For young scientists in OIC countries working in science and technology to enable them to purchase the research facilities they need to enhance their productivity. Deadline: 31 August each year.

The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH)-TWAS Joint Research Grants Programme complements the TWAS Research Grants Programme in Basic Sciences and the Research Grants Programme of the International Foundation for Science (IFS).

The programme aims at encouraging the pursuit of scientific excellence in OIC countries by identifying and supporting the best young scientists in these countries; reinforcing and promoting scientific research and strengthening the endogenous capacity in science and technology; and counteracting the brain drain and reducing the exodus of scientific talent from the OIC countries.

COMSTECH-TWAS Joint Research Grants are awarded to high-level and promising research projects carried out by young individual scientists in Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) countries.

A Research Grant amounts to a maximum of US$15,000.A grant is normally provided for a period of 18 months and is renewable once.A grant may be used to purchase scientific equipment, consumables and specialized literature (textbooks and proceedings only).  The grant does not cover salaries of researchers and/or students, field expenses, travel expenses and/or participation in international conferences.

Subject Areas
The programme provides support for research projects in the following fields of science and technology: earth sciences, engineering sciences, information technology and computer sciences, materials science including nanotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences and renewable energy.

Eligibility of Applicants

• Individual applicants must be nationals of OIC Member States, with a PhD and some research experience, but at the beginning of their careers.  They should hold positions at universities or research institutions in one of the OIC countries.  As a general rule, the grants are awarded to competent scientists under the age of 40 years.
• Scientists who submit a satisfactory final report on a previous grant may apply for a renewal.