Higher Education

Program & Application Process

What is meant by supporting ‘young researchers’?

Projects should be carried out by principal investigators in the early stages of their careers, within 7 years of obtaining their PhD. 
PhD students cannot be principal investigators, but their involvement is strongly encouraged.

How can we involve PhD students?

Project investigators are encouraged to include PhD students in the planned mobilities. In the past, as a result of their participation, some PhD students have included the project’s research in a chapter of their thesis.
Since the involvement of PhD students in the project is a key criterion in the selection process, it is important to include as much information as possible regarding the students involved (identify them if possible), and explain what their mission during the project would be.

Do I need to be the advisor of the PhD student(s) involved in the project?

No this is not necessary. You can involve PhD students of your institution with relevant skills supervised by other researchers.

Is it possible to apply as a full professor?

Young researchers – who have obtained their PhD less than 7 years ago – will be chosen in priority. This can in rare cases include full professors.

Can there be an overlap between the publications listed in the two sections of the application form (list 5 of the most significant and relevant publications by the French and American project leaders, as well as joint publications) or should the publications in each of these sections be unique?

They should be unique in each section.

Can a startup apply?

No, only researchers employed in a research institution/university can apply. Startups can be listed as additional partners to support the project. This also applies to compagnies, and commercial spin-off hosted by an academic institution.

What is the success rate per call?

There is an average of 15-25% selected projects per call.

Is it possible to apply to a new call if I am currently managing a Transatlantic Research Partnership project?  

There cannot be an overlapping of TRP grants. If you would like to re-apply with a different project, you will have to wait until the end of your ongoing project to be eligible. Besides, the same project can only be funded once.

We do not have joint publications yet, is this a problem?

No, but evidence of past cooperation is appreciated in the evaluation, and listing joint publications is one example of an already stable cooperation. You could also mention if you have worked in the same research team at one point or how you became aware of each other’s work.

Are all disciplines accepted?

Yes, we accept projects spanning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and HSS (Humanities and Social Sciences). Projects combining STEM and HSS are also encouraged.
We are asking applicants to present projects which are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development

Use of the Grant & Eligibility of Expenses

Is it possible to use the grant to fund a mobility outside of France or the US?

Yes, for dissemination or research purposes. These expenses are to be declared under ‘other expenses’, which are limited to 40% of the grant.

Is it possible to pay for registration fees or a package with the grant?

Yes, this type of expenses falls under ‘other expenses’ section and must be limited to 40% of the grant.

Can visa fees be funded as living expenses?

Yes, they can if you still respect the existing thresholds.

Does the grant cover meal costs during travels and conferences? If so, where should that be included in the budget?

Yes, these expenses can be covered and should be included under other expenses for a conference, and under living expenses for a project mobility.

Can undergraduate students be funded?

No, only PhD student mobility can be funded.

How can we involve undergraduate or Master’s students?

They can participate in the project, but not in the mobilities funded by the Transatlantic Research Partnership. Usually, they are involved in the preparation work for on-site research, organization of joint conference or workshop.

Is it possible to buy equipment with the grant?

No, only mobilities or disseminations costs can be accepted (publication, translation, conferences).

Can a travel be allowed for US interstate mobility?

Yes, and it should be included under travel expenses if the mobility is for the French partner, but under other expenses if this is an American partner mobility.

Can the funding be used to cover the travel/accommodation costs of a collaborator from an “additional partner institution”?

Yes, this person will be considered as ‘additional researcher’ and their funded mobilities should be included in ‘other expenses’ section. All additional partner institutions must be clearly identified in the project application or the final report.

Can the Transatlantic Research Partnership fund the mobilities of another researcher from one of the partner institutions, but who is not the principal investigator or a PhD student?

Yes, their mobility should be included under travel/living expenses in the financial report, where there is a line for ‘other researcher’.

What happens if as a Principal Investigator I move to a different institution during the project?

In case a Principal Investigator changes their position to a different institution, they will have to find a colleague in the initial institution to replace them as the Principal Investigator. The grant cannot be transferred to a new institution. We encourage Principal Investigators who change institutions to become additional partners to continue contributing to the project and to be able to benefit from it in a limited way.

Once selected, is it possible to modify the planned budget submitted with the application?

We can accept some changes in the budget as long as the overall budget is respected, and we are notified in advance.

Contact

Vincent Lépinay
Program Officer
vincent.lepinay@frenchculture.org