Glossary

Here is a non-exhaustive list of words and abbreviations that you will hear every day as a non-permanent researcher at Néel.

Research

• Chargé de recherche (CR) : permanent researcher employed by the CNRS
• CROUS : public organization that provides cheap accommodation (usually in residences) and catering for students
• CNRS : « Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique » : French national public organization for scientific research
• CEA : « Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives » : Similar to the CNRS in that it conducts research at various sites around France, but limited to engineering & natural sciences.

Grenoble jargon

• Narvalo : guy
• Grelou : contraction of « Grenoble » and « relou » (lourd in verlan) : this kind of guy who is always talking about snow conditions or the next trail race he will participate in. You will recognize him because he won’t ask for your Instagram but for your Strava. Be careful, after some years in Grenoble there is a non-negligible risk that you become a grelou as well.