The French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP), founded in 1955, is a French public research centre located in the heart of Puducherry. Established under the terms of the Treaty of Cession of French Territories in India, it was initially dedicated to the study of the history and religions of South India. Since then, research at the Institute has expanded into new fields. The Department of Ecology was created to study the South Indian environment; the Department of Social Sciences focuses on the dynamics of Indian society; and the Department of Geomatics provides modern methodologies and equipment to support this research. Whether it’s preserving ancient manuscripts, studying South Indian ecosystems, analyzing social change, or using satellite imagery to map landscapes, the IFP blends tradition and innovation. Its library, herbarium and manuscripts collection, are valuable resources not only for researchers but for anyone interested in India’s cultural and natural heritage.
The French Institute of Pondicherry offers a welcoming and intellectually rich environment for those interested in South Asia’s cultures, societies, and ecosystems. With strong expertise in Indology, ecology, social sciences, and geomatics, the Institute encourages hands-on research, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary dialogue. Fellows have access to unique resources—including rare manuscripts, a botanical herbarium, and a multidisciplinary library with around 70,000 books. Life at the IFP is shaped by regular seminars, informal exchanges, and collaborative projects, all in a human-sized setting that values curiosity, openness, and thoughtful research.
We welcome applicants with a strong academic background and a clear interest in South Indian cultures, societies, or ecosystems. Fields such as anthropology, sociology, ecology, religious studies, history, Indology, geography, and spatial analysis are especially relevant. Candidates should be curious, self-motivated, and open to fieldwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. A willingness to engage with local contexts and contribute actively to the institute’s research life is key.