Institut français du Proche-Orient


The French Institute of the Near East is part of the network of French Research Centres abroad. It has branches in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

History

The IFPO was created in 2003 by bringing together three existing French Institutes in the area : IFEAD, IFAPO and CERMOC. The IFPO has the status of a "Joint Entity of French Research Institutes Abroad" and is under the aegis of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CNRS.

Fields of research and area purposes

IFPO is active in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, and hopes to be able to extend its activities to Iraq and the Palestinian Territories. Its Director-General, who is based in Damascus, is Eberhard Kienle, who was preceded by François Burgat, Jean-Yves L’Hôpital and Christian Décobert. The Institute’s tasks are research, research training, the diffusion of knowledge and cooperation with local and international institutions. These tasks are carried out with the support of the local Ministries in charge of Research and Higher Education, and in close cooperation with both.
The Institute acts as a centre for study and research in all fields relating to the ancient and modern civilizations of the Near East. On the basis of the numerous activities and publications of its researchers, the institute aims at raising the French contribution to research to the highest academic standards in the various fields of research related to these civilizations, from the earliest times to the contemporary period. The Institute also trains young researchers for careers in teaching and research.

Organization

The Institute is organised into three scientific departments : Archeology and Ancient History ; Arab, Medieval and Modern Studies ; Contemporary Studies.
In its different locations, the Institute recruits experienced researchers from France, from the three countries in which it is established, from Europe and from the rest of the world. They come for a maximum of four years and are selected to take part in the various academic projects initiated by the Institute. It also welcomes receives young researchers of all nationalities to take part in its activities. The duration of their stay varies according to their individual situation.
The Institute also awards some short-term grants for limited projects. Since many of these researchers also belong to other research teams or programmes in France and elsewhere, the Institute hopes that these projects will strengthen and broaden its academic network.