IFS eNews No. 18
March 2007
IFS eNews appears quarterly. Ad hoc newsbulletins are also sent out to all IFS eNews subscribers. We hope that it is an effective way to inform you about recent developments. Your comments on the contents of IFS eNews are most welcome to info@ifs.se
Developing Science - Science for Development
In this issue
1. NEWS
1.1 122 new research grants approved in December 2006
1.2 A vote of thanks to our Scientific Advisers
1.3 New IFS Five Year Programme
1.4 Alumni Associations
1.5 IFS revises its policy towards advanced developing countries
1.6 Activities of IFS focal point at CREPA
2. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
2.1 General and special calls for applications
3. MEETINGS AND WORKSHOP
S 3.1 Workshops and conferences held during 2006
3.2 IFS/OPCW Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, 10–14 December 2006
4. PUBLICATIONS
4.1 Evaluation of IFS Food Science Area
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
5.1 Former IFS Grantee in Philippines honoured
5.2 Opportunity in Global Environmental Change research
5.3 Theoretical/Environmental Chemistry Conference - Call for papers
5.4 Orskov Foundation 2007 Funding
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1. NEWS
1.1 122 new research grants approved in December 2006
More than 800 applications for grants were submitted to IFS during the period January to June 2006. They were assessed during July-December and 140 were recommended for funding by IFS Scientific Advisory Committees. In the end 123 new grants were approved for funding.
| Distribution of the new grants by region: | ||
| Sub-Saharan Africa | 60 | |
| Asia & Pacific | 34 | |
| Latin America and Caribbean | 21 | |
| North Africa and Middle East | 7 | |
Of these 122 grantees 34% are women and 70% come from IFS priority countries.
Together with the 140 grants approved in June 2006, a total of 262 grants
have been awarded during 2006.
All IFS grantees and their research project titles can be found on the IFS
web site www.ifs.se (Note that the new grantees will appear on the web when
all formalities such as contract signing, etc, are complete.)
Applications received during the second half of 2006 are now being evaluated
- a process which involves several hundred advisers and experts from around
the world and culminates in 8 SAC (scientific advisors committee) meetings
later in the year. All applicants not recommended for funding during the process
will receive feedback with comments and suggestions from advisers, making
it possible for them to improve their application and apply again.
1.2 A vote of thanks to our Scientific Advisers
The IFS Scientific advisers (SA) play a vital role in the IFS process making it possible to ensure the high quality of research proposals that IFS supports. The constructive comments they provide to applications which could not be recommended is an important support allowing young scientists to reapply. In addition many work as mentors to grantees providing additional support and important contacts as well as information about capacity enhancing activities. The work they do is all voluntary. Many of these scientific advisors are themselves former IFS grantees who realize how important IFS is in supporting young scientists who are working in very difficult environments. This diversity and their dedication form the backbone of IFS and make it possible for IFS to play such a unique and important role. Your efforts are appreciated.
1.3 New IFS Five Year Programme
The Five Year Programme Framework (2006-2010) was formally approved by the IFS Board of Trustees at their meeting in November. The programme emphasizes support to young scientists in low income countries with vulnerable scientific infrastructure. In order to ensure research success IFS strives to provide, in addition to the grant, capacity enhancing support to selected grantees in such countries. This support consists of opportunities for grantees to attend methodology and thematic workshops, visit reputable laboratories, receive mentorship etc.
The Five Year Programme Framework (2006-2010) can be read on the IFS web: http://www.ifs.se/Publications/IFS_FiveYearProgrammeFramework_2006-2010.pdf
1.4 Alumni Associations
At a meeting in Yaoundé Cameroon in October an alumni association was launched. Representatives from the IFS Alumni Associations in Benin and Mali attended. Burkina Faso and Uganda were also represented at they have indicated an interest to launch alumni associations in their respective countries.
1.5 IFS revises its policy towards advanced developing countries
Previously, as developing countries advanced economically and were able to maintain, for 3 consecutive years, a GNI per capita above the average for Middle Income Countries (World Bank data), they were 'phased out' of the IFS Granting Programme. This has so far happened to Argentina, Uruguay and Mexico, and there are a few other countries on the threshold today. After a review of this policy, IFS now invites these scientifically advanced developing countries to become partners in the IFS Programme. It is hoped that a range of activities involving Science Councils, IFS Affiliated Organisations, former Grantees and Scientific Advisers can be developed in the country concerned to further the IFS Programme in the region.
Currently, discussions have been initiated with both Argentina and Mexico on the details of the partnership. In Argentina, IFS and CONICET (National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research) have developed a mechanism under which CONICET will identify research centers in Argentina which are prepared to host selected IFS grantees from less developed countries Latin America for a period of a few weeks to a few months. The purpose is to give these grantees training in research methodologies relevant to their research projects. IFS will pay for the travel to and from Argentina while CONICET will cover living costs during the visit.
This collaboration is still in the planning stage and will be started in 2007. A similar collaboration is being discussed with CONACYT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología) in Mexico.
There will be no change to the eligibility status (for IFS grants) of scientists in these countries; i.e. they are not eligible for IFS grants - with the exception of current IFS grantees in Mexico who are still eligible for renewal grants until the end of 2007.
1.6 Activities of IFS focal point at CREPA
IFS and the West African network CREPA (Centre regional pour l’eau potale et l’assainissement a faible cout) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen collaboration. CREPA deals with capacity building and promotion of research in the fields of water quality and ecological sanitation. Below is an extract from a report of activities during 2006.
Capitalising on its extensive network of scientists working in organisations and institutions throughout West and Central Africa, CREPA has been effective in furthering the work of IFS in the region. In addition to visiting IFS grantees in their own institutions they have also functioned as mentors to grantees over email. CREPA organised two workshops; one to help young scientists conceptualise research proposals, and the other to encourage 29 young scientists becoming involved in research on water resources. They received help to conceptualise their proposals by formulating objectives, hypothesis, research plan, etc. These efforts help to create in the short term a pool of IFS grantees working in the research area of water resources in the region which in turn will strengthen the capacity of actors and institutions.
In addition to the above CREPA has also organised training workshops on action research and participatory approaches. 25 students from eight countries attended the training. Action research was presented as a methodology for qualitative and quantitative diagnostics as one means to improve the relevance of the research being carried out. The objectives for research, indicators, techniques and data collection tools were presented. The students participated in a field visit to judge the feasibility of their proposal through the functioning of a real research project.
2. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
2.1 General and special calls for applications
A new application period is now open and IFS calls for applications for Research
Grants from young scientists in developing countries. Details of eligibility
criteria, areas of scientific research covered and application forms are available
on the IFS website: http://www.ifs.se
Application deadline: June 31 2007
3. MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS
3.1 Workshops and conferences held during 2006
During 2006 IFS co-organized 25 workshops and conferences where more than 500 young scientists participated. They included both training workshops (scientific methodology, conceptualization of research proposals etc.) and thematic workshops.
3.2 IFS/OPCW Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, 10–14 December 2006
This workshop, 'Chemistry in Nature. Natural resources: Chemical, Biological and Environmental Aspects', was organized by IFS and OPCW (Organization for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons) in collaboration with The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).
During the period 1999-2005 a total of 209 researchers from 41 developing countries have been awarded research grants under a collaborative arrangement between IFS and OPCW.
The purpose of this workshop in Nairobi was to bring together IFS/OPCW grantees from African countries in a forum where they could present research results, discuss challenges and build networks. This workshop is also part of a deeper on-going evaluation of the impact of the joint granting scheme. A report of the evaluation will be published later in 2007.
The workshop was attended by 43 grantees and was divided into 2 parts: the first concentrated on the research situation and career development of the IFS/OPCW grantees and the second was for scientific presentations. There were 4 keynote speakers and a number of discussion groups in the first part. From these it may be concluded that IFS and OPCW funding has had a positive impact, but there were also suggestions for future improvement of the support.
| Some of the benefits noted by grantees include: | |
| Kick-starting research careers IFS/OPCW support has enabled grantees to start their research careers and should be looked as a stepping stone for their future career. |
|
| Opening up further opportunities IFS/OPCW funding has provided a springboard for further research enabling scientists to apply and obtain further funds from other sources and to expand the network of collaborators. It has also enabled teams to form and expand their research agenda. |
|
| Empowerment of scientists IFS/OPCW grants have enabled them to get on board of important committees within their government, which can influence policy positively. |
|
| Development of managerial and leadership skills Many grantees have developed managerial and leadership skills, resulting in promotions within their institutions and international exposure in academic circles. |
|
During the scientific pert of the workshop, there were 12 lectures, poster sessions, presentations of some African scientific networks and group discussions of new trends, challenges and research techniques.
4. PUBLICATIONS
4.1 Evaluation of IFS Food Science Area
This evaluation is now published as MESIA Impact Studies, Report No. 7. It is based on a study conducted in 2005/06 by the author, Prof. John Taylor, Department of Food Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
The report concluded that support by IFS to Food Science is addressing a real and important need and that it is largely being successful in terms of positive impact on the careers of grantees. There was general agreement that IFS support was unique and critical for helping young scientists. However, IFS grantees do not seem to be pro-active when it comes to implementation of the research work, as indicated by the low number of technical reports, patents and the low proportion of grantees involved in entrepreneurial activities arising from their research.
In response to the question on what IFS should do differently to make its selection process better, a grantee at Makerere University in Uganda suggested the inclusion of more local reviewers for projects to assess relevance of proposals to local needs and to advise on local realities pertinent to the research. Another grantee stated. “I think one of the objectives of IFS is to carry out research that can help populations... One of the most important problems is the gap between laboratory results and applications in small scale industries.” He went on to mention the need for financial help with patenting, starting up small-scale production and marketing of the developed product. Another suggestion on how to improve the in-country impact of IFS was the provision of post-grant support to grantees, to set up networks of grantees to help with the implementation of research findings. This included networks of grantees and manufacturers and the publishing of on-going research progress through e-documents that are distributed to a wide readership including policy makers, chemical companies, etc. These networks could also be mechanisms for promoting collaborative research projects as well as encouraging former grantees to act as mentors for young researchers.
There was also a common theme among advisers/stakeholders that IFS “Stay
in what you are doing and do it well – do not expand or shift direction
without extra money coming in – you will lose effectiveness very quickly.”
Another suggestion on how to improve in-country impact in terms of economic
development was to give priority to applied research projects in selected
regional research priority areas.
The full report is available at on the IFS website: http://www.ifs.se/Publications/Mesia/mesia.asp
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
5.1 Former IFS Grantee in Philippines honoured
Prof Lourdes Cruz, former IFS grantee and currently Professor of Biochemistry at the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines, has been honoured with the title of National Scientist by President Arroyo.
"Preeminent achievements by Filipinos in science and technology that have contributed to the progress of the country and humanity deserve the recognition and acknowledgement of our government in persuit of its policy of furthering national development through enhanced scientific and technological research and development," said the President.
Prof Cruz received her first IFS grant in 1977 at the beginning of her research career; she then went on to receive 3 more grants to do her research on the venom of Conus marine snails. She has been honoured with a number of awards, including the most prestigious of the IFS awards, the Sven Brohult Award, in 1994.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Prof Cruz.
5.2 Opportunity in Global Environmental Change research
Advanced Institute on Global Environmental Change and the vulnerability of
water resources in the context of the Millennium Development Goals
August – September 2007, UNESCO-IHE, Delft, The Netherlands
Application Deadline: 10 March 2007
The Advanced Institute will have three components: a three-week long intensive
seminar to be held at UNESCO-IHE; one year research grants for successful
Institute Fellows; and a culminating workshop that will follow completion
of the research.
The Advanced Institute is open to young scientists and professionals, 35 years
of age or younger on 10 March 2007 with at a minimum a master degree and 2-3
years professional experience. They must be citizen and resident of a country
in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Advanced Institute will be multidisciplinary and
applicants with backgrounds in social science, natural science, engineering,
management and public policy are invited to apply.
For more information and the application forms visit: http://www.start.org/
5.3 Theoretical/Environmental Chemistry Conference - Call for papers
The 7th Theoretical Chemistry Conference In Africa (TCCA) and the
6th East and Southern Africa Environmental Chemistry Conference (ESAECC)
Venue: Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Date: December 3–7, 2007
The above Joint Conference is planned for 3–7 December 2007, and will
focus on theoretical chemistry and environmental chemistry. We are encouraging
you to join us by submitting an oral or poster paper for presentation at the
conference. We also encourage you to persuade your colleagues in these fields
to submit papers for presentation. Papers in any of the areas listed below
will be welcomed:
Environmental chemistry (Environmental analysis, Atmospheric chemistry, Soil
chemistry, Surface and ground water quality, Impact of mining, industry and
agriculture on the environment, Fate and speciation of metals in biological
systems and the environment, Fate and persistence of agricultural chemicals
in the environment) Theoretical Chemistry (Kinetic modeling, Teaching of theoretical
chemistry, Structure and bonding, Statistical thermodynamics, Drug design)
For the program, registration, hotel and transportation details, visit the
conference website at http://www.uz.ac.zw/science/chemistry/esaecc/
Or contact the Conference Secretariat, e-mail address: esaecc@science.uz.ac.zw
or
Prof. M.F.Zaranyika, Chairman, Local Organizing Committee or Ms J. Jiri, Secretary,
Local Organizing Committee
5.4 Orskov Foundation 2007 Funding
The Orskov Foundation is a charity that promotes sustainable development
for the poorest rural communities in the world. We aim to achieve this through
a unique integration of agricultural education and community projects. The
resultant sharing of knowledge, experience and
information will be key factors to enable people and communities to find their
own solutions to the complex problems they face and move towards self-sufficiency
on their own terms.
With our funding of graduate students now successfully underway, we are planning
a long-term, coordinated programme of community projects beginning in 2007.
Each of the community projects funded by the Orskov Foundation will be set
up through the use of a revolving-fund. This is a simple method of providing
a community with access to affordable credit to buy what they deem to be most
useful and then pay back to the community to enable others to benefit.
Each project, its goals and
management, is set up in partnership with the active participation of the
community groups involved.
Applications are now being sought from eligible students for the individual awards and from Universities/colleges/other relevant organisations for community project funding.
More information can be found at the Orskov Foundation website http://www.orskovfoundation.org or email to contact@orskovfoundation.org for an application form.
Deadline for submission for both schemes is 31st March 2007.
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