPRA.

4. Are international travel costs included in the €220,000 limit? Yes. All costs, including mobility, manpower, and recurring expenses for both sides, must fit within the €220,000 cap.

5. Can I apply for the General Call right now? No. According to the current cycle status, the General Call is closed; only the Thematic Call (Health and Marine Sciences) is accepting proposals until February 28, 2026.

6. Who owns the Intellectual Property (IP) generated? IP is generally the joint property of the collaborators and their institutions, managed via a mandatory Intellectual Property Management Plan.

7. How long does the evaluation process take? The process involves initial screening, peer review, and final approval by the Joint Selection Committee, typically concluding several months after the submission deadline.

Conclusion

The CEFIPRA Collaborative Scientific Research Programme remains a premier vehicle for Indo-French academic excellence. By focusing on specific high-need themes like Health and Marine Sciences in 2026, the program ensures that bilateral research delivers tangible benefits to society while maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor. Successful applicants will not only receive significant funding but will also join a prestigious network of global innovators.

For more information, visit CEFIPRA.