HDR (Habilitation to supervise research)

The habilitation to direct research allows its holder to direct theses.

Definition
HDR – Accreditation to Supervise Research
Conditions
Obtaining your HDR at the University of Rennes
Obtaining an HDR at the University of Western Bretagne
Obtaining an HDR at the University of Rennes 2
Obtaining an HDR at the University of Nantes
Obtaining an HDR at the University of Angers

Definition

The Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR) is the highest degree in the French university system.

The HDR recognizes the high scientific level of the candidate, the originality of his or her approach in a field of science, his or her ability to master a research strategy in a sufficiently broad scientific or technological field, and his or her capacity to supervise young researchers.

It was created in 1984 by the law of January 26, 1984 (Savary law) to compensate for the suppression of the State doctorate. This diploma allows one to apply for a position as a university professor (after registration on the qualification list by the National Council of Universities), to be a thesis director or to be chosen as a thesis rapporteur. It is also very strongly recommended for applying for research director positions in EPST.

Reference text: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000000298904/

The delivery of the HDR diploma is the responsibility of the Universities of each site. You will find below information according to your university of affiliation.

HDR – Accreditation to Supervise Research

The Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR) is the highest university degree awarded in France.

HDR researchers are recognized for their high-level of scientific training and expertise, the originality of their scientific approach within a particular field, their capacity to master a research strategy within a sufficiently broad scientific or technological domain, and their capability to supervise young researchers.
The HDR degree was created in 1984 by the Act of 26 January 1984 (so-called “Savary Act”), to fill the gap left by the abolition of the State Doctorate. HDR-holders can apply for university professorships (following their registration on the “qualification list” by the CNU – National Council of Universities), serve as a thesis supervisor and be chosen as a thesis reviewer (rapporteur in French). HDR accreditation is also strongly recommended to apply for a position as an EPST research director.

Reference texts:

Interministerial Order of 23 November 1988 concerning accreditation to direct research, modified by the Orders of 13 February 1992, 13 July 1995 and 25 April 2002
Circular no. 89-004 of 5 January 1989, modified by Circular no. 89-98 of 19 April 1989

The HDR degree is awarded by the universities of each site. Below, you will find information according to your university of registration.

Conditions

HDR applicants must:

Hold a doctorate degree or,
Hold a doctor’s degree in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or veterinary medicine, as well as a degree awarded for advanced studies or a Research Master’s degree,
Or be able to prove a degree, work or experience equivalent to a doctorate.

The last provision notably applies to holders of a post-graduate degree or a doctorate in engineering, complemented by other work or full-time research-and-teaching experience of at least 5 years.
Applicants can only apply to register at a single institution during a single academic year. Applicants having already been registered at another institution with a view to pursuing this degree must make this known.
Registration applications are examined by the president or director of the institution, who then rules based upon the recommendations of the scientific council (comprising HDR research directors) and the applicant’s research director (if he/she has one)