International Foundation for Science seeks Applications for Research Grants

 Founded in 1972, the International Foundation for Science (IFS) is a research council that aims to build the scientific capacity of developing countries in sciences related to the sustainable management of biological and water resources. This non-governmental organisation works to promote the research efforts of promising young science graduates, who have the potential to become leading scientists in their countries. In the past 37 years, IFS has offered over 7,000 research grants to young scientists from different parts of the world.

IFS is currently inviting applications from eligible projects in select developing countries for the research grants. The timeframe of a research project should normally be 1-3 years. After having completed an IFS supported research project, and submitted a project report, grantees may apply for renewal grants.

Grant Provisions

An IFS Research Grant has a maximum value of USD 12,000. It is awarded to an individual researcher, for a specific research project, presented by the Applicant in the Application form. The IFS Research Grant is intended for the purchase of the basic tools needed to conduct the proposed research project – equipment, expendable supplies, and literature – and to arrange fieldwork activities related to the proposed project. The grant cannot be used to pay for the aspiring Grantee’s own salary or for honoraria, or to cover tuition fees or living expenses. It is expected that the IFS Grantees already receive a salary and are employed by or otherwise attached to a developing country research institution.

Funding for Research Teams

Although the IFS Research Grant is individual, IFS strongly supports the creation of research teams. To jointly fund a team project, researchers who qualify for IFS support may apply for individual IFS Research grants. Each team member should describe his/her own individual research objectives as well as his/her contribution to meeting the objectives of the team. Each individual application will be evaluated based on individual merit as well as contribution to the team objectives.

Eligibility Conditions

An eligible candidate for an IFS Research grant is:

• a citizen of a developing country
• a scientist with at least a Master’s or equivalent degree/research experience
• under 40 years of age and at the beginning of research career
• attached to a university, national research institution or a research-oriented NGO in a developing country

Exceptions:

• China: Chinese applicants must be under 30 years of age.
• Researchers from Hong Kong SAR are not eligible for support from IFS.
• Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa are eligible for IFS support up to the age of 45, provided they                  have completed their highest academic degree (MSc, MA, PhD or equivalent) in the previous 5 years.
• Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay: Applications are no longer accepted from these countries.

Eligible Countries

IFS Research grants are reserved for developing country scientists for research projects carried out in a developing country. Country eligibility is based on the GNI per capita (GNI = Gross National Income) of the country, as published annually by World Bank. The upper limit is drawn at the average GNI/capita for so-called Upper Middle Income Countries (UMIC). If a country’s GNI/capita increases and exceeds this upper limit for some consecutive years, the country will be phased out of the IFS granting programme.

Due to the improved economic situation in Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay, these countries are no longer eligible for IFS grants.

Project Selection Criteria

To qualify for IFS funding, research projects must be:

• related to the sustainable utilisation, conservation or management of the biological or water resource base
• conducted in a developing country
• of a high scientific standard
• feasible
• relevant for the country/region

Last date for submitting the applications for second session is January 29, 2012.
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