In 2019, the CNRS and the University of Chicago launched a joint call for proposals to develop cooperation in promising new scientific themes between the two institutions. The agreement is designed to support a series of three-year collaborative research programs for up to 10 new PhD students per year, including students from UChicago and from French universities that host a CNRS research unit. Under the supervision of two primary investigators, one from UChicago and one from CNRS, the program helps PhD students broaden their perspective, gain experience and maturity in leading international research projects, and enhance their scholarly training in preparation for their future professional careers.