What we do
The purpose of the Fund for Scientific Research (F.R.S.–FNRS) is to develop fundamental scientific research within the framework of initiatives presented by researchers. It encourages the production and development of knowledge by both supporting individual researchers, and also by financing research programmes conducted in the laboratories and facilities mostly located in the universities of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
Founded on the sole principal of scientific excellence, the financial support of the F.R.S.-FNRS comes in several forms:
- temporary or permanent remuneration of individual researchers,
- funding of research teams,
- participation in international networks and programmes,
- allocation of grants and credits which promote scientific exchange,
- awarding scientific prizes.
The F.R.S.-FNRS is also responsible for informing researchers about and encouraging them to participate in the European research and innovations programmes with which the Wallonia-Brussels Federation is involved.
The strategic plan of the F.R.S.-FNRS
Following the Phare I and Phare II refinancing plans, the F.R.S.-FNRS adopted the PHARE 20.25 strategic plan. The plan is ambitious and practical. Investing more into fundamental research has never been more important to our future.
The F.R.S.-FNRS has set out 6 priorities, which have been quantified both in terms of their objectives and in terms of their budgetary impacts. Each priority has been put into perspective thanks to contextual elements with regards to the current situation and the identified needs. Learn more (only in FR)
The 90th anniversary of the F.R.S.-FNRS represents an important message for current and future generations: one of determination, high standards and excellence.
Véronique Halloin, Secretary General of the F.R.S.-FNRS
Véronique Halloin, Secretary General of the F.R.S.-FNRS: “The core role of the FNRS”
Véronique Halloin presents the activities of the FNRS: the management of around 2 000 researchers, the organisation of calls for papers and of scientific commissions, the selection of experts, support for mobility, the constant development of a scientific policy and the maintenance of internal networks.
Interview of @VHalloin in @LaLibre
Our job at the #FNRS is the selection and funding of fundamental research, which means managing more than 2 000 scientists, at various stages in their careers and from all the scientific disciplines.
Extract 1 - Extract 2 (La Libre Belgique, 13 November 2018, only in FR)
Why the FNRS exists and what it does
The fundamental evening! 5 December 2018 in Bozar. Yvon Englert, FNRS President and ULB Chancellor gives a speech: You are contributing to two important aspects of our society: its progress and, through knowledge, the democratic vision of a society trying to understand the world which surrounds it, to understand how it works and how to make the most of it.
video only in FR
The importance of research
On 29 May 2018, at the 90th anniversary of the FNRS, Véronique Halloin spoke on the importance of fundamental research to the future of our societies: Today’s world is a reflection of yesterday’s fundamental research. And the fundamental research which we are undertaking today will incontrovertibly contribute to making the world of tomorrow.
video only in FR
Funding research
Jean-Claude Marcourt - Vice-President of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Minister for Higher Education, Research and Media
Pierre-Yves Jeholet - Vice-President and Walloon Minister of the Economy, Industry, Research, Innovation, Digital Technology, Employment and Training
Jannier Haek - CEO of the Belgian National Lottery
video only in FR
The Freedom to Research within the FNRS
Interviews with FNRS researchers on the FNRS and the freedom to research.
video only in FR
Michaël Gillon - Research associate ULiège, Anabelle Decottignies - Senior research associate UCL, Benoît Desguin - Research associate UCL, Mickael Randour - Research associate UMons, Bertrand Bonfond - Research associate ULiège, Ivan Jureta - Research associate UNamur, Michaël Herfs - Research associate ULiège, Ingrid Falque - Research associate UCL, SM Le Roi, Alexis Darras - Research fellow ULiège, Eva Trizzullo - Research fellow ULiège, Martin Delguste - Research fellow UCL, Marco Martiniello - Research director ULiège, Hervé Hasquin - Permanent honorary secretary of the Royal Academy of Science, Antoinette Rouvroy - Research associate UNamur, Luca Tomini - Research associate ULB, François Massonnet - Research associate UCL, Athena Demertzi - Research associate ULiège, Andrea Campoleoni - Research associate Umons, Simon Toscano - Research associate ULB.
Our funders
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