Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The PERIDOT Hubert Curien Partnership Programme supports scientific and technological collaboration between French and Pakistani research laboratories through joint research projects. The programme promotes researcher mobility, encourages international scientific partnerships, and strengthens long-term cooperation between France and Pakistan by supporting exchanges involving researchers, doctoral candidates, and young scientists.
The programme is designed to foster high-quality bilateral research, encourage the participation of early-career researchers, and develop sustainable scientific partnerships between higher education institutions and research organisations in both countries.
About the PERIDOT Hubert Curien Partnership Programme
The PERIDOT Hubert Curien Partnership Programme is a bilateral scientific cooperation initiative that funds mobility activities between French and Pakistani research teams.
Rather than funding research infrastructure or laboratory equipment, the programme primarily supports the travel and living expenses of researchers participating in approved collaborative research projects.
The programme encourages:
- Scientific collaboration between France and Pakistan
- International mobility of researchers
- Participation of doctoral candidates and young researchers
- Long-term institutional partnerships
- Joint scientific publications and research outputs
- Exchange of scientific knowledge and expertise
Projects are jointly managed by partner laboratories from both countries.
Priority Research Areas
For the 13th Call for Applications, projects should focus on one of the following priority sectors:
- Health
- Renewable Energy
- Agriculture
- Food Security
- Economy
- Climate Change
Projects addressing these strategic themes will contribute to strengthening scientific cooperation between France and Pakistan.
Why This Programme Matters
International research collaboration helps researchers access new expertise, facilities, methodologies, and professional networks.
The PERIDOT Programme supports:
- Excellence in international scientific research
- Bilateral research partnerships
- Capacity building for young researchers
- Knowledge exchange between research institutions
- Development of future collaborative projects
- Increased research visibility at the international level
The programme particularly encourages the active involvement of doctoral students and early-career scientists.
Funding Support
Funding primarily covers researcher mobility between France and Pakistan.
Support for French Researchers
French researchers travelling to Pakistan receive:
- Living allowance of EUR 125 per day for visits lasting up to 10 days.
- Living allowance of EUR 62 per day for doctoral students staying more than 10 days.
- Return travel support of up to EUR 1,500 between France and Pakistan.
The travel contribution is intended solely to cover transportation costs.
Support for Pakistani Researchers
Pakistani researchers travelling to France receive:
- Travel support
- Living allowances
These expenses are funded by the Pakistani programme authorities.
Average Funding
For reference:
- The average annual funding provided by the French side during the 11th call was approximately EUR 2,500 per project.
Any additional research expenses must be financed by:
- Partner laboratories
- Universities
- Research organisations
- Other funding agencies
Project Duration
Projects may be funded for:
- 2 years, or
- 3 consecutive years
Funding is awarded annually.
Grant funds must be used:
- Between 1 January and 31 December of the approved funding year.
Unused funding cannot be transferred to the following year.
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are open to:
- Tenured researchers
- Researchers working in eligible research laboratories
- Staff affiliated with higher education institutions
- Researchers employed by recognised research organisations
Projects must involve:
- One French research team
- One Pakistani research team
Applications must be submitted jointly by both partners.
Application Requirements
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Submit a joint proposal with their international research partner.
- French researchers must coordinate closely with their Pakistani collaborators before submission.
- Both partners must submit applications to their respective national programme authorities.
- The French application must include a supervisor’s letter authorising travel to Pakistan.
Only jointly submitted applications are considered eligible.
How to Apply
Researchers should follow these steps:
- Identify an eligible research partner in France or Pakistan.
- Develop a joint research project within one of the programme’s priority areas.
- Prepare the research proposal collaboratively.
- Submit applications simultaneously to both national programme authorities.
- Include all required supporting documents, including the travel authorisation letter for French applicants.
- Wait for the evaluation and funding decision.
Projects are approved only when both national authorities receive matching applications.
Project Implementation Requirements
Successful research teams must:
- Conduct the approved research collaboration.
- Complete researcher exchange visits.
- Use grant funds within the approved calendar year.
- Maintain active cooperation between both laboratories.
- Submit scientific and financial reports.
Continued funding depends upon satisfactory project implementation.
Reporting Requirements
To receive funding in subsequent years, project teams must submit:
- A joint scientific progress report.
- Details of research outcomes.
- Information on researcher mobility activities.
- A financial report describing completed or planned expenditure.
Funding continuation depends on satisfactory evaluation of these reports.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting applications in only one country.
- Failing to coordinate with the international research partner.
- Missing the required supervisor authorisation letter.
- Choosing research topics outside the priority areas.
- Delaying financial or scientific reporting.
- Leaving allocated funds unused before the end of the funding year.
Careful coordination between both research teams significantly improves the chances of a successful application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the PERIDOT Hubert Curien Partnership Programme?
It is a bilateral research mobility programme supporting scientific collaboration between French and Pakistani research laboratories.
Which research fields are supported?
The current priority areas include health, renewable energy, agriculture, food security, economy, and climate change.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are tenured researchers working in recognised research laboratories attached to higher education institutions or research organisations.
How long can projects last?
Projects may run for two or three consecutive years with annual funding.
What expenses are covered?
The programme supports researcher travel and living expenses during international research visits. Additional research costs must be covered by partner institutions or other funding sources.
Is a joint application mandatory?
Yes. Applications must be submitted jointly by French and Pakistani research partners to their respective programme authorities.
What is required to continue receiving funding?
Researchers must properly use grant funds, submit joint scientific progress reports, complete financial reporting, and demonstrate successful project implementation.
Conclusion
The PERIDOT Hubert Curien Partnership Programme provides an excellent opportunity for French and Pakistani researchers to establish long-term scientific partnerships through collaborative research and international mobility. By supporting researcher exchanges in priority fields such as health, renewable energy, agriculture, food security, economy, and climate change, the programme strengthens scientific excellence, promotes knowledge sharing, and contributes to sustainable international research cooperation.
For more information, visit Campus France.
