Join ILLS in Montréal through CNRS
The International Laboratory on Learning Systems (ILLS, CNRS IRL 2020) welcomes enquiries from researchers interested in collaborating with our team in Montréal. The application route depends on your current position.
ILLS in the French research directory ILLS at CNRS Sciences informatiques
For university faculty in France
Accueil en délégation
If you are a maître de conférences or professeur des universités, you can apply for a CNRS delegation to carry out a research project at ILLS. During an approved delegation, your home institution continues to pay your salary and releases you from all or part of your teaching duties.
CNRS delegation guidanceHow to apply. Discuss the project with ILLS and your home laboratory early enough for both directors to provide their written opinions. Prepare an activity report including your CV, a research proposal of up to five pages, and up to ten selected research outputs. Submit your application through Galaxie, identifying ILLS (IRL 2020) as the proposed host. Your institution reviews the application and forwards supported dossiers to CNRS.
Galaxie application instructions and forms2027–2028 campaign. The deadline for applicants was 16 October 2026. Applicants who submitted a dossier can consult and respond to CNRS proposals in Galaxie from 8 to 22 April 2027.
Official 2027–2028 campaign calendar (PDF)For permanent CNRS researchers
Changement d’affectation
If you are a permanent CNRS researcher and would like to work at ILLS in Montréal, you can request an assignment to the laboratory. Begin by discussing your research plan and proposed dates with the ILLS directors and your current unit director. Contact the scientific leadership of your CNRS institute early to confirm the timetable and arrangements for an assignment abroad.
How to apply. Obtain the written opinions of your current and prospective unit directors, then send your research project and reassignment request to the scientific leadership of the CNRS institute or institutes concerned. The institute directors make the decision.
CNRS researcher mobility guidelines, section II.A (PDF)International mobility
France–Québec exchange programmes
Recurring programmes can help fund research visits, internships and new joint projects. Calls, eligibility and award amounts change, so check each programme’s current rules and your university research office before applying.
France–Canada Research Fund (FCRF)
An annual programme supported by the Embassy of France in Canada and a consortium of Canadian universities to launch new France–Canada research collaborations. Grants support project development and mobility for research teams and students. The Canadian lead must be at a consortium member university, including McGill. It is intended for new collaborations; prior joint work may affect eligibility.
Programme details and current callSamuel-De Champlain Programme
Recurring calls support France–Québec university partnerships in research and training, helping teams structure collaborations and mobility. Artificial intelligence has been among the priority themes in recent calls.
Programme details and current callSophie Germain Québec–France Mobility Grant
The Fonds de recherche du Québec and the Consulate General of France in Québec support Québec-based doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows undertaking research stays of at least one month in France. Check the current competition for eligibility and funding details.
Programme details and current callMitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA)
Funds 12–24-week jointly supervised research internships for senior undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The G7 AI Adoption call includes France; available awards depend on the Canadian university’s allocation.
Programme details and current call
2027–2031 period
Letter of Understanding
This letter sets out the shared expectations for France-based researchers hosted at ILLS during 2027–2031, including collaboration, scientific engagement, and training.
Download the admission letter of understanding (PDF)Discuss your project with ILLS
Whether you are considering a CNRS delegation or a reassignment, please contact Pablo Piantanida, Director of ILLS, to discuss your project. In your message, briefly describe your research idea, whom you would like to work with, and your preferred dates in Montréal.
Email Pablo Piantanida