The major milestones in the history of the FNRS
"The public does not understand enough among us that pure science is the indispensable condition of applied science and that the fate of nations which neglect science and scientists is marked for decadence."
The origins
This royal speech gave the decisive impetus to the creation of the FNRS, at that time named "FNRS" (National Fund for Scientific Research): less than a year later, on April 27, 1928, the FNRS was in fact created as a public utility foundation by a group of scientists and industrialists and placed under the direction of Émile Francqui, knight of industry, patron and great moral figure of Belgian civil society. In just three months, one hundred million Belgian francs were donated to the FNRS by patrons, but also by ordinary individuals: a real national boost in favor of scientific research.
State involvement
After the Second World War, the FNRS gradually adapted its structures to the new realities of the Belgian and international political landscape, but above all to the exponential increase in scientific knowledge.
To meet the challenge of internationalizing research, the FNRS benefited from recurring subsidies from 1947 - before this State intervention, the financial resources of the FNRS were limited solely to income from its assets.
Adaptation to the needs of society
During the fifties and sixties, the FNRS received the supervision of several specialized and complementary scientific institutions: the Associated Funds. In 1994, the Fund for Research Training in Industry and Agriculture (FRIA) was added.
The gradual transformations of Belgium into a federal state were integrated into the structures of the FNRS, which became the F.R.S.–FNRS, today dedicated to the development of research in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
Today
A public utility foundation, more than 90% financed by public funds, the F.R.S.–FNRS supports the development of fundamental research in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. To do this, it strengthens the training of individual researchers and finances research programs mainly in French-speaking universities in Belgium.
Consult the brochure created for the 90th anniversary of the FNRS
The History of the FNRS in More Detail
The years 2020
2025
The Quinquennial FNRS Awards recognize 6 outstanding research projects.
These prestigious awards, given every five years by the FNRS, were presented today by King Philippe to one female researcher and five male researchers from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. They confirm international recognition and crown the exceptional career of these scientists in all disciplines. The Excellentieprijzen of the FWO, the equivalent of the FNRS in Flanders, were also awarded today by His Majesty the King.
2025
A record amount for Télévie!
A huge thank you! The 2024-2025 edition of Télévie raised €13,351,977.46 for cancer research, a record since the operation began.
2025
PeriScops, the portal for scientific publications – Wallonia & Brussels
This new site offers a high level of performance in search functions, great readability of its content, and excellent bibliographic identification. It serves as a true showcase of French-speaking Belgian research.
2024
FNRS.days: Meeting the Universities
In March and April, the FNRS organized its FNRS.days at the five universities of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Objectives: to answer the questions of (future) researchers but also to present the functioning of the FNRS, its funding instruments, its governance structures, the organization of its calls, and the functioning of the Scientific Commissions and Juries, etc.
2024
CERN and Belgium: 70 years of cooperation and investment for the benefit of science
On November 27th, FNRS, in collaboration with FWO and on behalf of Belgium, organized an official event at the Palais des Académies to mark the 70th anniversary of CERN. It was an opportunity to reflect on seven decades of cooperation between Belgium and the European Organization for Nuclear Research and to highlight the contribution of the Belgian research community.
The Director-General of CERN, Fabiola Gianotti, honored us with her presence. Nobel Prize laureate François Englert was also present. Belgian researchers collaborating with CERN discussed the ISOLDE and CMS experiments as well as the transfer of technology and knowledge made possible by CERN.
The Director-General of CERN, Fabiola Gianotti, honored us with her presence. Nobel Prize laureate François Englert was also present. Belgian researchers collaborating with CERN discussed the ISOLDE and CMS experiments as well as the transfer of technology and knowledge made possible by CERN.
2023
Agreement on the Reform of the Research Evaluation System (ARRA)
As a signatory of the Agreement on the Reform of Research Assessment (ARRA) since June 2023, the FNRS is actively committed to the evolution of evaluation practices. In accordance with its commitments, the FNRS adopted, at its Board of Directors on April 9, 2025, an Action Plan that outlines, over a period of five years, concrete actions to align with the ten fundamental commitments of the ARRA.
The Director-General of CERN, Fabiola Gianotti, honored us with her presence. Nobel Prize laureate François Englert was also present. Belgian researchers collaborating with CERN debated the ISOLDE and CMS experiments as well as the transfer of technologies and knowledge made possible thanks to CERN.
The Director-General of CERN, Fabiola Gianotti, honored us with her presence. Nobel Prize laureate François Englert was also present. Belgian researchers collaborating with CERN debated the ISOLDE and CMS experiments as well as the transfer of technologies and knowledge made possible thanks to CERN.
2023
The first call for WelCHANGE FNRS is open
This new program funds projects in the Humanities and Social Sciences with potential societal impacts.
2022
First Gender Equality Plan of the FNRS (2022-2025)
The Board of Directors of the FNRS on April 25, 2022, adopted the first "FNRS Gender Equality Plan." This plan was drafted by a cross-disciplinary working group on gender. The time has now come for the implementation of this plan.
2022
The FNRS signs the DORA Declaration
The DORA declaration or "San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment" (www.sfdora.org) consists of a set of recommendations regarding best practices in the evaluation of scientific research. For funding agencies like FNRS, this involves placing less weight on the names (and Impact Factor) of journals in which researchers' work is published during the evaluation. Indeed, the average impact of a journal, its level of prestige, or its Impact Factor, for example, do not necessarily predict the quality and real impact of an article published in it. However, peer reviewers often tend to consider the names and Impact Factors of journals where a researcher’s work is published as indicative in themselves of the quality of the researcher’s work in question.
The FNRS has therefore just signed this declaration. This provides an opportunity to make a modification in the 2022 Bourses and Mandats call: candidates for Chargés de recherche and Chercheurs Qualifiés positions were invited to attach the 5 most representative publications of their career to their application dossier (which until now had to only be listed and justified in the scientific part of the application dossier).
The FNRS has therefore just signed this declaration. This provides an opportunity to make a modification in the 2022 Bourses and Mandats call: candidates for Chargés de recherche and Chercheurs Qualifiés positions were invited to attach the 5 most representative publications of their career to their application dossier (which until now had to only be listed and justified in the scientific part of the application dossier).
2021
The FNRS Builds Links with Germany (DFG) and Flanders (FWO) through the Weave Initiative
Starting in 2022, new opportunities for collaboration with the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Germany) and the FWO (Research Foundation Flanders) will be available to French-speaking Belgian researchers within the European initiative Weave "Research Funding Without Borders." This initiative, of which the FNRS is a founding member, brings together several European research funding agencies that have decided to mutually open their project funding tools.
2021
FNRS Quinquennial Prizes Award Ceremony
On 4 October 2021, the FNRS Quinquennial Prizes 2020 Award Ceremony took place at Bozar, in the presence of His Majesty the King.
• The Prize in Clinical Biomedical Sciences (Joseph Maisin Scientific Prize) was awarded to Patrizio Lancellotti, Professor at the University of Liège and Head of the Cardiology Department at the Liège University Hospital (CHU de Liège), for his major contribution to the field of valvular heart diseases.
• The Prize in Fundamental Biomedical Sciences (Joseph Maisin Scientific Prize) was awarded to Jean-François Collet, Professor at UCLouvain – Université catholique de Louvain and Co-Director of the de Duve Institute, who uncovered new fundamental cellular mechanisms.
• The Prize in Human and Social Sciences (Ernest-John Solvay Scientific Prize) was awarded to Vassilis Saroglou, Professor at the Institute of Psychology at UCLouvain – Université catholique de Louvain, for his bold and innovative work in the field of the psychology of religion.
• The Prize in Applied Exact Sciences (Dr A. De Leeuw-Damry-Bourlart Prize) was awarded to Jean-Christophe Charlier, Professor at the École polytechnique of UCLouvain – Université catholique de Louvain, for his pioneering work on graphene.
• The Prize in Fundamental Exact Sciences (Dr A. De Leeuw-Damry-Bourlart Prize) was awarded to Véronique Dehant, Head of Department at the Royal Observatory of Belgium and Adjunct Professor at UCLouvain – Université catholique de Louvain, whose discoveries have contributed to numerous space missions.
• The Prize in Clinical Biomedical Sciences (Joseph Maisin Scientific Prize) was awarded to Patrizio Lancellotti, Professor at the University of Liège and Head of the Cardiology Department at the Liège University Hospital (CHU de Liège), for his major contribution to the field of valvular heart diseases.
• The Prize in Fundamental Biomedical Sciences (Joseph Maisin Scientific Prize) was awarded to Jean-François Collet, Professor at UCLouvain – Université catholique de Louvain and Co-Director of the de Duve Institute, who uncovered new fundamental cellular mechanisms.
• The Prize in Human and Social Sciences (Ernest-John Solvay Scientific Prize) was awarded to Vassilis Saroglou, Professor at the Institute of Psychology at UCLouvain – Université catholique de Louvain, for his bold and innovative work in the field of the psychology of religion.
• The Prize in Applied Exact Sciences (Dr A. De Leeuw-Damry-Bourlart Prize) was awarded to Jean-Christophe Charlier, Professor at the École polytechnique of UCLouvain – Université catholique de Louvain, for his pioneering work on graphene.
• The Prize in Fundamental Exact Sciences (Dr A. De Leeuw-Damry-Bourlart Prize) was awarded to Véronique Dehant, Head of Department at the Royal Observatory of Belgium and Adjunct Professor at UCLouvain – Université catholique de Louvain, whose discoveries have contributed to numerous space missions.
2021
The FNRS Contributed to the Creation of the Higher Committee for Scientific Integrity (CSIS), Officially Announced by the Royal Academies of Belgium on 30 June 2021
The CSIS is established within the Academies (ARMB and ARB). It consists of a Supervisory Committee and an Advisory Committee.
2020
Coronavirus: The FNRS Allocates €3 Million to Research
The FNRS Allocates €3 Million to Research!
In response to the health crisis, the FNRS has decided to fund a double call for projects aimed at mobilising the scientific communities of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and supporting their contribution to the international efforts currently underway.
In response to the health crisis, the FNRS has decided to fund a double call for projects aimed at mobilising the scientific communities of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and supporting their contribution to the international efforts currently underway.
2020
A Very Unusual Year…
The year 2020 was truly an unusual one for research, science, and the FNRS.
Marked, of course, by COVID-19, it was a year during which scientific research was both exceptionally called upon and profoundly disrupted. It nevertheless provided an opportunity to demonstrate research’s resilience, responsiveness, availability, richness, and effectiveness…
Marked, of course, by COVID-19, it was a year during which scientific research was both exceptionally called upon and profoundly disrupted. It nevertheless provided an opportunity to demonstrate research’s resilience, responsiveness, availability, richness, and effectiveness…
The years 2010
2019
www.frs-fnrs.be/dons
December 2019, fundraising visibility campaign on RTL and Bel-RTL (15 researchers highlighted)
2019
WELBIO Researchers’ Kick-off Event
October 2019 – First Welcome Event for New WELBIO Researchers, Held at the Théâtre de Namur, in the Presence of Minister Willy Borsus
2019
FRQ–FNRS Meeting
October 2019 – Organisation of an Academic Session with Our Partners from the Fonds de Recherche du Québec, at the University Foundation, on the Occasion of the Second Joint Call for Projects
2019
ORCS
June 2019: First Public Report by the ORCS on the Career Paths of PhD Graduates
2019
PDR Théma
Launch of the PDR Thema Call on Cardiovascular Diseases, Funded Thanks to a Significant Bequest Recently Received, with the Donor’s Clear Intention to Support Research in This Field.
2019
Télévie
April 2019: Record Broken for the Télévie Campaign! More than €13 Million Raised
2019
ClimaX
In April 2019, the FNRS took concrete action for the climate: €20 million to combat global warming.
2019
FNRS.days
In January 2019, the FNRS began its tour of French-speaking universities.
With multiple objectives: to meet its researchers (current, former and future), answer their questions and concerns, and foster a range of debates (What mission(s) for an FNRS researcher? What difference(s) between an FNRS research fellow and an academic staff member? What place for fundamental research? Open Science — how should it be implemented? What role do women currently hold in research, and what role should they hold?).
With multiple objectives: to meet its researchers (current, former and future), answer their questions and concerns, and foster a range of debates (What mission(s) for an FNRS researcher? What difference(s) between an FNRS research fellow and an academic staff member? What place for fundamental research? Open Science — how should it be implemented? What role do women currently hold in research, and what role should they hold?).
2019
Observatory for Research and Scientific Careers
In 2018, the Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation approved funding for the creation of an Observatory for Research and Scientific Careers, hosted by the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS).
2018
Phare 20.25
Following PHARE I and PHARE II, the F.R.S.-FNRS adopted the PHARE 20.25 strategic plan. This plan is both ambitious and concrete. Investing more in fundamental research is more than ever a decisive condition for our future.
The F.R.S.-FNRS has defined six quantified priorities, both in terms of their objectives and their budgetary impact. For each of them, contextual elements provide perspective by relating the priority to the current situation and the identified needs.
The F.R.S.-FNRS has defined six quantified priorities, both in terms of their objectives and their budgetary impact. For each of them, contextual elements provide perspective by relating the priority to the current situation and the identified needs.
2018
Creation of the Research Fund in the Arts
The new Fund dedicated to research in the arts is intended to enable the higher schools of the arts of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation to establish a close link between research and arts education.
Variante légèrement plus élégante :
The new Fund dedicated to research in the arts aims to strengthen the connection between research and arts education within the higher schools of the arts of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
Variante légèrement plus élégante :
The new Fund dedicated to research in the arts aims to strengthen the connection between research and arts education within the higher schools of the arts of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
2017
Cooperation Agreement
with the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
2016
Cooperation Agreement
with the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ)
2016
Launch of the EOS Program - Excellence of Science
The F.R.S.-FNRS and the FWO are joining forces to foster in-depth research collaboration between the Communities through the EOS programme, which succeeds the former federal Interuniversity Attraction Poles.
The EOS programme aims to promote joint research between researchers from the Flemish and French-speaking Communities by funding collaborative fundamental research projects across all scientific disciplines.
The EOS programme aims to promote joint research between researchers from the Flemish and French-speaking Communities by funding collaborative fundamental research projects across all scientific disciplines.
2015
Cooperation Agreement
with the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, Brazil)
2014
Cooperation Agreement
with the National Research Foundation (NRF, South Africa)
2014
Adoption of PHARE II for the period 2015-2019
Following PHARE I, this new refinancing plan sets out an inventory of measures and priority areas aimed at addressing researchers’ needs.
2014
Cooperation Agreement
with the Fonds National de la Recherche Luxembourg (FNR, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg)
2013
Establishment of the Consultation and Negotiation Body of the F.R.S.-FNRS (OCN)
2013
Funding Decree
Decree on the Funding of the F.R.S.-FNRS and Its Associated Funds by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation
2013
François Englert, Nobel Prize in Physics
A Promoter of Numerous FNRS Researchers and Research Projects, François Englert Receives the Nobel Prize in Physics.
2013
Creation of the Strategic Fundamental Research Fund
The Strategic Fundamental Research Fund (FRFS) is a specialised associated fund of the F.R.S.-FNRS which, within the framework of a mission delegated by the Walloon Region, finances excellence-driven fundamental research in strategic areas:
• the axis dedicated to sustainable development, known as WISD;
• WELBIO, the strategic life sciences axis of the FRFS.
• the axis dedicated to sustainable development, known as WISD;
• WELBIO, the strategic life sciences axis of the FRFS.
2012
Creation of the Fund for Research in the Humanities (FRESH)
Its objective is to support fundamental research in the humanities and social sciences, with particular attention to its societal impact.
2011
The F.R.S.-FNRS and the FWO Among the Seven Founding Members of Science Europe
The years 2000
2009
Publication du plan de refinancement Phare I
Plan d’Harmonisation et d’Actions pour la Recherche pour la période 2010-2014.
2008
Véronique Halloin, Secretary-General of the F.R.S.-FNRS
Nomination de Véronique Halloin comme Secrétaire générale du F.R.S.-FNRS et des Fonds associés.
2007
Creation of the European Research Council
Le Conseil européen de la recherche (European Research Council, ERC) est un organe de l’Union Européenne chargé de coordonner les efforts de la recherche entre les États membres de l’UE et la première agence de financement pan-européenne pour une « recherche à la frontière de la connaissance ». Il a été institué officiellement le 27 février 2007 dans le cadre du septième programme-cadre.
2006
NCP-FNRS
Créé en 2006, le National Contact Point hébergé par le F.R.S.-FNRS (NCP-FNRS) vise à encourager les universités de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles à participer aux ProgrammesCadres de recherche de la Commission européenne et à les soutenir dans cette démarche.
2005
Accord de coopération
avec le National Research Foundation of Korea (Corée du Sud).
2000
Les Prix Quinquennaux prennent leur forme actuelle
Deux Prix Dr A. De LeeuwDamry-Bourlart (sc. exactes fondamentales et sc. exactes appliquées), un Prix Ernest-John Solvay (sc. humaines et sociales) et deux Prix Joseph Maisin (sc. biomédicales fondamentales et sc. biomédicales cliniques).
The years 1990
1998
Accord de coopération
avec le Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Productiva (Argentine).
1997
Accord de coopération
avec le Czech Academy of Sciences (Tchéquie).
1994
Collaboration accrue avec le CNRS
Collaboration accrue avec le CNRS avec la mise sur pied du Laboratoire Européen Associé (LEA), « Structurefonction des biomolécules » qui rassemble les laboratoires de Lille, Bruxelles et Gembloux.
1994
Création du Fonds pour la Recherche dans l’Industrie et dans l’Agriculture (FRIA)
Les bourses du FRIA sont réservées à des diplômés de l’enseignement universitaire qui se destinent à faire carrière dans la recherche dans l’industrie ou dans l’agriculture et qui, dans ce but, poursuivent des études conduisant au doctorat dans une université de la Fédération WallonieBruxelles.
1993
Accord de coopération
avec le Magyar Tudomanyos Akadémia (Hongrie).
1992
Le FNRS devient le F.R.S.-FNRS et le FWO
Avec la fédéralisation progressive du pays, la recherche scientifique étant passée dans le giron des Régions et Communautés, le FNRS se scinde sur base linguistique. Le FNRS voit ses statuts modifiés et se compose de deux entités indépendantes : le F.R.S-FNRS (Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique - FNRS) du côté francophone et le FWO (Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) côté néerlandophone.
1990
Cooperation Agreement
avec le Polska Akademia Nauk (Pologne).
1990
La Loterie Nationale participe au financement
La Loterie Nationale s’installe parmi les mécènes importants du FNRS. Ses dons financent des équipements dans les laboratoires universitaires de recherche, mais participent aussi au paiement de chercheurs ainsi que de projets de recherches en sciences humaines.
The years 1980
1989
Création du Télévie
Lancement, à l’initiative de RTL-TVi, du Télévie, opération de récolte de fonds auprès des téléspectateurs, au profit du FNRS. Les bénéfices sont attribués à des projets de recherche dans le domaine du cancer, et tout particulièrement de la leucémie de l’enfant.
1988
La réforme de l’Etat et le FNRS
Until the State reform of 1988, the FNRS fell under the National Ministry of Scientific Policy. With the law on the financing of the Communities and Regions of August 8, 1988, the Communities now each manage their own research and higher education budget.
1988
Marie-Josée Simoen, Secrétaire générale
Nomination de Marie-Josée Simoen comme Secrétaire générale du FNRS.
1984
Cooperation Agreement
avec le Consejo Nacional de Investagaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas (Argentine).
1984
Accord de coopération avec le NIH
A scientific cooperation agreement in the field of medicine is signed with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda (USA).
1984
Cooperation Agreement
avec le Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (Brésil).
1981-88
Nombreux accords de coopération
avec différentes organisations de recherche chinoises.
1980
Accord de coopération avec la NSF
Signature d’un accord de coopération scientifique dans tous les domaines (excepté la médecine) avec la National Science Foundation de Washington (USA).
The years 1970
1978
Expéditions au Groenland et au Canada
Le FNRS soutient les expéditions menées par le Professeur Louis Beyens au Groenland et au Canada.
1977
Ilya Prigogine, Prix Nobel de chimie
Promoteur de nombreux chercheurs et projets de recherches FNRS, Ilya Prigogine reçoit le Prix Nobel de chimie.
1977
Accord de coopération avec la Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
1976
Création de la Commission d’Éthique médicale
Création de la Commission d’Éthique médicale au sein du Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique Médicale. Elle devient une instance de référence en matière d’éthique.
1974
Création d’un nouveau Prix Quinquennal
Le Prix scientifique Joseph Maisin (Sciences biomédicales)
1974
Création de la European Science Foundation
Le 18 novembre 1974, la European Science Foundation (ESF) est créée à Strasbourg. Le FNRS est l’une des 42 académies et conseils de recherche de 15 pays européens qui sont au cœur de la ESF. Grâce au forum créé dans ce cadre, les institutions scientifiques européennes et les conseils de recherche peuvent intensifier leur collaboration et échanger leurs visions sur la politique scientifique.
1974
Christian de Duve et Albert Claude, Prix Nobel de Médecine
Christian de Duve, ancien Aspirant FNRS et promoteur de nombreux chercheurs et projets de recherches FNRS, se voit décerner le Prix Nobel de médecine ainsi que Albert Claude, lui aussi promoteur de différents chercheurs et projets de recherches FNRS.
1973
Modification dans le statut des aspirants
Le statut des Aspirants est transformé en 1973. Dorénavant, les Aspirants sont employés sur la base d’un contrat, avec pour conséquence que le coût pour un mandat d’Aspirant augmente et que moins de mandats peuvent être attribués.
1972
De nouveaux bâtiments pour le FNRS
L’évolution du paysage universitaire et de la recherche scientifique oblige le FNRS à adapter sa structure interne et, en 1972, le FNRS prend possession de nouveaux locaux plus conformes aux exigences de l’époque.
The years 1960
1969
Linguistic parity
La parité linguistique est adoptée non seulement dans les commissions scientifiques (qui fonctionnaient déjà sur ce principe), mais également dans les conseils et comités d’administration du FNRS et des Fonds associés.
1967
Expédition belge à la Grande Barrière de corail
Dans la foulée de la coopération qui naquit entre la France et la Belgique lors de la réalisation du bathyscaphe, le FNRS ainsi que les autorités des deux pays s’allient pour construire un nouveau bathyscaphe, l’Archimède, qui voit le jour en 1961 à Toulon. Parallèlement est créé, toujours avec l’aide du FNRS, le Centre belge d’Océanographie, qui finance des plongées du FNRS III et de l’Archimède, ainsi que des recherches en sédimentologie, en paléobiogéographie et encore en biologie.
1969
Un nouveau Secrétaire général
Paul Levaux est nommé Secrétaire général du FNRS-NFWO et des Fonds associés spécialisés.
1965
La loi d’expansion universitaire
L’augmentation du nombre d’étudiants universitaires pose des problèmes organisationnels et structurels aux établissements d’enseignement supérieur. La loi d’expansion universitaire de 1965 change profondément le paysage universitaire et a un impact considérable sur le fonctionnement et l’importance du FNRS.
1965
Création du Fonds de la Recherche Fondamentale collective (FRFC)
Création du Fonds de la Recherche Fondamentale collective (FRFC) : en plus de former des chercheurs pour grossir les rangs dans les universités, le FNRS peut désormais financer des programmes de recherche proposés par ces mêmes chercheurs.
1965
Création de deux nouveaux Prix Quinquennaux
Le Prix Baron Holvoet (Sciences Humaines) et le Prix ErnestJohn Solvay (Sciences Humaines)
1962
The Galapagos Islands
Une mission géopédologique financée par le FNRS est menée à l’initiative du Professeur Paul De Paepe aux îles Galapagos afin de réaliser une première étude du sol.
1960
Premier Prix Quinquennal
En 1960, le FNRS décerne son premier grand Prix Quinquennal (Prix Dr A. De LeeuwDamry-Bourlart) pour souligner les recherches de scientifiques belges parmi les plus éminents.
The years 1950
1959
Naissance du Conseil National de la Politique Scientifique
Le Conseil National de la Politique Scientifique est créé en septembre 1959, avec pour mission de conseiller le Gouvernement sur tous les problèmes en relation avec la recherche scientifique et l’enseignement supérieur.
1958
Création du Fond de la Recherche Scientifique Médicale (FRSM)
Le 25 janvier 1958, le Fond de la Recherche Scientifique Médicale est créé et fait partie intégrante du FNRS.
1957
Exploration du Pôle Sud
En collaboration avec une équipe de recherche internationale, Gaston de Gerlache entreprend, avec l’aide du FNRS, une expédition au pôle Sud afin d’explorer et de cartographier la région.
1955
First electronic calculating machine
En 1946, le FNRS finance la formation de deux scientifiques aux Etats-Unis afin d’évaluer les possibilités de créer une machine à calculer électronique chez nous. Après plusieurs aides et des renforts, la première machine est inaugurée à Anvers en 1955. C’est le début de l’informatisation qui se poursuivra grâce à la collaboration entre le FNRS et IBM.
1954
Création du CERN
Au lendemain de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, la recherche scientifique en physique nucléaire et la discussion sur ses applications possibles se développent à la vitesse de l’éclair. Le CERN (Centre Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) est créé en 1954 à Genève. 12 États membres sont impliqués y compris la Belgique. L’acte de fondation est signé pour notre pays par Jean Willems, Président du FNRS.
1953
Conception du FNRS III
Après les expériences du bathyscaphe d’Auguste Piccard, le FNRS propose à la Marine française (qui avait participé à l’expédition test) de reprendre l’engin pour participer à son perfectionnement ; un accord est signé entre la France et la Belgique en 1950, incluant notamment le Commandant JacquesYves Cousteau. Et en 1953, la troisième mouture du projet (FNRS III) peut descendre jusqu’à 2100 mètres de profondeur et arpenter les fonds marins de bon nombre de mers et océans.
The years 1940
1948
Le 1er bathyscaphe FNRS 2
Fort du succès de son ballon stratosphérique, Auguste Piccard souhaite transposer son expérience de dirigeable pour les fonds sous-marins. Les subsides du FNRS débutent en 1939 afin de tester les pièces d’équipement du premier bathyscaphe. Après la guerre, les recherches reprennent et le bathyscaphe FNRS 2 fait sa première sortie en 1948. mais le test n’est pas très concluant, et il devient bien vite évident que l’ampleur du projet nécessite d’autres collaborations.
1947-60
Corneel Heymans, Prix Nobel de médecine
Prix Nobel de médecine en 1938, et son institut sont subventionnés par le FNRS.
1947
Création de l’Institut Interuniversitaire des Sciences Nucléaires (IISN)
Aware of the importance of nuclear energy and also uranium in Congo, the FNRS established a committee in 1945 to study the scientific branch of nuclear physics. The Interuniversity Institute of Nuclear Sciences was created in 1947 and immediately received 10 million francs from the Government.
1947
Premier subside gouvernemental
Pour la première fois en 1947, le Gouvernement attribue une allocation au FNRS. Modeste au départ (5 millions de francs), elle est doublée l’année suivante et devient la plus importante source de revenus pour le FNRS. Le 2 avril 1949, une loi confirme la nécessité d’une intervention financière récurrente de l’État au bénéfice du FNRS
1940-45
Le FNRS pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale
Comme la société toute entière, le monde scientifique souffre des conditions de la guerre : un certain nombre de chercheurs sont prisonniers, l’échange international de connaissances est minime et les chercheurs qui essaient de poursuivre leur travail sont confrontés à un manque criant de ressources et de matériel.
The years 1930
1934
Expedition to Easter Island
The archaeologist Henri Lavachery submitted a request for funding to the FNRS. His application was rejected. It was then expanded, notably by Adrien de Gerlache, who had returned from the South Pole aboard the Belgica and proposed, in addition to linguistic and ethnographic studies, to include research on the oceans and marine biology.
Still considered too costly, the proposal was rejected once again. However, collaboration with France and the extension of the research to the islands of French Polynesia changed the situation. The FNRS and the Government agreed to finance the Belgian component, and the expedition took place between July 1934 and April 1935.
Still considered too costly, the proposal was rejected once again. However, collaboration with France and the extension of the research to the islands of French Polynesia changed the situation. The FNRS and the Government agreed to finance the Belgian component, and the expedition took place between July 1934 and April 1935.
1933
Florine's helicopter
The FNRS provided financial support to Professor Nicolas Florine for the construction of the Florine II and III helicopters. The Russian engineer, a graduate in aeronautical engineering who had taken refuge in Belgium in 1920, was then working at the Belgian Aerotechnical Laboratory.
On 25 October 1933, the Florine II, piloted by engineer-pilot Robert Collin, remained airborne for 9 minutes and 58 seconds at a height of up to five metres, until it ran out of fuel.
On 25 October 1933, the Florine II, piloted by engineer-pilot Robert Collin, remained airborne for 9 minutes and 58 seconds at a height of up to five metres, until it ran out of fuel.
1932
Creation of the Francqui Foundation
which awards fellowships to young Belgian graduates to spend time at European universities. The Foundation will go on to establish the Francqui Chair, enabling foreign scientists to teach at Belgian universities, as well as the Francqui Prize.
1932
Behaviour of Ferrous Metals at High Temperatures
A major metallurgical programme was launched to examine the behaviour of ferrous metals at temperatures ranging from 300 to 700°C. It brought together several institutions: the Thyssen laboratory in Liège, the Dustin laboratory at the Université libre de Bruxelles, the University of Labour in Charleroi, and the School of Mines in Mons.
This grant also aimed to bridge the gap with industry, which was seeking new manufacturing processes.
This grant also aimed to bridge the gap with industry, which was seeking new manufacturing processes.
1931
Auguste Piccard’s Stratospheric Balloon
Invited by the Université libre de Bruxelles to hold the Chair of Applied Physics, the Swiss physicist Auguste Piccard received support from the FNRS to build a flying laboratory: a 30-metre-diameter hydrogen-filled balloon, from which the researcher’s gondola was suspended.
His objective was to verify the theory of the Austrian scientist Victor Hess, who maintained that cosmic radiation originated in the upper atmosphere.
The balloon, named FNRS, lifted off in May 1931 and exceeded an altitude of 15,000 metres — not without difficulty — achieving even greater success in August of the same year and again in April 1934.
His objective was to verify the theory of the Austrian scientist Victor Hess, who maintained that cosmic radiation originated in the upper atmosphere.
The balloon, named FNRS, lifted off in May 1931 and exceeded an altitude of 15,000 metres — not without difficulty — achieving even greater success in August of the same year and again in April 1934.
The years 1920
1928
The First Funding
in particular go to the excavations of Apamea in Syria (Fernand Mayence, Professor at the University of Louvain and Curator of the Royal Museums of the Cinquantenaire). This first file immediately raises the nagging question of the purpose of research and the funding of projects, with or without economic "usefulness"?
1928
The Birth of the FNRS
A committee chaired by Émile Francqui gave birth to the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS), which took up residence at the University Foundation, rue d’Egmont in Brussels. The first President was Jean Willems.
“May it finally be understood that the researcher stands at the forefront of progress and civilisation. Through his discoveries, he provides the engineer, the chemist, and the physician with the very foundation for improving the condition of humankind. It is upon new scientific generalisations that our continuous march towards greater progress and well-being rests.”
— Émile Francqui, March 1928.
“May it finally be understood that the researcher stands at the forefront of progress and civilisation. Through his discoveries, he provides the engineer, the chemist, and the physician with the very foundation for improving the condition of humankind. It is upon new scientific generalisations that our continuous march towards greater progress and well-being rests.”
— Émile Francqui, March 1928.
1927
Creation of a Publicity Committee
A publicity committee was created under the direction of Émile Francqui to raise funds for the establishment of the FNRS. A major fundraising campaign among the first patrons achieved spectacular results: 110 million Belgian francs were raised from the country’s largest companies (Solvay with 25 million Belgian francs, Société Générale, the National Bank, Banque d’Outremer, Banque de Bruxelles, Cockerill, etc.), as well as from hundreds of smaller contributions — such as those from a post office or a medical student — demonstrating broad public support for the new institution.
1927
The “Seraing Speech” of King Albert I
The history of the FNRS begins with King Albert I’s “Seraing Speech”, delivered on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the John Cockerill company. In a true plea for science, the Sovereign lamented the lack of public investment in research.
“The public in our country does not sufficiently understand that pure science is the indispensable condition of applied science, and that the fate of nations which neglect science and scientists is marked for decline.”
“The public in our country does not sufficiently understand that pure science is the indispensable condition of applied science, and that the fate of nations which neglect science and scientists is marked for decline.”
1920
A law officially establishes the University Foundation.
Based on American models, the Foundation became a meeting point for Belgian academics and visiting scientists in Brussels. It played a role in science communication, provided financial support for the publication of scholarly works, contributed to the updating of university libraries, and offered financial assistance to students in need.
