COMSTECH Announces Research Grants for Young Scientists of the OIC Member States

March 9, 2009 - PRLog -- (Islamabad) Organization of the Islamic Conference Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS), has announced joint research grants for the young scientists of the OIC member states.

Fourteen grants amounting to US$15000/- each shall be awarded to young scientists up to the age of forty years for the projects of maximum 18 months’ duration. COMSTECH and TWAS have fixed US $ 200,000/- per annum for this programme.

COMSTECH has set March 31, 2009 as the first and August 31, 2009 as the second deadline for submitting applications to either COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad, Pakistan or to TWAS in Trieste, Italy. The aspiring young scientists must be resident nationals of any of the OIC member states.

Application form and more information about eligibility conditions, requirements, and contact person's phone numbers, email and postal addresses is available at www.comstech.org and www.twas.org.

The program aims at encouraging the pursuit of scientific excellence in OIC member states by identifying and supporting the best young scientists. It also aims at counteracting the brain drain and reducing the exodus of scientific talent from these countries.

The priority areas for research projects under this promramme include earth sciences, engineering sciences, information technology & computer sciences, materials science including nanotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences and renewable energy.

COMSTECH-TWAS Joint Research Program for the scientists of the OIC member states is the outcome of a bilateral Memorandum of Cooperation as agreed by both the organizations on the eve of 25th anniversary celebrations and 19th General Meeting of TWAS from 10 - 13 November, 2008 in Mexico City.  

During the meeting it was agreed that TWAS will provide US $100,000 annually with a matching grant of US $100,000 by COMSTECH per annum to launch the cooperative program.

COMSTECH, OIC Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, founded in 1981 is based in Islamabad, Pakistan and strives to promote science, technology and research in the OIC member states. TWAS, Academy of Sciences for the Developing World is an autonomous international organization founded in Trieste, Italy in 1983 with principal aim to promote scientific capacity and excellence for science-based development in the South.

By:
M. Ameen Amjad
PR Manager / Editor monthly COMSTECH News
Ph: +92-300-956-888-9
aminamjad@hotmail.com

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COMSTECH is a specialized body of the Organisation of Islamic Conference which is mandated to undertake follow-up-action and implementation of the resolutions of Islamic Conference, pertaining to science and technology.