---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 What can CNRS expect in terms of European funding, and notably the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation? French researchers have somewhat neglected European calls for proposals to concentrate on those, more pressing, of the national Investments for the Future program. Now we need to respond massively as our applications for European funding are insufficient, despite the excellent success rate of French projects. It is possible to obtain significant grants. Two European programs selected by the European Commission, the Human Brain Project and Graphene, each received unprecedented funding to the tune of one billion euros each year over a ten-year period. Several CNRS laboratories took part in these ventures, whose potential benefits for research teams are obvious in light of the financial support provided. This is why I suggest that all our researchers set their sights on European schemes. This should be made easier by the agreement between CNRS and the European Commission following a financial audit on the sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, as well as by European bodies’ commitment to simplify procedures for documenting expenses and responding to calls for proposals. Interview with Alain Fuchs In 2012, CNRS launched an Action Plan aimed at reorganizing its support functions, and implemented concrete measures in Human Resources. Could you say a few words? CNRS must adapt to a changing environment, anticipate budgetary constraints resulting from the crisis, and constantly improve its overall performance. To this end, we have to rationalize the management of our research activities. We have applied a series of measures to bring researchers closer to their support functions based on three guiding principles – organizing, simplifying, and sharing – while preserving and securing our staff’s working environment. We launched a series of Human Resources initiatives in 2012. For example, we have drafted a temporary employment charter. This document embodies CNRS’s strong commitment towards its 9,800 temporary employees, who will receive suitable training and top-quality assistance throughout the duration of their contract, to help them integrate. Furthermore, we have made extensive efforts to promote the difficult and time-consuming task of our 1,100 Unit Directors. We took several initiatives to support them, whether in identifying potential candidates, monitoring their career, and proposing a range of suitable training programs. 1 Source Inpi. 2 Conférence des présidents d’université (Conference of University Presidents). 3 Agence de mutualisation des universités et établissements (Universities and Higher Education Institutions Mutualization Agency). The Graphene project is one of the European Commission’s flagship projects. It will be financed to the tune of €1 billion over ten years. From left to right: Serge Haroche, laureate of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics and of the 2009 CNRS Gold Medal; Philippe Descola, recipient of the CNRS Gold Medal in 2012; and Jean Jouzel, winner of the 2012 Vetlesen Prize and 2002 CNRS Gold Medal. 2012 A year at CNRS
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