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Request for Applications: Nanotechnology experts to participate in Central Asia travel opportunity
(Nanowerk News) CRDF Global is soliciting applications from U.S. researchers in the field of nanotechnology to serve as subject matter experts and presenters at a 3-day workshop entitled "On the Frontiers of Nanotechnology: Research and Collaboration in the U.S. and Uzbekistan" in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on September 21-23, 2011. CRDF Global will cover all travel costs and provide an honorarium for the six (6) selected U.S. researchers.
Background and Objectives
In conjunction with an upcoming nanotechnology-themed U.S.-Uzbek research grant competition , CRDF Global is holding a workshop entitled "On the Frontiers of Nanotechnology: Research and Collaboration in the U.S. and Uzbekistan" in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on September 21-23, 2011. The workshop will serve as a forum for U.S. and Uzbek nanotechnology experts to share their knowledge and exchange ideas. Both Uzbek and U.S. experts will present on their research, the current state of their specific nanotechnology fields, and areas for potential advancement. Time will be allotted for a site visit to a nanotech research facility in Tashkent and for informal discussions and networking.
CRDF Global is a nonprofit organization that promotes international scientific and technical collaboration through grants, technical resources, and training. CRDF Global's mission is to: support exceptional research projects that offer scientists and engineers alternatives to emigration and strengthen the scientific and technological infrastructure of their home countries; advance the transition of foreign weapons scientists to civilian work by funding collaborative civilian research and development projects; help move applied research to the marketplace and bring economic benefits both to the United States and the countries with which CRDF Global works; and strengthen research and education in universities abroad. More information on CRDF Global is available at www.crdf.org.
Participation Requirements
CRDF Global seeks six (6) U.S. nanotechnology researchers to participate in the workshop as experts in applied nanotechnology.
The experts will be expected to:
I. Prepare a scientific presentation (15 minutes in length) on either:
  • the state of nanotechnology as it relates to energy research; environmental science; materials science; and/or biomedical applications; OR
  • their own research interests as they relate to one or more of the fields outlined above
    		•
    II. Actively participate in the three-day workshop, including all discussions and breakout activities.
    III. Moderate select discussion sessions as assigned by CRDF Global staff
    Compensation
    Selected experts will receive an honorarium of $2,000 for their participation as well as the allowable U.S. Department of State foreign per diem to cover meals and incidentals for travel and workshop days. CRDF Global will arrange and cover all travel costs including airfare, accommodation, and local transportation.
    Contractor Eligibility
    Applicants must:
  • Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident
  • Hold a PhD
  • Be currently carrying out research in nanotechnology
  • Have knowledge of applied nanotechnology in one or more of the following fields: energy research, environment science, material sciences, biomedical applications
    		•
    Demonstrated participation on one or more collaborative international research projects preferred.
    Application Requirements
  • Current CV
  • Letter of Interest (LOI), no more than 2 pages. In the LOI applicants should:
  • Highlight relevant qualifications;
  • Outline the subject area(s) in which the applicant would be able to meaningfully contribute;
  • Summarize relevant international experience; and
  • Provide potential presentation topics.
    		•
    To provide relevant context for the workshop audience, presentations should address the following:
  • How has the evolution of nanotechnology advanced research in your particular field?
  • What are some current challenges and obstacles facing nanotechnology researchers in your field(s)? In what ways are you and your colleagues overcoming these obstacles?
  • Future directions and potential for nanotechnology research; in what areas do you believe nanotechnology will have the most impact? How have governments (local, state, national, and international) and corporations supported nanotechnology research? In what ways could their activities be supplemented?
  • How have collaborations with international scientists strengthened nanotechnology research? How could organizations such as CRDF Global further support and facilitate these kinds of collaborations?
  • What are some of the most promising commercial applications for nanotechnology? If successful, how would you characterize their scientific, social, and economic importance to the international community?
    		•
    Submission
    Applications should be submitted to Ms. Julie Mills, CGP Program Manager, at [email protected] no later than 11:59 PM EDT June 30, 2011. Proposals should be submitted as electronic documents in PDF or Word format with the title of the RFA and the applicant's last name in the email subject line. Selections will be announced by July 15, 2011.
    Source: CRDF