The Higher Council for Research and Technology (Conseil Supérieur de la recherche et de la technologie) founded in 1982 is the advisory body for the minister responsible for research who presides over it.
The Council comprises 44 members, divided into two colleges of 22 members, representative on the one hand of the scientific and technical communities and on the other hand research partners, from, in particular, employees' and employer's organisations or representatives from the industrial sector, the regions and non-profit making associations thereby enabling social issues connected to health, the environment and the dissemination of knowledge to be discussed.
Councillors are appointed by the minister responsible for research. Half of the appointments are made at the proposal of research bodies and institutions or of partners. Their 3-year mandate may be renewed once.
The Vice-Chairman is elected by the Council from the members of the scientific and technical communities.
Consulted on all the major choices made by the Government on scientific and technological policy, and in particular on the proposed annual research budget, the Council is also responsible for monitoring and organising dialogue between the research sector and society.
The Higher Research and Technology Council maintains regular contact with its counterparts, in particular its European colleagues, enabling others to be aware of the French research environment and its participants. Importance is also given in the preparation of its opinions and recommendations to a careful consideration of European and international research challenges.
Moreover, each year the Higher Research and Technology Council organises National meetings on regional research, innovation and technological development policies.
Presented in partnership with a region, these meetings constitute a discussion interface between science and society. Promoting the exchange of experience and the emergence of concrete solutions, the Meetings add to the reference points of those involved, and are a source of reflection for the Higher Research and Technology Council in preparing its opinions and recommendations.

Access / Contacts
Conseil supérieur de la recherche et de la technologie
1, rue Descartes
75231 Paris cedex 05
http://www.csrt.fr
Visitor access: 25 rue de la montagne Sainte-Geneviève Paris 5ème
Bâtiment Joffre offices J017 to J023
Contacts:
Vice-Chairman:
Pr. Dominique CHAGNOLLAUD
General secretary:
Gérard COUTIN Tel. : 01 55 55 82 03 - fax: 01 55 55 89 62
Email: gerard.coutin@recherche.gouv.fr
Liaison officer:
Dr. Nicolas CARE- Tel: 01 55 55 81 03 - Fax: 01 55 55 89 62
Email: nicolas.care@recherche.gouv.fr
Secretariat:
Fabienne CANNENTERRE - Tel 01 55 55 87 26 - Fax: 01 55 55 89 62