NSERC-French Agence nationale de la recherche (ANR) call for proposals on quantum technologies

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Overview

Canada and France enjoy long-standing cooperation in science, technology and innovation. Recognizing the importance of international collaboration in promoting scientific discoveries, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and France’s Agence nationale de la recherche (ANR) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on research cooperation. The MOU provides an overarching framework to explore new collaborative research and innovation opportunities between Canadian and French research communities.

In support of collaborative work under this MOU, and to support priority areas identified by the Canada-France Joint Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation, NSERC and ANR are partnering to fund collaborative research projects on quantum science and technologies, specifically in the area of quantum computing hardware and software. This call will support Canada’s National Quantum Strategy.

This call for research proposals aims to foster scientific collaborations and knowledge exchange between leading-edge researchers in Canada and France, driving advancements in the rapidly evolving field of quantum technologies. This call aims to support collaborative research projects that address fundamental challenges and explore cutting-edge applications in the field of quantum technologies. Through these joint projects, we aim to leverage the unique expertise and resources of both Canadian and French academic research excellence.

This collaborative opportunity with ANR is open to scientific challenges in quantum science that aim to advance the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) – Mission: Make Canada a world leader in the continued development, deployment and use of quantum computing hardware and software by advancing research in any of the following areas of quantum technologies, or a combination thereof:

• Quantum algorithms/encryption, including post-quantum cryptography
• Quantum communications
• Quantum computing
• Quantum materials
• Quantum sensing

Proposals may also combine any of these quantum technology thrusts with other research topics in the natural sciences and engineering. Proposals that do not address the NQS Mission: Make Canada a world leader in the continued development, deployment and use of quantum computing hardware and software and that do not have a primary research focus in the above areas of quantum technologies may be removed from consideration; see the Important note for additional information on what to include in your proposal. Questions about the appropriateness of a proposal should be directed to NSERC.

Through a lead agency model, the Canadian applicant will submit a single collaborative proposal on behalf of the Canadian and French research teams, which will undergo a review process by NSERC, the lead agency. Please refer to the Apply section for more details. Researchers in France will need to consult the Generic call for proposals – AAPG 2024 available on the ANR website for more information.

Successful Canadian participants will receive funding from NSERC via an Alliance International Collaboration grant to support their involvement in the joint project, while eligible French participants will be supported by ANR.

At all times, Canadian researchers are encouraged to exercise appropriate levels of due diligence when managing their research and establishing and/or continuing partnerships with national, international and multinational partners. Resources to do so are provided by the Government of Canada on the Safeguarding Your Research portal, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships. NSERC reserves the right to request additional information, as needed, before making a final funding decision.

Who can apply?

If you are a Canadian university researcher eligible to receive NSERC funds, you can apply independently or as a team with co-applicants who are also eligible academic researchers. You must include at least one academic collaborator from France who meets ANR’s eligibility requirements. NSERC will internally review the eligibility of the Canadian researchers, and ANR will review the eligibility of the French collaborators.

For this collaborative call for proposals, collaborators and partner organizations (industry, public, not-for-profit) from outside academia are not permitted.

You are limited to one application as either a Canadian principal applicant or co-applicant. For any application limits applying to French collaborators, please consult with ANR.

What's next?
French Collaborators