France-Japan Joint Call for proposals on Molecular Technology

The French National Research Agency (ANR) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) launch a second bilateral call for proposals in the field of "Molecular Technology".

"Molecular Technology" is a new area of research that concerns the design, synthesis and utilization of molecules to create materials displaying specific physical, chemical and biological functions. These materials provide the basis of devices for applications in the fields of energy, electronics, the environment and medicine. The resulting innovations are likely to deliver solutions to the most pressing human problems, including energy, environmental and human health issues in 20-30 years. These define a new research discipline involving the synthesis of new molecules with electronic, optical, mechanical or biological, and their incorporation as building blocks in materials with properties derived from the functions of the initial molecules.

The aims of this joint-call are to strengthen the collaboration between Japan and France within the field of "Molecular Technology", to achieve word-class scientific results, and to introduce dramatic progress through synergy between the Japanese and French teams.

The purpose of this call is to select bilateral projects which propose a scientific breakthrough in the development of these new intelligent molecular materials. To be considered in the scope of "Molecular Technology", it is required that the challenging research topics primary make use of the chain or part of the chain of technologies addressing molecules.

In advance to the closing date, a symposium is jointly organized by the ANR and JST in Paris on March 9th 2015 to present and discuss an overview of "Molecular technology":

Projects will have a duration of 36 months. French funding will be provided by ANR with a total maximum funding of 250 k€ for French team(s). Japanese funding will be provided by JST with a total maximum funding per project of 23 million Yen in average as direct cost for Japanese team(s).