Uniting and stimulating research in the fields of security and defence

Editorial

CSFRS (High Council for Strategic Education and Research), created at the end of 2009, held its first National Forum on Strategic Research on June 24th 1010 in Paris, organized in partnership with IHEDN (Institute of High Studies of National Defense) and INHESJ (National Institute of High Studies on Security and Justice). Some 700 people attended the event.
The Secretary General of the Presidency of the French Republic, Mr. Claude Guéant, opened the Forum. He recalled the goal of CSFRS: “to carry the French strategic thinking to its ambitious horizon : let a different voice being heard in the world on defense and security matters”. He praised the existing synergy between public and private partners, the pooling of efforts and the flexibility in working that CSFRS will initiate.
On the closing address, former Prime minister Mr. Michel Rocard, after welcoming the French President and the government’s initiative for promoting a “cultural return to the roots of strategy”, underlined the interest of the early detection concept and cross-knowledge.
Debates during the Forum, on various topics, from New Technologies of Information & Communication to neurosciences, Defense, Security or Law, helped identifying future key issues, allowed young researchers to speak and to compare approaches of different disciplines.
Now, it is time for a new step. CSFRS’s Scientific Council, which will be in charge of lighting the ways of strategic research, had its first session, and a request for proposals (non thematic) is on-going. This first RFP will let researchers free to suggest topics which are not addressed yet or, at least, not enough.
CSFRS wants to be the place where intellectuals, untypical, embarrassing, disturbing… will be allowed to alert on what is unseen, almost undetectable, or what is too often ignored because of blindness or discouragement.

Alain BAUER
Professor of Criminology, Conservatoire national des arts et métiers
President of the CSFRS

In terms of security and defence strategy, the mission of the CSFRS (High Council for Strategic Education and Research) is to:

  • gather interested public and private stakeholders in education and research and coordinating their projects,
  • develop strategic research and foster its influence.

This will involve :

  • a new dynamic to existing projects and new ones geared to the future,
  • a financial aid and funding some projects itself.

Who is the CSFRS for?

The High Council for Strategic Education and Research is directed at
research teams,
training bodies and, more generally, any parties interested in security
and defence issues.