About CRDF Education & Infrastructure
The Basic Research and Higher Education Program (BRHE)
Grants Threat Reduction Commercialization New Geographic Initiatives
In partnership with the Russian Ministry of Education and Science (MinES), CRDF has established 20 Research and Education Centers within competitively selected universities in 18 cities across Russia. CRDF has received generous grants for this activity from John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Carnegie Corporation of New York Each Center has received initial funding of $1.5 million over five years and is organized on a multi-disciplinary research theme in the natural sciences, generally involving two or more university departments.
BRHE promotes research and educational excellence Each Center’s budget includes purchases of state-of-the-art equipment, which serves as a magnet to attract both established and young researchers. The Centers teach students cutting-edge research methods as well as theoretical knowledge. The Centers conduct research that is responsive to local needs. Cooperative partnerships with other research organizations, including institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences, are actively sought and strengthened.
Communications | Higher Education
www.crdf.org
March | 2008
Young investigators are a priority All Centers spend a minimum of 10 percent of their award on direct support for early-career researchers. A postdoctoral fellowship competition, established through the CRDF and the RussianMinES, has supported more than 400 young researchers through their projects and as they teach courses at their host Centers. Selected students attend an annual English language immersion training camp, which boosts the students’ competence and confidence in understanding and presenting scientific communications in English.
BRHE promotes institutional change Improved research and education opportunities offer scientists alternatives to emigration, encouraging them to work for their countries’ futures. The network of collaborations and contacts that each Center develops strengthens the host universities’ capabilities and serves as a model for other institutions.
BRHE inspires replication The Russian MinES has funded the creation of additional research and education centers at Russian universities patterned on the BRHE model. Recent major Russian government grants to innovate universities have favored institutions that develop research centers within the university. With the support of national Ministries of Science and Education, CRDF has established similar higher education initiatives in Moldova, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, and Ukraine, and is exploring the possibility of introducing the model to other countries.
Communications | Higher Education
www.crdf.org
March | 2008