Brussels, 18 July 2002
The Swedish-based International Foundation for Science (IFS) has issued a call for research grant applications from young scientists in developing countries.
Access to research funds, scientific literature, and help with purchasing research equipment have been cited in studies as a major hurdle for scientists in developing countries. Since 1972, IFS has supported some 2 700 young scientists from Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Applications are now being accepted from young researchers in the biological, chemical or physical processes, as well as socio-economic studies covering the conservation, production and renewable use of the 'biological resource base'.
Successful applicants receive support in their early careers to pursue high-quality research and to set them up as recognised national and international scientists. In addition to the $US12 000 (€12 185) awarded to the selected scientists – for a period of one to three years – travel grants and other assistance are also available. The IFS' annual budget of around US$5 million (€5.08 million) comes from government and non-government sources, as well as national and international organisations. Of the IFS' 118 member organisations in 81 countries, three-quarters are located in developing countries.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for IFS Research Grants, applicants must:
- be a scientist and a citizen of a developing country;
- have at least a MSc or equivalent degree;
- be under 40 years old (30 for Chinese applicants);
- be working at a university or research institution in a developing country; and
- do research in a developing country and in one of the IFS Research Areas.
Contact: info@ifs.se
More information on this subject: http://www.ifs.se/
DG Research
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/research/ index_en.html