The International Foundation for Science (IFS) provides support to young scientists of merit in developing countries by awarding research grants and providing grantees with additional services such as travel grants and purchasing assistance.

The IFS supports research related to the renewable utilisation of biological resources in areas such as crop and animal production, forestry, food science, natural products, and fisheries, as well as research on the sustainable utilisation and conservation of natural ecosystems, including themes such as water and biodiversity. Proposals for projects may address biological, chemical, or physical processes as well as social and economic relationships important in the conservation, production, and renewable utilisation of the biological resource base.

Research grants are awarded up to a maximum value of USD 12,000 for a period of one to three years and may be renewed twice. They are intended for the purchase of equipment, expendable supplies, and literature. Applicants must be citizens of, and carry out the research in, a developing country. They should be attached to a university or national research institution in a developing country. Specifically excluded are countries in Europe, including Turkey and Cyprus, as well as countries of the former Soviet Union. Argentina and Uruguay are also not eligible to receive support. As well as being under the age of 40 (under 30 for applicants from China) and at the start of their research career, candidates must possess a higher academic degree, which should be at least an MSc or equivalent.

Applications are made on the application form, in English or French, which is available from the IFS Secretariat or can be downloaded from the website www.ifs.se.

IFS, Grev Turegatan 19
S-114 38 Stockholm
Sweden
Fax: +46-8-54581801
Email: info@ifs.se