Science and technology form the core
of any country’s bid for global economic
competitiveness. In order to
remain on the cutting edge of technological
growth, universities and research centers
must expand their search for knowledge
beyond the borders of their institutions
and countries.
The Government of Peru recognized
this when it signed a loan agreement with
the Inter-American Development Bank
in 2006 to launch the Science and Technology
Program, which aims to improve
competitiveness in the country by strengthening
the capacity for research and technological
innovation. The program adopted
the name FINCyT (Financiamiento para
la Innovación, la Ciencia y la Tecnología)
and provides support to research programs,
institutes, universities, and businesses conducting
pioneering work in the fields of
science and technology. The program is
financed by $25 million from the IDB loan,
as well as $11 million from the Peruvian
Treasury.
In July 2008 FINCyT asked LASPAU
to administer a component of the initiative, the FINCyT Scholarships for Doctoral
Programs Abroad, which is enabling
scientists, academics, and other professionals
to carry out Ph.D. studies and research
outside Peru for up to 36 months. LASPAU
managed the application, evaluation, and
selection process for the scholarship program,
including organizing and participating
in the applicant interviews in Lima.
The participants are now being placed by
LASPAU at institutions in Europe, the
United States, Latin America, and Japan,
where they will undertake coursework and
research in areas as diverse as nanotechnology,
ecosystem restoration, urban planning,
and robotics.
At the conclusion of their programs,
participants will be required to return to
their home institutions and organizations
in Peru for a period equal to twice the
duration of their scholarship programs.
This will allow them to work toward the
capacity-building goals of FINCyT and the
broader development goals of the Peruvian
government.
For more information, contact Craig Hastings at
craig_hastings@harvard.edu or 617-495-0432.
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