Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

The Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (National Center for Scientific Research) is a government-funded research organization, under the administrative authority of France's Ministry of Research.

Founded in 1939 by governmental decree, CNRS has the following missions:

To evaluate and carry out all research capable of advancing knowledge and bringing social, cultural, and economic benefits for society.
To contribute to the application and promotion of research results.
To develop scientific information.
To support research training.
To participate in the analysis of the national and international scientific climate and its potential for evolution in order to develop a national policy.