Competition

Calendar

  • 30/01/2026: Equivalence Committees
  • 09/03/2026 – 12/03/2026: Eligibility Jury
  • 13/04/2026 – 15/04/2026: Hearings CR
  • 16/04/2026 – 17/04/2026: Deliberations CR

Criteria

The following information is taken from the official CNRS website.

Preamble

It is important to recall that there is no single profile for a researcher, just as there is no single way to conduct a scientific career. Consequently, the criteria outlined below are provided for guidance only and do not constitute a fixed assessment grid; the section also seeks to consider particular career paths. Candidates are invited, if they wish, to mention events that have affected their professional trajectory.

For competitions or limited promotions, the chances of success in the different stages (interview by the section, eligibility) of a particular application can only be assessed comparatively among all files with similar topics. At equivalent scientific level, the section takes into account the balance between topics. It will also consider the specificities of different types of activity. The section emphasizes the importance that CNRS places on evaluations compatible with the objectives of open science. Corresponding recommendations can be found in the document available at https://www.cnrs.fr/fr/cnrsinfo/science-ouverte and are taken into account by the section. Similarly, in line with CNRS’s national low-carbon strategy, the multiplication of short stays abroad (e.g., participation in conferences or panels) is not considered decisive. International recognition is an essential element of evaluation but is understood by the section in a broad sense as the international impact of the most significant contributions and activities: distinctions or invitations abroad received personally or by collaborators or supervised persons, conferences, journal articles, book chapters, participation in international research networks, organization of key international conferences, and participation in international committees.

In general, the section will seek to carry out a qualitative evaluation of the files, so it is preferable to highlight the importance of main contributions and activities rather than rely solely on numerical indicators.

For grade changes, candidates should highlight the evolution of their file - in terms of scientific advances as well as collective involvement - since their previous promotion.

Recruitment and Promotion of Researchers

Access to the Researcher Corps (CRCN)

For recruitment to the body of research officers, the section identifies the long-term potential of applicants using two main criteria:

  • the quality and originality of scientific contributions;
  • scientific autonomy.

It also carefully examines the relevance of their research program, the match between their skills and this program, and the integration of the program into a collective research approach. Thematic or geographic mobility since the thesis is positively regarded.

Advancement to CRHC Grade

The “Hors classe” grade is aimed at researchers who are sufficiently advanced in the CRCN career and whose activity demonstrates, in particular:

  • high-quality scientific production;
  • involvement in scientific leadership.

Access to the Research Director Corps (DR2 Grade)

For recruitment to the research director corps, the section adopts higher requirements than for CRCN recruitment regarding the quality, originality, and depth of scientific output. Evidence of scientific maturity is sought in the applications. In addition, the section values the quality of candidates’ service to the scientific community (e.g., supervision, leadership, collective responsibilities) and beyond (transfer, mediation, valorization). Personal or collective national and international visibility is also carefully assessed. To illustrate these different aspects in the files, it is important not to limit oneself to purely quantitative indicators.

Access to the Research Director Corps (DR1 Grade)

The DR1 grade targets established researchers who, in diverse expressions depending on their field, have over the years created momentum around them, acting as a driving force for a group of collaborators, or even a larger research community.

Compared to DR2, a higher standard is applied to assess the quality of candidates’ scientific production. Scientific influence beyond disciplinary boundaries, international recognition, and the ability to develop new themes or research strategies are sought. Stronger expectations also apply regarding assumption of responsibilities and involvement in the scientific community and research leadership.

Access to DRCE Grade

The DRCE grade is accessible to researchers who have met DR1 requirements at a level that clearly distinguishes them nationally and internationally.

Evaluation of Researchers

Evaluation is first based on the scientific impact of researchers’ work. It also considers other dimensions of scientific activity such as dissemination, valorization or knowledge transfer, and leadership or management responsibilities.

Evaluation of CRCNs

Basic criteria for evaluating research officers are those used for their recruitment and promotion. The indicative, but neither exhaustive nor exclusive, list of elements carefully examined includes:

  • quality and originality of scientific production;
  • scientific autonomy;
  • progress of the research project presented at recruitment;
  • integration of research activities within the laboratory;
  • participation in laboratory and/or community scientific life.

Evaluation of DRs

Basic criteria for evaluating research directors are those used for their recruitment and promotion. The indicative, but neither exhaustive nor exclusive, list of elements carefully examined includes:

  • quality, originality, and scope of scientific production;
  • originality of the research program;
  • thematic openness;
  • national and international influence;
  • research supervision;
  • quality of scientific leadership;
  • assumption of responsibilities.