Deadline: 04-Jun-2026
The French National Research Agency (ANR) and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) are jointly funding collaborative research projects that combine artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The programme supports 36-month binational projects focused on areas like genomics, drug discovery, and precision agriculture. Applications must be jointly submitted by French and Korean research teams by June 4, 2026.
The French National Research Agency (ANR) and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) have launched a joint call to support collaborative research projects at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology.
The programme promotes international scientific collaboration between France and South Korea to address complex biological and biomedical challenges using advanced technologies.
Program Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen Franco-Korean research collaboration
- Advance AI applications in biotechnology
- Promote interdisciplinary research
- Accelerate innovation in life sciences and health technologies
- Develop data-driven solutions to biological challenges
It integrates expertise from both AI and biotechnology to drive impactful research outcomes.
Key Focus Areas
AI in Biotechnology Applications
- Bioinformatics and genomics
- Biomedical data analysis and imaging
- Drug discovery and development
- Personalised medicine and therapies
Agricultural and Industrial Innovation
- Precision agriculture
- Industrial bioprocess optimisation
- Sustainable biotechnology solutions
Advanced Research and Innovation
- Development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools
- Data-driven biological modelling
- Integration of AI in complex biological systems
Ethical and Responsible AI
- Explainable AI models
- Ethical considerations in AI applications
- Transparent and robust algorithm development
Key Features of the Programme
- Binational collaboration between France and Korea
- Interdisciplinary research approach
- Focus on real-world scientific and industrial challenges
- Joint evaluation with shared criteria
- Strong emphasis on innovation and impact
Funding and Duration
- Project duration: 36 months
- Funding: Provided separately by ANR and NRF to respective national teams
- Timeline: Coordinated implementation between both countries
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Research institutions and organizations in France and South Korea
- Teams with expertise in:
- Artificial intelligence
- Biotechnology or life sciences
Eligibility Requirements
- At least one French partner and one Korean partner
- Joint project proposal with aligned objectives
- Appointment of a scientific coordinator in each country
- Compliance with thematic priorities of the call
Why It Matters
This programme is important because it:
- Combines AI and biotechnology to solve complex global challenges
- Strengthens international research collaboration
- Accelerates innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and industry
- Promotes ethical and explainable AI in science
It enables cutting-edge research with global impact.
How It Works / How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Form Binational Partnership
Collaborate with a research team from the partner country. - Define Research Proposal
Develop a project integrating AI and biotechnology. - Assign Coordinators
Appoint one scientific coordinator for each country. - Prepare Joint Application
Ensure both teams prepare identical proposals. - Submit to Both Agencies
Submit applications separately to ANR and NRF platforms. - Evaluation Process
Proposals are reviewed independently by both agencies using shared criteria.
Application Deadline: June 4, 2026
Tips for Strong Applications
- Demonstrate strong collaboration between both teams
- Clearly integrate AI and biotechnology components
- Highlight innovation and scientific impact
- Include interdisciplinary expertise
- Address ethical and explainable AI aspects
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak collaboration between partners
- Lack of integration between AI and biotechnology
- Inconsistent proposals between countries
- Poor project coordination planning
- Ignoring ethical considerations
FAQs
What is the purpose of this joint call?
To support collaborative research combining AI and biotechnology between France and South Korea.
Who can apply?
Research teams from France and Korea with expertise in AI and biotechnology.
Is collaboration mandatory?
Yes, projects must include at least one partner from each country.
How long do projects last?
Projects are funded for 36 months.
How are applications submitted?
Joint proposals must be submitted separately to both ANR and NRF platforms.
What areas are supported?
Areas include genomics, drug discovery, precision agriculture, and biomedical data analysis.
How are proposals evaluated?
Each agency evaluates proposals independently using shared evaluation criteria.
Conclusion
The ANR–NRF Joint Call on AI in Biotechnology is a strategic funding opportunity for researchers to collaborate across borders and disciplines. By combining artificial intelligence with biotechnology, the programme supports innovative solutions to critical scientific and societal challenges, fostering global research excellence and technological advancement.
For more information, visit French National Research Agency.