ATIP-Avenir Program

Designed within the framework of a partnership between Inserm and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), each year the ATIP-Avenir program enables some twenty young researchers to build their own teams in the fields of life sciences and health. Over 400 promising scientists have already benefitted from this program.

Created in 1990 and 2000 respectively, and merged in 2009, the CNRS Institute of Biological Sciences ATIP program and the Inserm Avenir program help young researchers to constitute an autonomous team in the fields of life sciences and health. This program also aims to promote the mobility of researchers and attract young talents to French laboratories.


2023 campaign

  • Launch of the call for applications: October 17, 2022
  • Deadline for the submission of applications: November 22, 2022
  • More informations on Eva

Who can apply?

The ATIP-Avenir program is open to researchers of any nationality who successfully defended their science Ph.D. dissertation (or equivalent diploma) over 2 years ago and less than 8 years ago. Exceptions can be granted for maternity leave (18 months per child), paternity leave, or military service.

The program is open to all researchers or teacher-researchers, irrespective of their organization (public scientific and technical research establishment (EPST), university, hospital, veterinary school, etc.) and to all non-tenured researchers. Applications from Doctors of Medicine/Pharmacy and women are strongly encouraged.

Applicants must not have been working for their host laboratory for more than 18 months and may not work with any of their previous mentors. Exceptions can be granted to applicants from university hospitals. Applicants may submit their proposal without an identified host laboratory.

Recipients of support similar to the ATIP-Avenir program – such as French National Research Agency (ANR) or European Research Council (ERC) funding to develop an independent project – are not eligible. Applicants may not apply to more than 2 different calls for proposals.

The projects put forward must relate to life sciences or health. Interdisciplinary projects combining biology and mathematics, physical sciences, information technology, chemistry, public health (more specifically social determinants of health and/or healthcare services) are encouraged. Projects should comply with the ethical rules of Inserm and CNRS.

What funding is allocated?

ATIP-Avenir funding is allocated for a period of 3 years, renewable for 2 years. The funding allocated includes at least:

  • an annual grant of €60 000
  • a 2‑year fixed-term contract for a postdoctoral researcher
  • a 3‑year salary for non-tenured successful applicants

The host laboratory will provide the team with a dedicated research area of at least 50 m² (with infrastructure costs paid by the host laboratory) and ensure access to on-site technological platforms.

Partners are likely to co-fund projects concerning their fields: French Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS), French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM), French Foundation for Cancer Research (ARC), French Foundation for Innovations in Infectious Diseases (FINOVI), Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, French League Against Cancer (LNCC), French Cancer Plan, Université de Lorraine (ISITE LUE), Université de Montpellier (ISITE MUSE).

How are applicants selected?

The selection process takes place in two stages, with shortlisting (generally in April) followed by interviews of the shortlisted applicants (generally mid-June). The final list of applicants and their host structures is established jointly between Inserm and CNRS and generally published early July.

Applications are assessed by an international scientific committee made up of relevant experts.

Additional information