The Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF) has launched a call for proposals for its Grants for Centers of Scientific Excellence (CSE).

I. Grant Objectives
STDF-CSE is a targeted capacity building grant aiming at:
- Establishing centers of scientific excellence in basic and applied research areas that serve the development priority areas of Egypt'
- Promoting top-level research, and
- Improving the research quality of Egyptian institutions in national priority areas.

II. Priority areas
- Health: Liver diseases, Cardiac diseases, Renal diseases, Cancer, Stem Cell and Human Genetics research
- Industry: Textile, Biotechnology and Meteorological industries
- Pharmaceutical Industries: Bioactive substances, Drug discovery, Preclinical and Clinical trials
- Theoretical physics, Mathematics and Future Studies
- Space
- Water desalination
- Solid waste management
- Accreditation of governmental reference and central core facility
Note: successful proposal will receive funding of up to LE 10 million over a maximum period of three years

III. Eligibility Criteria
The following eligibility criteria apply to this grant:
- Any Egyptian research institution, university, non-governmental organization (NGO) or a Joint Stock Egyptian company (SAE), having well-documented scientific research and development activities in one of the outlined priority areas is eligible for funding in accordance with governing rules and regulations of governmental funding.
- The applying institution has to appoint an Egyptian individual affiliated to the institution to act as the project’s Principal Investigator (PI).
- A network of research groups (satellites) working on a research topic of common interest can also apply. In this case, the collaborating groups should identify the hub of the center and provide a detailed budget and research management plan for the center.
- The proposed activities must include a well-planned research project which has clearly defined objectives and desired outcomes, as well as a detailed methodology.
- The proposed CSE is not funded by any other STDF funding grant. Any other sources of funding should be clearly stated and explained in the proposal.
- The budget must not exceed LE 10 million.
- The implementation period of the project must not exceed three years.

-For applying and for further information, kindly visit the following website:

www.stdf.org.eg

*Deadline for Proposal Submission: October 7, 2012