An international associated laboratory (LIA) is a “laboratory without wall”, and is not a legal entity. It consists of the association of CNRS-affiliated laboratories or teams and foreign Institutions’ Laboratory(ies) wishing to pool together human and material resources in order to implement a jointly-defined research program, for a four-year term, which may be renewed once.

The laboratories or teams composing the LIA retain their independence, their director and their separate locations. The LIA does not require the expatriation of the researchers involved in the program. Resources (equipment, operations, assignments, associated researcher positions) are dedicated by the CNRS and the partner research institutions to the LIA Program. 

The LIA is coordinated by two coordinators who jointly assume scientific responsibility for the LIA. They draw up the research program which they present to the Steering Committee, composed of representatives of the Parties and persons from outside the LIA if needed.

This model Agreement for the creation of an LIA was drafted by the Legal Affairs Department and Europe of Research and International Cooperation Department. It is based on a number of Agreements for the creation of LIA executed between the CNRS and international research organisations.

As a model, this Agreement for the creation of an LIA is a negotiation-aid instrument. Some of its provisions may or should be modified according to the purpose of the Agreement, the scientific field, the nature of the partner or any other contextual consideration.