General Directorate of International Relations and Strategy (DGRIS) "Center of Excellence" Label

The General Directorate of International Relations and Strategy (DGRIS) of the Ministry of the Armed Forces launched the Higher Education Pact (PES) in 2015 with the objective of guaranteeing its medium-term academic expertise needs in strategic research in Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH).

Strategic research is the study of the balance of power in international relations and all their constituent modalities. Its objective is to better understand the different aspects of power competition, in the phases of preparation, conduct, and resolution of armed conflicts, including in new areas of conflict. It is a multidisciplinary academic field which primarily concerns the human and social sciences, while integrating, depending on the subject, mixed approaches.

The PES aims to regenerate and develop the pool of French researchers working on these issues.

The establishment of the “Center of Excellence” label is one of the PES actions deployed for the benefit of the university community. Based on criteria of interest for the Ministry of the Armed Forces, scientific excellence and innovation, this label aims to bring out and recognize national centers of excellence on defense issues in the field of SSH.

For this second edition of labeling, the DGRIS is strengthening its action thanks to increased financial support. €5.79 million will be allocated to finance up to three “Centers of Excellence” over five years, or €1.93 million per labeled center.

The call for projects, open to any French laboratory in the field of strategic research in SSH, is open from May 3 to December 3, 2024, on the dedicated ANR platform.