Can a researcher serve as a co-principal investigator on one project and be a partner (but not a co-principal investigator) on a second project?
There is no objection in principle. It is recommended to avoid overlapping responsibilities that might lead an examiner to question, for example, the resulting workload. Otherwise, it is suggested to provide additional details that demonstrate that these issues have been taken into account.
Can a CDP project be led by a Federative Research Structure?
No, a project cannot be led by a Federative Research Structure (see the terms of reference). However, a Federative Research Structure may participate in the CDP project as a partner.
Are the Inria Center at UGA and INRAE actually part of IdEX?
Yes, the Inria Center at UGA and INRAE are IdEX partners. Projects involving national or international academic partners outside the UGA network or stakeholders from the socioeconomic or cultural sectors are eligible; however, only activities carried out by UGA laboratories or an institute within the DRT will be funded.
Can an Inria researcher who is a member of the Inria Center at UGA serve as a co-principal investigator on a project?
Yes, provided that he or she is a member of a project team at the Inria Center at UGA.
If a project was presented during the hearings for the call for expressions of interest in October 2025, does it need to be presented again during the hearings on June 16 and 17, 2026?
Yes, the hearings on June 16 and 17, 2026, are mandatory for all projects.
Will the hearings on June 16 and 17 be in English or French?
During the interviews, you will be able to present your project and answer questions in English or French, whichever you prefer.
What is the composition of the selection committee? Where can I find that information?
You can find the composition of the selection committee on the call for proposals webpage (at the very bottom of the page, in the downloadable documents).
Does the submission package (forms and attachments) have to be written in English?
Yes, the submission package must be written in English. The only exception is the document 3-Resume_CDP2026_FR_VF.docx. The submission form on the Deposibus platform must also be completed in English.
What is the purpose of submitting the preliminary abstract on February 24? What should it include? Should it include the requested amounts?
This step is mandatory and will allow the UGA to determine the number and main themes of the projects in order to prepare for the review phase. It should outline the project’s main points: challenges, originality, and expected results. There is no need to mention the amount requested. This summary may be considered a draft; only the summaries provided in the final application package will be taken into account.
Are we expected to suggest reviewers? Or should we only mention those who might have a conflict of interest with us?
No, you are not expected to suggest experts; you are only required to indicate those who may have a conflict of interest with you. You may also disclose any conflicts of interest with members of the selection committee. There is a section provided for this purpose in the application form and in the submission form on the Deposibus platform.
In the document 2-Project-description_CDP2026_VF.docx, is the 5-page limit per section a strict requirement, or is it possible to describe one section in more detail over 6 pages and another over 4 pages, as long as the total remains under 20 pages?
No, this is a strict requirement; the terms of reference state:
"Project Context (max. 5 pages)
- Project Quality (max. 5 pages),
- Project Impact (max. 5 pages),
- Project Implementation, including budget justification (max. 5 pages)."
Is it possible or helpful to provide letters of support from figures in the socioeconomic sector?
On the Deposibus submission platform, you can upload a document of your choice that compiles all the information you believe is useful for the proper evaluation of your project. This document may include letters of support from stakeholders in the socioeconomic sector.
Is there a template provided for the list of participants?
Yes, you can download the 4-Persons-involved_CDP2026_VF.xlsx template from the call for proposals webpage. To do so, scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and click on “forms and attachments” in the “Downloads” section.
Where should we list the people involved in a CDP who are neither co-leaders nor responsible for a Work Package or equivalent?
In the document 4-Persons-involved_CDP2026_VF.xlsx, only the co-leads and managers of a Work Package or equivalent should be listed.
You are not expected to list other members involved in the project. However, you may do so in the description of your project (2-Project-description_CDP2026_VF.docx) in the “Implementation” section, or in the optional supplementary document.
Is the list of staff members involved in the project final?
No, this is a snapshot taken at the time the project was submitted. Other staff members may join the project after it receives certification.
What can the optional open document contain?
The "Additional Documents" section may include any documents you feel are useful for evaluating your project. Its contents may therefore vary from one project to another.
Are management fees or indirect costs applied to the funding application?
The financial management of the CDPs (budget preparation, overall budget monitoring, and expenditure execution) will be handled by the UGA within the Deputy Directorate General for Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (Research Financial Strategy Division). No management fees or other indirect costs will be applied to the allocated amount.
Regarding the costs associated with funding dissertations, the call for proposals lists €140k. Is this an estimated cost?
This amount covers a doctoral thesis, while taking into account potential inflation (4% per year). It includes gross salary, the family allowance, contributions to health insurance and retirement plans, the telework allowance, the sustainable transportation allowance, and transportation reimbursement. This is not an approximate cost.
Is it mandatory to hire a project manager?
No, it’s not mandatory—it’s an option. However, when making your decision (whether or not to hire a project manager), we encourage you to carefully consider how your project will be managed.
The cost of a project manager is estimated at €26,400 plus €6,600 in overheads. What does the annual €6,600 in overheads cover? Are these overheads annual, or do they cover the entire duration of the CDP?
Overheads help cover the operating costs of the Research and Innovation Project Management Support Department, to which the project manager will report: training, supervision, and team coordination; funding for periods between contracts; etc.
Overheads are annual. Since the CDPs have a duration of 4 years and 3 months (from September 7, 2026, to December 31, 2030), these costs must therefore be allocated each year.
Apart from REPSO, are there any other services within the UGA designed to support CDP projects? Specifically, in terms of commercialization?
Yes, when it comes to asset valuation, you can contact the
ITO department.
Should we budget for communication expenses, or are they covered by the UGA, particularly with regard to the CDP website?
CDP websites must be hosted at UGA with the support of the Communications Department. No funds need to be allocated for this purpose.
Regarding the management of financial flows, how will this work? Will a payment be made to the laboratory and then forwarded to the award recipients?
The financial management of the CDPs will be centralized within the Deputy Directorate General for Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (Research Financial Strategy Directorate). Therefore, no payments will be made to the laboratories.
Approximately how much time does it take to monitor the finances of a CDP?
It depends on the project. Oversight of the overall budget and the execution of expenditures is handled by the Deputy Directorate General for Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (Research Financial Strategy Division). Budget monitoring is carried out by the project leader or, where applicable, by the project manager.
What are the procedures for adjusting the projected budget during the term of the CDP?
The research proposal and the proposed budget serve as the project’s guiding documents throughout its implementation. Once the project has been approved, the annual allocation of resources will be reviewed with you in accordance with the projected budgets (particularly regarding doctoral dissertations and postdoctoral positions). Of course, adjustments may be made, always in line with the project’s objectives and any budgetary constraints.
Do all co-carriers have access to the form on Deposibus?
No, only one person may fill out the form on Deposibus. However, the submission form is very similar to the application form (1-Application_form_CDP2026_VF.docx), which can be completed collectively before filling out the submission form.
Who should I contact if I have trouble creating an account on Deposibus?
You can contact the Deposibus coordinator, Carole Musset, at dgdriv-aap-recherche@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr.
To create an account on Deposibus, do we have to use our UGA institutional email address?
No, not necessarily. You can use any email address you like.
