This Chair will enable CIRM to host a researcher affiliated with a university or research institute in Africa and a researcher from a French institution (University/CNRS). The chairholder and his/her partner will co-organize research activities around a theme and a project.

The establishment of this new chair at CIRM draws on our experience of the past ten years running the Jean-Morlet Chair, CIRM’s flagship international program, and our many programs with Africa (CIRM-AIMS, CIRM-CIMPA Residences and Fellowships, etc.).

This first edition, built in partnership with CIMPA and with seed-money granted by the CNRS, is open to African countries. It is anticipated that future editions will open to all countries in the South.

This Chair, lasting a minimum of one month and a maximum of two months, will be held by a researcher affiliated with an African university, accompanied by a researcher from a French research organization (CNRS, University). The chairholder must be a leading mathematician, competent in developing and leading a high-quality scientific activity around him/her. The pair’s onsite immersion at CIRM will be conducive to scientific creation.

The laureates will be expected to organize events during their stay at CIRM:

• a research school (with 20-25 participants from Europe and Africa):

5 days. 4 courses. CIRM promotes diversity and inclusiveness: courses should be given by both men and women. This school should also be particularly geared towards young people affiliated with Southern countries (last year of master’s degree, studying for their doctoral degree or having completed it within the last 5 years. The laureate from Africa is expected to encourage young people from his/her country to take part in the school, in order to form the basis of future collaborations. The school will be a preparation for the Workshop that will follow. The school courses will be recorded, catalogued and made available to the community via streaming and download.

• a workshop following the research school (with 20-25 participants from Europe and Africa):

5 days. Presentations in the morning, mini-projects in the afternoon. 20 presentations of 50 minutes each over one week + informal discussions. Target audience: mathematicians from European and African countries working in the same field. The most advanced school participants will take part in the workshop and give a presentation.

• one or two research in residence (2 to 4 participants):

Research in pairs events bringing 2 to 4 people together (these researchers will be invited by the Chairholder), on a topical subject for a period of 2 weeks.

CIMPA-Fellowships: Alongside the program described above, note that 3 calls are to be launched for CIMPA-Fellowships (from 1 April to 15 April 2024), with the successful candidates joining the Chair program for its entire duration. We believe it is important to welcome participants for two weeks rather than just 5 days.

In order to be accessible to as many people as possible, hybrid mode will be available for the research school and workshop (also available by videoconference). As the workshop follows the school, young people will be able to immerse themselves fully.

Funding

• Travel expenses (up to a maximum of EUR 1,500) and full-board accommodation for the Chairholder for a period of 1 to 2 months.
• The research school and the workshop will welcome 20 to 25 participants each, with full-board accommodation subsidized.
• Travel costs for some African participants may be covered on application: include CV, cover letter and 2 supporting letters.
• Accommodation and travel expenses are subsidized for 3 participants in the Research in residence. Details will be posted on the CIMPA fellowships page.
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Additional information

• Duration: 5 days for each event. The research school and workshop will follow one another and CIRM will accommodate participants also on weekends between events.
• Events start on Monday morning around 9am and finish on Friday after lunch or before 6pm.
• Access to an auditorium or conference room.
• Access to seminar rooms of different sizes for work in sub-groups – pre-booking to be made in accordance with CIRM’s vacancies during the week(s) chosen.
• 24/7 access to CIRM’s onsite library. Free access to many journals.
• Photocopying, scanning, printing available.
• Full board from Sunday evening to Friday for participants. Accommodation at CIRM.
• Free Wifi (CIRM and Eduroam)
• Complimentary tea/coffee breaks twice a day. Free tea at all times