CNRS

CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, is a public organization supervised by the French Government Department of Higher Education and Research. We cover all scientific fields: human and social sciences, biology, nuclear and particle physics, computer science, engineering and systems, physics, mathematics, chemistry, earth sciences, ecology and the environment. We encourage exchanges between disciplines to always take research to a new level. Our numerous laboratories are spread not only throughout France but also abroad.

CNRS is involved in upstream research on nuclear energy, by studying innovative cycles and systems (hybrid systems and dedicated accelerators, molten salt reactors, thorium cycle, transmutation of waste…), modeling and multi-physics coupling, innovative materials for Generation IV reactors and waste confinement, nuclear instrumentation, the behavior of radionuclides in the environment, new methods for separation chemistry, and also by involving the human sciences community on risk issues and decision-making processes (reactors, waste storage). We collaborate with major players of the nuclear sector of France and abroad, notably thanks to the NEEDS project, and European programs, platforms, and networks.

Training

Initial education

CNRS researchers are heavily involved in all university Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees offered in France in the nuclear energy sector and participate actively in majors offered by Graduate Schools of Engineering. CNRS laboratories, generally research establishments jointly run with Universities or Graduate Schools of Engineering, welcome many students at both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels for short-term internships.

Research training

Our doctoral and post-doctoral fellows are aiming to work either in public or industrial research, or in nuclear engineering in France and abroad. Research grants are awarded either by public authorities, companies, regions, or other research organizations. Undertaking a PhD or a post-doctoral fellowship at CNRS is the best opportunity to benefit from our international network of very high level research laboratories and to participate in international research collaboration.

Apprenticeship

We offer apprenticeship programs for students at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Students enrolled in BS, MS or MEng programs can thus receive both academic education and on-the-job training concurrently.

Continuing education

CNRS provides continuous training programs in nuclear technology to its own employees, but also to partner companies and people in retraining.

B-to-B training

We offer two types of training for companies and other research organizations:

• Qualifying training programs in radiation protection for industrial and research companies, and for the healthcare sector. The certificates delivered at the end of these programs are valid 5 years. We offer programs for both the first certificate, and the certificate renewal.
• Training in the use of radiation portal monitors. This program teaches how to carry out measurements and the protocol to follow in the event of an alert caused by a high-level of radiation.

We also tailor-make courses for the National Radiation Measurement and Analysis Platform, referred to as the Becquerel Network. This network is entirely dedicated to measuring radioactivity in the environment.