Frequently asked questions

The host laboratory

• Should I find a host by myself, or will one be assigned to me?

You should find a host institution by yourself. A list of host research institutes/laboratories is available at the following page: https://www.lestudium-ias.com/regional-ecosystem/research-institutesand….

Alternatively, if you do not find what is suitable for you or if you do not receive an answer from the potential host institution, you can contact the Le Studium Scientific Manager who can try to identify a host research institute/laboratory for you.

• Is it necessary for research center/university to be in France only or other European countries are possible?

This call for application is only for France and specifically for the Centre-Val de Loire region.

• If I apply for this call and I do not have a host institution in France yet, would contacting a host institution in France at this time be too late?

It is not too late to contact a host institution as long as you have the time to apply for the call within the given deadline.

• I am a researcher in Arts, Humanities and Cultures and currently have an interdisciplinary project in anthropology and cultural studies. Is this eligible?

This call for applications does not target any specific research themes. It is open to international experienced researchers in all disciplines wishing to join a research laboratory in the Centre-Val de Loire region.

• A type of project in the context of the ongoing collaborations would be welcome?

Yes, the mobility can help to strengthen the collaboration

• Is there any possibility to apply for a short period 1 to 2 weeks to mount/ work on a project with a collaborator coming for Asia?

No, the minimum period is 3 months.

• Do I have to contact a host professor to write me an invitation letter?

Yes, the host laboratory that agrees to host you has to provide a support letter.

• Can we have more than one host researcher?

Yes, especially if they are in two different labs, it shows interdisciplinarity. On the submission platform, remember to present the other host in the “collaborator” section.

The awards

• Can I apply for a post-doctoral degree within this program?

No, this programme does not include postdoctoral fellowships.

• How can I survive in France without a salary?

You need to be affiliated to an institution in order to apply for a professorship or visiting researcher award. If your home salary is not enough, you can check for a complement funding (e.g. embassies, fundations)

• Who can apply for a consortium grant?

Only researchers from the Centre-Val de Loire region can apply. International researchers in this specific case cannot be coordinators but partners. If you have a project idea that could involve other European partners and you have a contact in the Centre-Val de Loire region, you can propose it to your French colleague.

• Are associate professors in the category of researcher or professor, may Associate Professors apply for a Professorship fellowship?

Yes, associate professors can apply for a professorship. We do not make any distinction between associate, assistant and full professor.

• Is it possible for junior researcher (6 years after PhD and assistant professor) to apply?

Yes, the eligibility requirement is to have more than five years of experience after the PhD completion.

• Regarding 3-5 years experience, do you consider MD applicants (without PhD)?

No, it is only possible for researchers with a PhD degree to apply.

• What is the typical duration for the visiting researchers? Are short 3-month recommended, or is it better to propose a longer visit? For visiting researcher, do we have better chances if the stay duration is less than 12 months?

No, it depends if the duration you propose is in line with the project feasibility.

• Is the application to a permanent position a strict requirement to apply for the integration fellowship?

Yes 

• Does the application for a permanent position have to be finalised before applying to Le Studium integration fellowship?

No, but it has to be done during the academic year 2024/2025

The application process

• Can I apply for two programs at once?

No, it is not possible.

• Do you admit scholars from Africa?

Yes, scholars from every country can apply.

• Do you have a quota system in order to give equal opportunity to all nationalities?

No, a successful application depends on the three criteria: scientific quality 50%, impact of the proposed research & collaboration 25%, career development, track record of the applicant and relevance of the choice of the host laboratory 25%

• Is the 3 to 5 years after phD from the application deadline or starting date of the visit?

It is from the application deadline.

• Having PhD completed in 2019, can apply for visiting or researcher fellowship?

Yes because in January 2025 it will be more than 5 years.

• Can researchers with 20 years of experience apply?

For professorship and visiting researchers yes, for the integration fellowship no, the maximum would be 12 years.

• Can retired researchers apply?

There is no age limit, but you must have a current position at your home institution for insurance reasons. This makes it more difficult for retired researchers to apply. We invite you to contact us before applying in order to analyse the specific case.

• Is there any template to prepare the application?

You will have to click on the button “Apply” at this page: https://www.lestudium-ias.com/programmes/smart-loire-valley-programme. You will have to fill a form and then you will be able to access the submission platform.

• What is  the success rates for the different awards ?

It depends on the amount of application received which changes each year. On average, it is around 30-40 %.

• Is it permitted for two scholars from two different universities to apply together for a single project they are working together?

No, the awards are individual

What happens next?

• If accepted, what will be the starting period?

We offer about ten months of flexibility in order to start, you can come between September 2025 and June 2026.

• What is the cost of living?

It is difficult to say because we cover the accommodation costs, you do not have to pay for utilities. The rest will depend on the family size and your own lifestyle.

• Are there any age limits to bring the kids?

Children under 18 are welcome.

• Are their school options available in english?  Or is it only in french?

School options are in French.

• What if I need to come back to my country of origin for a week or two?

You will have holidays included in your contract, depending on the length of your visit. Le Studium has to be informed about it. The goal is to spend as much time as possible in the region Centre-Val de Loire.

• What does it mean that the accepted researcher has the possibility to organise an international conference?

It is an opportunity offered to the awarded researcher. For visiting researchers this opportunity is given for residency of at least 6 months. You have to describe what is the framework of the scientific conference that you want to organise. We submit the proposal to the scientific committee and if it is accepted, Le Studium will take care of all the logistic organisation and communication.

• These conferences are organised at the Le Studium or in the Fellow's institution of affiliation?

The events are organised in the region Centre-Val de Loire, Le Studium takes care of the logistic of the event and the fellow with their host of the scientific programme. The venue is decided according to the researcher needs, availability of the location, number of participants.

• How to you evaluate the program after the mobility? Do I need to have publication?

You will have to hand in a scientific report that will be published in open access