CNRS is the third party of ENS. The National Center for Scientific Research, or CNRS, is a public organization under the responsibility of the French Ministry of Education and Research. Founded in 1939 by governmental decree, the CNRS aims to:
- Evaluate and carry out all research capable of advancing knowledge and bringing social, cultural, and economic benefits for society.
- Contribute to the promotion and application of research results.
- Develop scientific information.
- Support research training.
- Participate in the analysis of the national and international scientific climate and its potential for evolution in order to develop a national policy.
As the largest fundamental research organization in Europe, the CNRS carries out research in all fields of knowledge, through its ten institutes : Institute of Biological Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, National Institute for Earth Sciences and Astronomy, Institute of Ecology and Environment, Institute for Engineering and Systems Sciences, Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences, Institute for Information Sciences and Technologies, National Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics, Institute of Physics. CNRS laboratories (or research units) are located throughout France, and employ a large body of tenured researchers, engineers, and support staff. There are two types of labs:
- Intramural labs, fully funded and managed by the CNRS
- Joint labs, in partnership with universities, other research organizations, or industry, both in France and abroad.