COMSTECH-TWAS Joint Research Grants

To facilitate young scientists in OIC countries who are involved in indigenous research within the OIC region, COMSTECH-TWAS Program of research grants in science and technology enables to apply for grants of up to US$15000. Deadlines: 31 March (only during 2009) and 31 August 2009.

The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH)-TWAS Joint Research Grants complements the TWAS Research Grants Programme in Basic Sciences and the Research Grants Programme of the International Foundation for Science (IFS).

The programme aims at encouraging the pursuit of scientific excellence in OIC countries by identifying and supporting the best young scientists in OIC member states; reinforcing and promoting scientific research and strengthening the endogenous capacity in science and technology; and counteracting the brain drain and reducing the exodus of scientific talent from the OIC countries.

· COMSTECH-TWAS Joint Research Grants are awarded to high-level and promising research projects carried out by young scientists working in OIC countries.

· A Research Grant amounts to a maximum of US$15,000.

· A grant is normally provided for a period of 18 months and is renewable once.

· A grant may be used to purchase scientific equipment, consumables and specialized literature (textbooks and proceedings only). The grant does not cover salaries of researchers and/or students, field expenses, travel expenses and/or participation in international conferences.
Subject Areas

The programme provides support for research projects in earth sciences, engineering sciences, information technology and computer sciences, materials science including nanotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences and renewable energy.
Eligibility of Applicants

* Individual applicants must be nationals of OIC Member States, with a PhD and some research experience, but at the beginning of their careers. They should hold positions at universities or research institutions in one of the OIC countries. As a general rule, the grants are awarded to competent scientists under the age of 40 years.
* Scientists who submit a satisfactory final report on a previous grant may apply for a renewal.

Agreement

· A written agreement is made between COMSTECH-TWAS, the grantee and his/her institute. The institute undertakes to administer the grant according to the agreement and to provide laboratory space, salaries and other facilities necessary for the project. Equipment, consumables and literature provided for the project through the COMSTECH-TWAS Joint Research Grants Programme remain the property of the institute after the project is completed.

· The research grant is kept at TWAS for the purchase of all items requested by the grantee. TWAS contacts the supplier(s) upon receipt of proforma invoices submitted by the grantee in accordance with the itemized budget.

· Awardees are required to submit a final report within one year of receipt of the last items purchased.
How to apply

* Complete the electronic application form (see link at the bottom of this page) using Microsoft Word.
* The first page of the application must be signed.
* If extra space is needed, please attach separate Word documents.
* Applicants should send separately, as an attachment, a detailed CV with the full list of publications.
* Incomplete and/or unsigned applications cannot be considered.
* Completed application form (together with CV and list of publications) should be sent by email to comstech@comstech.org or mahdavi@twas.org with the subject: COMSTECH-TWAS Joint Research Grants
* COMSTECH-TWAS will acknowledge receipt of an application within two weeks. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within this period please contact: COMSTECH Secretariat email: comstech@comstech.org or Mrs M.T. Mahdavi, TWAS, ICTP Campus, Strada Costiera 11, 34014 Trieste, Italy. Phone: +39 040 2240325, Fax: +39 040 224559, e-mail: mahdavi@twas.org.

Important: Please be aware that a researcher who has applied for the TWAS Research Grants Programme (either for individual grants or for grants for research groups) cannot apply for the COMSTECH-TWAS Joint Research Grants Programme in the same year and vice versa.
When to apply

For 2009 there are two deadlines for receiving applications: 31 March and 31 August. However, we strongly recommend that you do not wait until the deadline but submit your application as early as you can to enable us to process your application as quickly as possible.
Notification of COMSTECH-TWAS decision

The COMSTECH-TWAS Joint Research Grants Committee will meet at the end of October 2009 and at the end of March 2010 to consider applications received by 31 March and 31 August, respectively. Notification of the results will be made shortly afterwards.

Link to Guide and application form