In France, the Habilitation à diriger des Recherches (HDR, lit. Habilitation to Direct Research) is a diploma that "sanctions recognition of the candidate's high scientific level, 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".[1] It was created in 1984 by the Savary law, replacing the state doctorate.
The HDR is a prerequisite for university professorships. It is not mandatory in French academia in general, but it is required to apply for research Établissement public à caractère scientifique, culturel et professionnel [management positions in public scientific and technological establishments] (EPST). There are exceptions to this rule. A person appointed to the professorship is automatically qualified to direct research.[2]
An HDR is a prerequisite for supervising a PhD thesis or acting as PhD thesis rapporteur (in the absence of the rank of university professor, study director or research director).