ANR Research Grants: France 2030 Scientific Funding
ANR (Agence Nationale de la Recherche — National Research Agency) is France’s primary public science funder and the operator of France 2030’s research-focused programs. ANR manages the PEPR (Programmes et Équipements Prioritaires de Recherche) — the flagship research investment programs within France 2030, totaling approximately €6B across 20+ programs.
ANR’s France 2030 Role
ANR has three distinct functions in the France 2030 architecture:
1. PEPR Programs (France 2030 research investment) PEPR are large, multi-year, multi-institution research programs targeting France 2030 strategic sectors. Each PEPR typically bundles €50M-€300M over 7-10 years, coordinated by two or more leading research institutions (CNRS, CEA, INRIA, INRAE, INSERM, and grandes écoles), with dozens of participating laboratories.
Key PEPRs:
- PEPR Quantique (€1.8B total): Quantum hardware (neutral atoms, photonics, spin qubits, topological), software, algorithms, talent. Managed by CEA-Leti + CNRS + Inria.
- PEPR IA (Artificial Intelligence) (€200M+): Fundamental AI research, explainability, robustness, ethics. Managed by INRIA.
- PEPR Nucléaire (€300M+): Next-generation reactor physics, materials, safety. CEA coordination.
- PEPR Hydrogène (€200M+): Electrolysis science, fuel cell fundamentals, storage. CEA + CNRS.
- PEPR Santé (€250M+): Biotherapy, genomics, precision medicine research. INSERM + AP-HP.
- PEPR Agroécosystèmes (€75M): Sustainable agriculture science. INRAE coordination.
2. Collaborative R&D (appels à projets classiques) ANR’s standard competitive grant programs, open to academic and industrial researchers, continue under France 2030 with priorities aligned to the ten objectives.
3. LabEx and EquipEx (equipment programs) ANR manages investments in large-scale research equipment — cryogenic systems for quantum computers, genomics sequencing platforms, advanced electron microscopes, materials characterization tools.
How to Apply for ANR Grants
ANR applications: anr.fr (ANR online submission portal).
Key characteristics of ANR funding vs. Bpifrance:
- Eligibility: Public research institutions (CNRS labs, university labs) are primary applicants. Companies can participate in collaborative projects but are not the primary beneficiary.
- Indirect costs: ANR applies standard indirect cost rates — French public research institutions can recover 30% overhead above direct costs (lower than US NIH/NSF rates of 50-80%).
- IP rules: Research funded by ANR results in IP held by the research institution, with licensing rights negotiated separately for commercial applications.
- International collaboration: ANR participates in bilateral programs with Germany (DFG), Japan (JST), and others — France 2030-aligned projects can be co-funded.
PEPR Quantique: Case Study
The €1.8B quantum PEPR — one of Europe’s largest national quantum programs — illustrates how PEPR functions:
- Coordination: CEA-Leti (Paris-Saclay) and CNRS, with INRIA involvement
- Duration: 2022-2030
- Structure: 15 sub-programs (“projets cibles”) covering hardware platforms, software tools, algorithms, and talent pipeline
- Industrial connection: Each sub-program includes industrial transfer objectives — Pasqal, Alice & Bob, and Quandela all benefit from CEA-Leti hardware R&D that flows into their products
- International: PEPR Quantique includes bilateral elements with Germany (German Quantum Initiative) and EU Quantum Flagship coordination