USAID announces $2.5 million in global research partnerships
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced $ 2.5 million dollars to support global research partnerships that will promote advancements across the full spectrum of discovery, from building new knowledge to piloting and scaling game-changing breakthroughs.
The Agency selected a total of 32 research projects for funding through the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program managed by the US National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The lead researcher for each project carried out overseas will work in tandem with a US Government-funded researcher. By increasing international scientific cooperation, the United States can accelerate progress on the Journey to Self-Reliance.
The 32 selected research projects span 18 countries on four continents, and range in amount between $ 30,000 and $ 80,000. Researchers will investigate a number of topics, including health, water and sanitation, agriculture, and economic growth. The new grants include the following:
(a) Studying the impact of fires on agriculture and the management of pastures to create recommendations for decision-makers and prevent deforestation in the Republic of Colombia;
(b) Using innovative molecular genetic techniques and multi-stakeholder partnerships to conserve shark populations in the Republic of Indonesia;
(c) Producing pesticides derived from natural materials to combat the contamination of crops with aflatoxin (which is a cause of stunting in young children) in the Republic of Mali; and
(d) Using a novel assay to provide a rapid and low-cost diagnosis of tuberculosis in the Kingdom of Morocco.
USAID supports the Journey to Self-Reliance by strengthening the ability of governmental, private sector, and academic institutions in developing countries to conduct research and apply science to help solve their own challenges. Research increases the commitment and capacity in our partner nations to plan, finance, and implement solutions through informed decision-making.
The PEER Program is currently accepting research proposals until February 10, 2020. The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine implements the program.
