Recent news
July 2011
USAID and National Science Foundation launch global science program
July 18, 2011 -- The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) recently launched an international joint initiative to address global development challenges. Called the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER), the initiative will competitively award investments to support and build scientific and technical capacity in the developing world. USAID selected the National Academy of Sciences to administer the PEER program and has allocated $7 million for the initiative. This allocation will be coupled with merit-reviewed, NSF-funded research at US institutions to address challenges related to water, renewable energy, food security, climate change, and disaster mitigation with an expected leveraging of $25 to $50 million.
Six USAID-funded PEER pilot projects currently explore research challenges related to ecosystems, climate change, seismology, hydrology, and biodiversity in Tanzania, Bagladesh, Mali, Kenya, and Burkina Faso and are linked with NSF investments. "We're trying to actually change the way people think about what development is, what it could be and how we can create the kinds of solutions that inspire others to care and to address the needs of the billions of people who live without the benefits of two centuries of science and technology," USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah said. He added, "And with the success and lessons learned from our six pilot projects, and the strength and expertise of those assembled here today, one can be sure, we're well on our way." See the links below for more information.
