UNESCO seeks applications from young researchers from developing countries, especially the least developed countries (LDCs), to apply for grants through the UNESCO-Keizo Obuchi Programme (UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowship Programme) financed by the Government of Japan.
This programme named after the former prime minister of Japan, offers a total of 20 research scholarships valued between US$6,000 to US$10,000 each. The scholarships are awarded to post-graduate university researchers (holding a Masters degree or an equivalent qualification) in one of four fields: environment (with particular emphasis on Water Sciences), intercultural dialogue, information and communication technologies, and peaceful conflict resolution.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants, a maximum of TWO from each applying National Commission, must meet the following general criteria:
1. Candidates under this Programme must be post-graduate researchers, already holding either an M.A. or M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) and wishing to pursue research work abroad (preferably in their own region) with a view to enhancing knowledge in one of the four specific fields mentioned above. Thus, those who are in the process of completing their Master’s degree must have completed it PRIOR to taking up their Fellowship.
2. Candidates must be persons of high intellectual promise who may be expected to make significant contributions to their country on return.
3. Candidates must be no more than 40 years of age. Thus, applicants born before 1 January 1972 will not be considered under the Programme.
4. The selected Fellow must carry out the research under the auspices of an academic supervisor in a host institution. Confirmation of acceptance from the academic supervisor is imperative.
5. Priority attention will be given to:
* Women candidatures
* Candidates from least developed countries (LDCs)
* Palestinian researchers
6. Candidates must be proficient in reading and writing the language of instruction in the proposed country of study/research.
7. Applicants must be in good health (both physically and mentally).
Domains of research:
– Environment (with particular emphasis on Water Sciences, Water Issues, Climate Change, Engineering Capacity Building in the Developing World)
– Inter-cultural Dialogue
– Information and Communication Technologies
– Peaceful Conflicts Resolution
Duration of proposed research:
– minimum: 3 months
– maximum: 9 months
Deadline for submitting the application is 13 January 2012.
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