The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), has announced research grants for young scientists of the OIC member states. Fourteen grants, in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS), amounting to $15,000 each will be awarded to young scientists up to the age of 40 years for projects lasting for a maximum period of 18 months, according to information made available to Saudi Gazette. “The Joint Research Program aims at encouraging the pursuit of scientific excellence in OIC member states by identifying and supporting the best young scientists. It also aims at counteracting the brain drain and reducing the exodus of scientific talent from these countries,” explained a source at the OIC headquarters here. She said that the priority areas for research projects under this program include earth sciences, engineering sciences, information technology and computer sciences, materials science including nanotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences and renewable energy.
