Building Opportunity Out of Science and Technology (BOOST)

Building Opportunity Out of Science and Technology (BOOST) aims to enable young scientists to more effectively conduct high level science that improves quality of life and facilitates economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs� (OES) Office of Science and Technology Cooperation at the Department of State will fund one grant for a suite of projects that trains young scientists to build science and technology excellence and to connect with the global scientific community. These projects should engage the scientific community with a focus on young scientists 18 to 30 years old. Proposed activities can be conducted in conjunction with technical scientific instruction but should also extend beyond topics emphasized in traditional science education with possibilities including; grant writing, accessing and sharing data, science communication for both technical and public audiences, and the conduct of science. Preference will be given to proposals that have national or regional scale through utilization of digital platforms, exchange programs, or other means. Proposals should demonstrate a keen understanding of scientific education and research capacity in the proposed country(ies) of engagement and lay out defined methodologies and activities to address existing gaps. Applicants must have significant experience working on science capacity building programs outside the United States, with preference given to organizations with extensive activities in MENA countries. Applicants are encouraged to partner or engage with other institutions to amplify the impact of the proposed activities and to leverage available cost shares. Proposals should demonstrate creativity, substance, and relevance to OES�s goal of developing a global scientific workforce that is positioned to advance research that creates solutions to shared challenges and promotes economic development. A portion of the grant (not to exceed $20,000) is to be used to assist and support U.S. and developing nation participation in the Eye on Earth Summit in Abu Dhabi in 2011.