To carry out its missions, Santé publique France relies on a network of CNRs, whose designation procedures and main missions are set forth in Decree No. 2016-806 of June 16, 2016, and the Order of June 16, 2016, as follows:

• Expertise in the microbiology and pathology of infectious agents, and the development, optimization, validation, and dissemination of clinical laboratory tests; the identification and confirmation of pathogens, particularly those for which there is no in vitro diagnostic medical device meeting the conditions set forth in Articles L. 5221-2 or L. 5221-5 of the Public Health Code;

• Scientific or technical advice in response to any request from the Minister of Health, the National Public Health Agency, and healthcare professionals;

• Contributing to epidemiological surveillance: - by coordinating a network of laboratories that may be entrusted with conducting tests and subsequently transmitting the results; - by performing the analyses necessary for the surveillance of pathogens;

• Immediate notification to the National Public Health Agency, the Ministry of Health, and, where applicable, the regional health agency of any finding likely to pose a risk or threat to the health of the population. "

A CNR Committee is established under the Director General of Santé publique France to support the agency’s work regarding the designation, coordination, and evaluation of CNRs.

The members of this committee must be replaced within eight months of the publication of the decree of March 7, 2017, establishing the list of national reference centers, national reference centers-associated laboratories, and national reference centers-expert laboratories for the control of communicable diseases, i.e., no later than November 6, 2017.

The Missions of Santé publique France – The National Public Health Agency

The National Public Health Agency, established by Order No. 2016-462 of April 14, 2016, is a public administrative institution of the State, under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. Its missions are:

• epidemiological observation and monitoring of the health status of the population;

• monitoring health risks threatening the population;

• health promotion and the reduction of health risks;

• developing prevention and health education;

• preparation for and response to health threats, alerts, and crises;

• issuing health alerts.

Within its scope of authority and to carry out its missions, the agency applies expertise consistent with the principles set forth in Article L. 1452-1. Its opinions and recommendations are issued in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 1452-2.

Subject to respect for privacy and secrets protected by law, in particular the rules relating to the protection of national defense secrets, its opinions and recommendations are made public.

Committee’s Mandate

The mission of the CNR Committee is:

• to propose to the Director General of Santé publique France, for a period of five years and in light of the epidemiological situation, a list of pathogens requiring a national reference center;

• to develop specific terms of reference for each NRC;

• to analyze proposals and rank applications in response to a call for applications;

• to evaluate the activities of the National Reference Centers annually and at the end of the five-year period.

Santé publique France relies on this committee to ensure the scientific quality and efficiency of the activities carried out by the NRCs within the scope of their missions and compliance with their specifications, to manage the network of laboratories thus created, and to coordinate their activities.

Composition of the Committee

The NRC Committee consists of no more than twenty members. It includes:

• representatives of the Ministry of Health;

• representatives of Santé publique France;

• experts in epidemiology, microbiology, infectious diseases, or public health, appointed for a five-year term based on their expertise following a call for applications by the Director General of Santé publique France.

At least half of its members belong neither to the Ministry of Health nor to Santé publique France.

The members of the CNR committee serve in their personal capacity and may not be replaced. This is a participation based on personal expertise and not institutional representation.

Workload of the Committee

Under normal circumstances, the CNR Committee meets three times a year for one day, with an estimated workload for members of approximately 6 to 8 days per year.

Committee members are required to evaluate application files or the CNRs’ annual activity reports. These evaluations take into account scientific, technical, financial, and ethical aspects. They also help coordinate the CNR network, particularly when organizing seminars bringing together all the laboratories that make up the CNR network. They contribute to the committee’s discussions on developments within the CNR network or regarding its missions.

A few additional meetings (in-person or by telephone) may be held on an exceptional basis, particularly during the preparation and implementation of calls for applications for the renewal of CNRs (scheduled for 2021–2022 for the next call).

Required Qualifications

To meet the established objectives, the CNR Committee must be composed of healthcare professionals (physicians, pharmacists) or scientists with expertise in the fields of microbiology, infectious diseases, epidemiology, or public health.

General qualifications

• interest and experience in the field of infectious disease surveillance, including research, development, and evaluation;

• interest and expertise in genomic techniques and their evolution (sequencing, etc.);

• good knowledge of the French public health system;

• Ability to work collaboratively and in a multidisciplinary setting.

Specific skills

• microbiologists (bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, phylogenetics, etc.) in human or animal health;

• epidemiologists or public health specialists with strong expertise in infectious diseases; molecular epidemiology and genomics of infectious agents;

• clinical infectious disease specialists.

Committee operations and ethics

Committee members are appointed for a term of 5 years.

Internal regulations define the committee’s operating procedures, including the appointment of its chair.

The chair of this committee is appointed from among its members by the Director General of Santé publique France. Members sign a "Confidentiality Agreement and Commitment to Regularly Attend Meetings."

The Director General of Santé publique France provides the resources necessary for the committee’s operation. The scientific and administrative secretariat of this committee is managed by the Directorate of Infectious Diseases.

Confidentiality and duty of discretion: Committee members are bound by professional secrecy and discretion regarding the content of the Committee’s deliberations, the votes of each member, and, generally, any document or information to which they have become privy through their participation in the Committee’s work.

Declaration of interests: Committee members must submit a declaration of interests and agree to report any changes regarding their affiliations during their term of office. These declarations of interests are made public on the Santé publique France website.

Compensation and Travel Expenses

Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed under the conditions applicable to civilian government employees.

Compensation for loss of income in the case of private practice, as well as compensation for time spent attending meetings and for work performed, will be provided in accordance with the schedule established by the Board of Directors of Santé publique France.

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted by email to the following address no later than midnight on Sunday, September 17, 2017: dmi-cnr@santepubliquefrance.fr

Applications must include:

• a cover letter stating the candidate’s professional and/or personal contact information;

• a resume;

• a public declaration of interest, to be completed using the form available for download here (pending the launch of the single online portal for DPI declarations, which will go live this summer).

Selection Process

Only complete applications will be considered.

Selection of candidates for the CNR Committee will be conducted by a selection panel, based on the information provided in the cover letter, the candidates’ alignment with the required competencies, an analysis of their conflicts of interest, and the necessary multidisciplinary and diverse composition of the committee. Candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application via email from the committee secretariat.

Committee members will be appointed by decision of the Director General of Santé publique France, and the committee’s composition will be published on the agency’s website.

CNR staff members are not eligible to apply.

The same applies to members of the Board of Directors, the Scientific Council, the Ethics and Professional Conduct Committee, and the Steering and Dialogue Committee of Santé publique France.