Young scientists from developing countries:
IFS can support your research
Developing country scientists often have a tough time getting their research
projects off the ground, but exactly how serious is the situation and in which
ways?
The International Foundation for Science (IFS) recently concluded a study to get
a clearer picture of the actual conditions that face researchers in Africa. In a
questionnaire, scientists identified the main factors holding back their
research work. Research funding, of course, comes at the top of the list.
The next biggest problem for developing country scientists is the lack of basic
research equipment, including its availability and the ability to keep it in
working order. The third major obstacle is access to scientific literature and
participation in networking activities. IFS helps developing country scientists
solve these problems.
Thousands of people in developing countries are doing research with IFS support.
Since IFS began funding activities in 1972, it has supported more than 3,000
scientists with research grants in some 100 developing countries. Flexibility
and effectiveness are key features of IFS operations; IFS focuses its support on
individual-young scientists, at the beginning of their research careers.
IFS relies on a broad network of world-renowned experts who provide a
scientific evaluation of all proposals, which include suggestions on how the
project could be improved. This procedure also applies for unsuccessful
applications. Grantees appreciate the non-bureaucratic procedures and the
personal help by staff and Scientific Advisers. As IFS grantees have expressed
it: "IFS treats us as individuals rather than numbers".
Who qualifies for an IFS research grant?
Applicants have to be citizens of and carry out research in a developing
country. Besides being younger than 40 (less than 30 for Chinese residents) and
at the beginning of their research career, they should have an academic degree
of not less than an MSc or the equivalent.
Country eligibility for support is based on the list of countries with a GNP per
capita of less than the average of the group of Upper Middle Income
Countries according to the World Development Report from the World Bank.
Specifically excluded are countries in Eastern and Central Europe, including
Turkey and Cyprus, as well as countries belonging to the former Soviet Union. A
list of eligible countries can be found on the IFS website.
The geographic distribution of grants awarded has been equal, with one-third
going to scientists in each of the following three regions: Africa, Asia and the
Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. In recent years, about 40% of the
grants have been awarded to female scientists.
What kind of support does IFS provide?
Direct financial support is in the form of research grants (up to USD 12,000
and renewable twice) that enable researchers to purchase equipment, expendable
supplies, literature, etc. The grantee's institution provides a salary
and basic facilities. Here are other important services provided by IFS to its
grantees:
· Purchase and delivery of equipment on behalf of grantees by IFS Purchasing
Department.
· Promotion of scientific networks and links for grantees to other scientists,
especially IFS Scientific Advisers.
· Access to literature searches.
· Travel support for grantees to attend scientific meetings or to visit other
institutions for training.
· Training courses for the writing of a research grant proposal.
· An award scheme providing recognition for scientific achievement associated
with research supported by IFS.
What kind of research is supported?
IFS supports developing country scientists' research relating to the
renewable utilisation of biological resources. Small grants and supporting
services are provided for projects in areas such as agriculture, forestry,
natural products, and aquatic resources, as well as for research on the
sustainable utilisation and conservation of natural ecosystems.
Proposals for research projects may address biological, chemical, and physical
processes as well as social and economic relationships important in the
conservation, production, and renewable utilisation of the biological resource
base.
Applicants should explain the relevance of their proposed research in
relation to environmental and socio-economic conditions in the region. Proposals
should be of a high scientific standard.
How to apply for an IFS research grant
Application forms (in English or French) are available from the IFS
Secretariat or can be downloaded from the web: www.ifs.se. Decisions, based on
the recommendations of the IFS Scientific Advisers, are made twice a year.
IFS encourages long-term associations
By supporting young scientists, IFS is best able to focus its efforts in
order that grantees may become lead scientists and science leaders. An IFS
research grant is, however, only the beginning of a long-term relationship. IFS
continues to offer scientific and intellectual support to its grantees, and
seeks out their advice and support in efforts to strengthen scientific capacity
in developing countries.
IFS Mission Statement
The need
Scientific research provides an important input for sustainable management of
biological resources. Scientific knowledge is central for rural, urban,
industrial, and policy development, which will lead to improvement of people's
livelihoods.
The mission
IFS shall contribute towards strengthening the capacity of developing countries
to conduct relevant and high quality research on the sustainable management of
biological resources. This will involve the study of physical, chemical, and
biological processes, as well as relevant social and economic aspects, important
in the conservation, production, and renewable utilisation of the natural
resource base.
The strategy
IFS shall identify, through a careful selection process, promising young
scientists from developing countries with potential to become future lead
scientists and science leaders. They will receive support in their early careers
to pursue high quality research in developing countries on problems relevant to
the mission, which will help them to become established and recognised
nationally and internationally. Additional supporting services will be provided
to researchers in scientifically weaker institutions and countries. IFS shall
act in collaboration with Member Organisations and other national, regional, and
international institutions utilising the complementary strengths of such
partnerships.
More information: www.ifs.se
More funding information: Funding
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