the global innovation through science and technology (gist) initiative
CRDF Global has launched a new initiative to significantly advance scientific, academic and technological collaboration with the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. The Global Innovation through Science & Technology (GIST) initiative will build and sustain science and technology (S&T) excellence; help young scientists to develop relevant skills to sustain employment; and promote innovation and economic development in these regions. The GIST initiative builds upon CRDF Global’s extensive experience engaging scientists in countries around the globe, and is one of many initiatives implemented under the vision articulated by U.S. President Obama in his June 2009 Cairo speech. The GIST initiative is initially funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES). The GIST initiative will implement three interactive programs to promote U.S., regional and international cooperation: • Establishing priorities: Through a series of interactive meetings, workshops and leadership groups, this program will connect U.S. stakeholders with regional leaders in support of a major 2011 science and technology innovation conference to identify and establish research priorities and construct the necessary framework to support and sustain collaboration. • Building capacity: This program will provide targeted training for scientists and institute administrators in countries where the establishment of conditions for successful science engagement is critical. Efforts will build on existing scientist engagement efforts and focus on developing the human capacity, administrative procedures and the deployment of the equipment necessary for effective, peer-to-peer collaboration. • Accessing information: A major component of the initiative allocates resources for the establishment of a digital science library for the Maghreb countries in North Africa, to fill critical gaps in access to international research, improve the communication of research outcomes and support regional and international collaboration.
“I think science diplomacy and science and technology cooperation between the United States and other countries is one of our most effective ways of influencing and assisting other nations and creating real bridges between the United States and counterparts.” —Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Washington, DC July 10, 2009
CRDF Global is an independent nonprofit organization authorized by the U.S. Congress and established in 1995 by the National Science Foundation to promote international science and technology collaboration through grants, technical resources and training. CRDF Global has 15 years of experience managing international research funding programs and supporting emerging science and technology infrastructure in more than 30 countries in Eurasia, the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. For more information please contact: Dr. Eric Novotny Senior Vice President, CRDF Global 703-526-9720 ext. 374 enovotny@CRDF Global.org
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