Rajiv Bhatia
Assessing the state of India's relations with ASEAN as the Modi government completed three years in office makes sense. But the task is not easy, for the governments are in a mode of self-congratulation. Whereas celebrations of the silver anniversary of the India-ASEAN dialogue partnership (which began in 1992 and culminated in the strategic partnership in 2012) are underway, ASEAN celebrates its own golden anniversary in 2017. Nevertheless, offering a scholarly and objective evaluation is possible, keeping in view the recent history and changing power dynamics in the region.
The Shift
In the last two years of the Look East Policy (LEP), India's approach towards ASEAN looked tired, if not stale. Nothing much of significance seemed to be happening in the relationship then. Some commentators, this author included, wrote at the time about the need for re-orienting the policy and crafting LEP 2.0 or 3.0. In this backdrop, PM Narendra Modi brought a breath of fresh air and a dash of strategic gravitas as he rose at the India-East Asia Summit at Naypyitaw on 13 November 2014 to announce that the LEP had been turned into the Act East Policy (AEP).
Cynics quickly dismissed the shift as merely a change of labels. But perceptive observers noted that the change was consequential. The Modi government sought to extend the canvas of its focus from ASEAN to the whole of East Asia; defence cooperation, maritime security and strategic coordination were added to the previous agenda (largely) of political, economic and cultural cooperation; and the new policy promised increased attention to developing India's Northeast and its linkages with ASEAN countries. Greater emphasis on implementation of promises and strategic boldness on India's part at a time when China’s assertiveness was on the rise were also implicit in the AEP.
Successes
As a strong leader with a clear popular mandate, PM Modi made a positive impression at the past three India-ASEAN Summits and East Asia Summits by spearheading the expansion and diversification of India's economic growth and demonstrating his keenness to enhance trade and investment ties with Southeast Asia. The articulation of India's policy and programmes was precise, pointed and powerful. India came through as a country that knew its mind and articulated its stand, without hesitation, on key issues such as the South and East China Seas and regional security architecture.
New Delhi moved to implement its policy at three different levels. At the bilateral level, India's top three leaders – the president, vice president and prime minister – paid visits to nine out of 10 ASEAN member-states. Return visits by VIPs from all ASEAN countries took place. Viewed together, they contributed to the strengthening of mutual cooperation. At the sub-regional level, serious initiatives were launched to rejuvenate BIMSTEC: the Leaders’ Retreat, followed by their Outreach Summit with BRICS leaders on 16 October 2017, and the first-ever meeting of BIMSTEC national security advisers in Delhi in March 2017. The Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) too received pointed attention.
At the ASEAN level, India pushed for new economic cooperation initiatives and also increased financial resources to intensify cooperation in science and technology, energy, environment and other sectors. The extra-ASEAN dimension was strengthened by developing a joint vision for the security-development matrix in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with the US, Japan and Australia.
Downside
Despite strenuous efforts, the figures of trade and investment flows between India and ASEAN did not bring much comfort. Trade, valued at US$ 76.53 in 2014-15, declined to US$ 65.04 in 2015-16. Investment from India to ASEAN and ASEAN to India stood at US$ 38.67 billion (for 2007-15) and US$ 49.40 billion (for 2000-16), respectively. While the global slowdown is undoubtedly an explanation, these figures are far from vibrant and indicate systemic challenges that need to be addressed.
Endeavours to conclude negotiations for a balanced Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) seemed to have been bogged down. Earlier, RCEP was supposed to be ready by end-2016. Negotiations are now set to spill into 2018. The region and India badly need a new economic partnership arrangement that vastly strengthens trade, technology and investment linkages in a mutually beneficial manner. On connectivity, progress has been made in the fields of space and digital technology. However, physical connectivity continues to lag behind. India's flagship infrastructure projects – Kaladan and the Trilateral Highway – are unlikely to be completed before 2020.
Above all, the strategic environment in East Asia has taken an adverse turn from New Delhi’s perspective. This happened during the transition from Obama to Trump. China rejected an unfavourable verdict on the South China Sea, delivered by the tribunal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and succeeded in overriding critical reactions. It weakened ASEAN's 'centrality' and increased anxiety levels in the region. Leveraging political change in the Philippines, it succeeded in developing a framework for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, with valuable help from Manila (Philippines is the current chair of ASEAN). Further, US-China relations are passing through a happy phase. China-Japan relations too are looking up. On the other hand, India-China ties are frayed. India-US relations are also marked by new tensions; how this equation will shape up may become clearer after the Modi-Trump meeting in Washington in end-June.
Challenges Ahead
Bilateral political relations with most ASEAN countries are in good shape today, but more investment of effort is required to deepen cooperation with Myanmar, Indonesia and the Philippines. Enhanced energy is undoubtedly required not just by the governments but by India Inc and ASEAN Inc to secure the agreed target of trade touching US$ 100 billion. The long-pending connectivity projects deserve the strongest national effort. The proposed extension of the Trilateral Highway to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia will gain credibility only when the highway is ready. A time-bound plan to conclude RCEP negotiations expeditiously should be a priority. New programmes announced by the Modi government - US$ 1 billion-fund for digital connectivity with ASEAN countries and US$ 100 million-fund for small-scale projects in CLMV countries - must produce concrete results.
As regards the changing geopolitical situation, deep contemplation is needed to re-calibrate India's policy priorities and partnerships. A carefully re-designed strategy alone will protect India's national interest, enhance its multi-dimensional relationship with ASEAN, and ensure peace and prosperity in East Asia.
14 Jun 2017
Wellcome Trust Seed Awards in Science for Researchers 2017
Application Deadlines:
- 3rd July 2017
- 2nd October 2017
Eligible Countries: UK, Republic of Ireland, Low- and middle-income countries
Field of Research: Basic, Clinical, Public health
Early, Intermediate, Returning to research
About the Award: Seed Awards in Science help researchers develop novel ideas that will go on to form part of larger grant applications to the Wellcome Trust or elsewhere.
Type: Research
Eligibility: To apply for a Seed Award in Science, you must:
- have completed a PhD or an equivalent higher degree
- be based at a host organisation in the UK, Republic of Ireland or an eligible low- or middle-income country (apart from India)
- receive personal salary support from your host organisation, or have a personal award or fellowship that provides a salary but no research expenses, for the duration of the Seed Award in Science
- have a research project that is within our scientific remit.
Selection Criteria: Seed Awards in Science help researchers develop new ideas to make them competitive for larger awards (from us or other organisations). We particularly encourage researchers:
- at the start of their independent careers
- who want to develop ideas outside their discipline or area of expertise.
These awards give scope for innovative methodologies and activities, such as:
- pilot and scoping studies
- preliminary data gathering
- proof-of-principle studies
- planning sessions
- collaborative network meetings.
We encourage applications for interdisciplinary research across our Science, Humanities and Social Science, and Innovations funding.
Value of Program: Up to £100,000
Duration of Program: Up to 2 years
How to Apply: START YOUR APPLICATION(OPENS IN A NEW TAB)
Award Provider: Wellcome Trust
University of Oxford ICCS Biodiversity Fellowship Program for Developing Countries 2017
Application Deadline: 2nd July 2017
Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
To be taken at (country): University of Oxford, UK
About the Award: One of the aims of the ICCS group is to improve engagement between researchers, conservation practitioners in the international and local NGO sectors, and businesses developing and implementing corporate biodiversity strategies, in order that scientific research is informed by, and meaningful for, real-world conservation issues.
There is a widely recognised problem of a mismatch between academic research and conservation practice, which we are keen to bridge. Conservation NGOs and businesses contain many highly skilled individuals who have substantial experience in implementing conservation on the ground, and often have collected excellent datasets which could contribute to the academic evidence base on policy effectiveness. However, often they do not have the time, technical skills or academic environment within which to write these datasets up for publication. To address this issue, ICCS offers a unique initiative in its Biodiversity Fellows Programme.
The programme offers NGO or business employees working on biodiversity conservation the chance to spend up to 3 months with the ICCS group at the University of Oxford, writing papers, developing ideas or writing grant proposals. The Fellow will be encouraged to take part in a range of valuable interactions with students (undergraduate and post-graduate) and potential donors. For example, through offering reading groups relating to their subject area, evening talks or individual guidance to students wishing to learn more about how to approach the real-world issues of biodiversity conservation worldwide. The Fellows will be encouraged to host or take part in ICCS workshops and technical events.
Type: Fellowship
Eligibility:
- We are targeting people who we feel would particularly benefit from this scheme. We particularly welcome applications from developing country nationals.
- If you are a senior member of staff, who would benefit from the opportunities offered by stepping away from your NGO, governmental or business environment and commitments for a short period of time, to develop new strategic approaches, write up their ideas, or build partnerships, then this scheme may be right for you.
- Alternatively, if you are at a relatively early stage in your career, and would benefit from the academic possibilities offered by the University of Oxford and the ICCS group you are also particularly welcome to apply. Particularly if you would benefit from learning new skills, analysing and writing up your datasets, and building an international network.
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of Program:
- The programme offers NGO or business employees working on biodiversity conservation the chance to spend up to 3 months with the ICCS group at the University of Oxford, writing papers, developing ideas or writing grant proposals.
- The Fellow will be encouraged to take part in a range of valuable interactions with students (undergraduate and post-graduate) and potential donors. For example, through offering reading groups relating to their subject area, evening talks or individual guidance to students wishing to learn more about how to approach the real-world issues of biodiversity conservation worldwide.
- The Fellows will be encouraged to host or take part in ICCS workshops and technical events.
Duration of Program: 8-10 weeks
Award Provider: Interdisciplinary Centre from Conservation Science at the University of Oxford.
Harvard University Radcliff Fellowship 2017
Application Deadlines:
- The deadline for individual applications in the creative arts, humanities, and social sciences: 14th September, 2017.
- For applications in the natural sciences and mathematics, the deadline: 5th October, 2017.
Offered Annually? Yes
Eligible Countries: All
To be taken at (country): USA
About the Award: Each of the more than 850 fellows who have been in residence at the Radcliffe Institute has pursued an independent project, but the collaborative experience unites all of them. Scholars, scientists, and artists work on individual projects, or in clusters, to generate new research, publications, art, and more.
Type: Fellowship
Eligibility: Applications in all academic disciplines, professions, and creative arts are encouraged, and there are a few areas of special interest:
- Applications related to the theme of citizenship—local, national, and global—which is a two-year initiative across the programs of the Radcliffe Institute
- Applications that involve the study of women, gender, and society, which is a commitment rooted in Radcliffe’s unique history
- Applications that draw on the resources of the Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, which is part of the Radcliffe Institute and one of the foremost archives on women’s history
Selection: Former fellows of the Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program (2000 to present) are not eligible to apply.
Each application is reviewed in a dual-tiered process by peers in relevant disciplines. Applications are judged on the quality and significance of the proposed project and the applicant’s record of achievement and promise. Applicants are notified by e-mail of the results of the selection process in March.
Number of Awards: 50
Value of Program: Stipends are funded up to $77,500 for one year with additional funds for project expenses. Some support for relocation expenses is provided where relevant. If so directed, Radcliffe will pay the stipend to the fellow’s home institution. Please note that we can only pay stipends to US-based home institutions.
The Radcliffe stipend should be allocated entirely for salary and fringe benefits while the faculty member is in residence as a fellow at the Radcliffe Institute. The Institute does not allow overhead to be charged on these payments.
We work with fellows who have families to help with relocation issues and assist with childcare costs for a smooth transition.
Fellows receive office or studio space and access to libraries and other resources at Harvard University during the fellowship year, which extends from early September 2018 through May 31, 2019. Visual, film, and video artists may apply to come for either one or two semesters. In the event that they come for one semester, the stipend is $38,750.
Fellows are expected to be free of their regular commitments so that they may devote themselves full time to the work outlined in their proposal. Since this is a residential fellowship, we expect fellows to reside in the Boston area during that period and to have their primary office at the Institute to participate fully in the life of the community
Duration of Program: 1 year
How to Apply: Our online application for the 2018–2019 fellowship year is now available.
Award Provider: Radcliff Institute
University of Trieste ICTP PhD Scholarship for Developing Countries 2018/2019
Application Deadline: 19th June 2017 at 13:00 CET.
Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
To be taken at (country): Italy
Fields of Research: The University of Trieste’s Department of Physics offers five lines of research, including:
- Astrophysics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Medical Physics and Bio-physics
- Nuclear and sub-nuclear Physics
- Theoretical Physics
Type: Research
Eligibility: Eligible candidates must hold an academic qualification, which can be considered to be equivalent – in terms of duration, level and disciplinary field – to the Italian degree which allows to undertake Ph.D. studies in Italy. The candidate must hold the degree by September 30, 2017 (or by October 31, 2017 in case of an Italian degree).
- The program is taught in English.
- Research is carried out in cutting-edge facilities, on the main university campus, at the local Area Science Park and at national and international laboratories, in collaboration with Italian and international research institutions.
- Scholarships are open to students graduated in foreign universities.
- One scholarship -funded by ICTP- is reserved to candidates from countries not belonging to the list of “High-income economies” (according to the World Bank criteria).
Number of Awards: 13
Value of Program: All transportation, meals and accommodation expenses for the participating scholars will be covered.
Duration of Program: 3 years
How to Apply: Online application procedure (http://www2.units.it/immatricolazioni/dottorati/): mandatory documents, as specified in ATTACHMENT 4 – Physics:
- (1) proof of identity
- (2) curriculum vitae et studiorum
- (3) university qualifications
- (4) abstract of the degree thesis or dissertation
- (5) research project (mandatory only for European Social Fund (ESF) scholarship applicants)
- (6.a) statement of purpose – self presentation, (6.b) two reference letters
- ((7) optional: publications)
Award Provider: International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
Japan Foreign Trade Council Essay Contest 2017 ¥1,000,000 + Trip to Japan
Application Deadline: 8th September, 2017 at 24:00 (JST)
Offered annually? Yes
Eligible Countries: All
To be taken at (country): Japan
Eligible Field of Study: None
Offered Since : 2005
About the Award: The Japan Foreign Trade Council is sponsoring the JFTC Essay Competition 2017 to encourage students, young researchers and business people to express their opinions on matters of national and international importance. Interested candidates are to write and submit an essay on the title,
“The Ideal Future Free Trade System
– Tasks and Solutions –”
Type: Essay contest
Eligibility: Anyone can apply for the essay competition, regardless of nationality or age.
Number of Awardees: Four (4)
Value of Contest:
- One Grand Prize of ¥1,000,000
- Three Prizes for Excellence of ¥200,000 each
The award winners from abroad will be provided with a round-trip air ticket to Tokyo, Japan to attend the award ceremony to be held on January 5, 2018.
How to Apply: Please send in your constructive suggestions from a global viewpoint based on innovative ideas.
It is important to go through the Contest Webpage for more details on the Essay and Application Requirements before applying.
Award Provider: Japan Foreign Trade Council(JTFC)
Important Notes:
- English (4,000words) or Japanese (10,000characters). Each essay MUST BE accompanied by an essay summary of no more than 400words in English/ 1,000 Japanese characters.
- One diagram or chart is counted as 200 words. If the number of the words, including diagram or charts, is less than half of 4,000 words or more than the limitation, such work could be disqualified.
25 University of Canterbury International Scholarships for Undergraduate Students 2017/2018
Application Deadline: 15th August 2017. The new on-line scholarship application programme will begin accepting applications on 20th June 2017 for this scholarship (see ‘How to Apply’ below).
Offered Annually: Yes
Eligible Countries: International
To be Taken at (country): New Zealand
About Scholarship: The University of Canterbury (UC) New Zealand, recently announced it’s new undergraduate scholarships for international students in an effort to boost its international students intake for 2017/2018 academic session. The scholarship is available to 24 international students each year to be provided to eligible students for up to four years.
These scholarships are established this year 2011 to recognize and support top achieving international students who have gained University Entrance or the equivalent and who will commence a preparatory programme or undergraduate degree at the University of Canterbury. The first awards will be made in 2012.
Offered Since: 2011
Eligibility: The scholarships shall be awarded to students who intend to begin their preparatory programme or first year of an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Canterbury, who have completed or are completing a university entrance qualification, and who attended school in the year of application or nomination.
The scholarships shall be awarded to full-fee paying international students who have applied for admission at the University of Canterbury by 10 December in the year prior to their first year of enrolment.
The scholarships shall be awarded to full-fee paying international students who have applied for admission at the University of Canterbury by 10 December in the year prior to their first year of enrolment.
Number of Awardees: 25
Duration of Scholarship: One (1) year
Scholarship Worth: $10,000 – $20,000
How to Apply: You may apply through this webpage approximately 8 weeks before applications close. So please note that application forms are only available from approximately 8 weeks ahead of the closing date. You may prepare the rest of the documents required to apply to the University now.
Candidates are advised to check the application forms and regulations for eligibility criteria, scholarship value and tenure, and closing dates from the link below to ensure the above information is current and accurate.
Visit Scholarship Webpage for Details
Flinders University Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) for International Students 2018
Application Dates: 11th August 2017 (Friday at 5pm Australia, Adelaide local time).
Offered annually? Yes
Eligible Countries: International
To be taken at (country): Flinders University, Australia
About the Award: The Flinders Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) are specifically intended to support international students to undertake a research higher degree at Flinders University. The Scholarship covers international tuition fees and a stipend.
Type: Master’s and Doctoral Research
Eligible Field of Study: Research, education/humanities/law, health sciences, science and engineering, social and behavioural, academic merit, commencing, international students,
Selection Criteria: The scholarship round is highly competitive. The AGRTP is awarded to candidates who demonstrate outstanding aptitude for independent research. The AGRTP are considered on the basis of academic merit, academic research training and research indicators and performance.
Successful applicants are required to undertake full time study and must be commencing a research higher degree in Australia for the first time.
Eligibility
- Applicants must satisfy the University’s academic entry requirements for a Masters degree by research or Doctorate by research.
- Applicants are required to have successfully completed at least the equivalent of an Australian First Class Hons degree(this is a four year degree with a major research project in the final year)
- Applicants must have met the English proficiency levels set by Flinders University for international students at the time of application. Students for whom English is a foreign language will need to provide evidence of their English language competence.
- Applicants must not hold an equivalent research higher degree qualification. Applications are only open to students commencing a research higher degree in Australia for the first time.
- Applicants must not hold Australian citizenship, Australian permanent resident status or New Zealand citizenship. Please see the attached conditions of award for full eligibility criteria.
Number of Scholarships: A limited number of (up to 10) AGRTP scholarships are available each year
Value of Scholarship:
- The scholarships enable suitably qualified applicants to commence a full-time research higher degree.
- The AGRTP Scholarship pays the international student tuition fees charged by Flinders University for a research higher degree.
- In addition, Flinders University provides the recipient with a generous living allowance paid at the rate of $26,682 (2017 rate). It is tax exempt and indexed annually.
- An AGRTP Scholarship student who moves to Adelaide from overseas is eligible for an establishment allowance (after arrival at Flinders) of up to $1,485 to assist with relocation costs and airfares, provided receipts can be produced by the student.
Duration of Scholarship: The scholarship is tenable for up to three years for a Research Doctorate degree and up to two years for a Research Masters degree.
How to Apply: Interested candidates may visit the Scholarship Webpage (See Link below) to access the application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
Award Provider: Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP)
IDRC Research Awards for Researchers from Canada and Developing Countries 2018
Application Deadline: 6th September, 2017 by 4:00 PM (EDT)
Offered Annually? Yes
Eligible Countries: Canada and citizens of Developing countries (except the following listed below)
To be taken at (country): Positions are available at IDRC’s head office in Ottawa, Canada; at our Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean in Montevideo, Uruguay; and at IDRC’s Regional Office for Sub-Saharan Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. Eligibility criteria differ for each location.
Fields of Study: 13 awards will be offered during this call. There is one call per program listed below. You may only choose ONE of the following:
Advisory Committee on Research Ethics, Agriculture and Food Security, Climate Change (in Uruguay), Collaborative Adaptation Research Initiative in Africa and Asia, Employment and Growth, Food, Environment, and Health, Foundations for Innovation, Governance and Justice, Livestock Vaccine Innovation Fund (in Kenya), Maternal and Child Health, Networked Economies, Policy and Evaluation, Think Tank Initiative
About the Award: Research award recipients will undertake a one-year paid program of research on the topic they have submitted, and will receive hands-on experience in research management, grant administration, and the creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge from an international perspective.
For payroll purposes, awardees are considered full-time employees of IDRC. Benefits include employer contributions to Employment Insurance, Employer Health Tax, Canada Pension Plan, and paid vacation leave. Some travel and research expenses are also supported, up to a maximum of CA$15,000.
Type: Research
Eligibility: This call is open to Canadians, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries pursuing a master’s or a doctoral degree at a recognized university OR who have completed a master’s or a doctoral degree at a recognized university.
Eligibility criteria differ for each location.
For the eleven positions located at IDRC’s head office in Ottawa, this call is open to:
- Canadians and permanent residents of Canada pursuing a master’s or a doctoral degree at a recognized university OR who have completed (within the last three years) a master’s or doctoral degree at a recognized university.
- Citizens of developing countries pursuing a master’s or a doctoral degree at a Canadian university and who, prior to applying, have a student visa with a work permit valid in Canada until December 31, 2018, OR who have completed (within the last three years) a master’s or doctoral degree at a recognized university and who already have a work permit valid in Canada until December 31, 2018.
For the position located at IDRC’s Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean in Montevideo, Uruguay, this call is open to:
- Citizens or residents of Uruguay with a valid work permit for Uruguay pursuing a master’s or a doctoral degree at a recognized university OR who have completed (within the last three years) a master’s or doctoral degree at a recognized university.
For the position located at IDRC’s Regional Office for Sub-Saharan Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, this call is open to:
- Citizens of Kenya pursuing a master’s or a doctoral degree at a recognized university OR who have completed (within the last three years) a master’s or doctoral degree at a recognized university.
Other eligibility requirements
- Your proposed research must focus on one or more developing countries.
- Candidates cannot receive any other Canadian government scholarship, award, subsidy, bursary, or honorarium, or hold any federal government contract in support of a research/work project for the duration of the award; this includes any other IDRC award.
- In addition, each program has specific eligibility criteria that must be satisfied.
- These awards may be part of an academic requirement.
Research country exceptions
In principle, IDRC supports research in all developing countries. At this time, however, we do not offer awards for research that involves the following countries:
Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Gaza, Iran, Iraq, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of), Libya, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Southern and Eastern Europe, or Central Asia and South Caucasus and small island states, including Comoros, Mauritius, São Tomé and Principe, Saint Helena, Seychelles, Timor-Leste and Oceania (Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna).
Selection Criteria: The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications:
- fit with IDRC mission and thematic priorities;
- relevance to IDRC mandate;
- relevance of the research and training proposal to the chosen IDRC’s program’s specifications, overall appropriateness, completeness, and clarity of the research and training proposal;
- overall feasibility, duration, and timing of the research;
- originality and creativity of the research;
- gender sensitivity of the research;
- ethical considerations of the research; and
- the applicant’s capacity to conduct the proposed research and training, including academic training, local language capacity, and related experience.
Number of Awards: 13
Value of Program:
- Salary for one year in Canada: CA$40,396–46,764;
- Salary for one year in Uruguay: $U659,437–$U960,013 UYU;
- Monthly salary in Kenya: KSh 139,082–KSh 219,327
Duration of Program: January to December 2018 (12 months)
How to Apply: Before applying, please read the checklist of documents required for this call via Program Webpage (Link below).
Award Provider: International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Bayer Foundation Talents for Africa Scholarship Programme 2018 – Germany
Application Deadline: 18th July, 2017.
Offered annually? Yes
Eligible Countries: Egypt, South Africa and Kenya
To be taken at (country): Germany
Fields of Studies:
- Life Sciences
- Medicine
- Agro Sciences
- Biology and Chemistry Educators
- Apprentices
About the Award: The program “Talents for Africa” is aimed at German students and young professionals with up to two years of work experience who would like to do a study project or gain practical work experience in Africa. It is also open to students in Africa who would like to study, research or complete an internship in Germany. Students and young professionals with credentials in the subjects listed above can apply.
Offered Since: Not known
Eligibility:
- All applicants should have a high level of commitment, dedication and an innovative project plan.
- Applications are invited from
- students and young professionals from Germany who wish to pursue a project abroad or
- students and young professionals from abroad who wish to pursue a project in Germany.
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Scholarship: The financing generally covers the cost of living, travel expenses and project costs. Each applicant is asked to set up an individual cost schedule to be approved by the Foundation Council.
Duration of Scholarship: Duration of Program
How to Apply: The following application documents are required for the Talents for Africa scholarship:
- Confirmation letter from host institute/university
- A description of the project (duration of 2-12 months) with financial plan within the timeline of September 2016 to August 2017. The project can consist of
special study courses, laboratory assignments, research projects, summer classes, internships, Master’s or PhD programs. - Most recent transcripts
- Any additional documents that would enhance the application
- Photo (passport or job application photo)
Award Provider: The Bayer Fellowship Program
The UK Nuclear Industry is in Financial Meltdown
Ian Fairlie
The UK political situation on nuclear power is pretty uninspiring, apart from the Greens. Few political supporters of nuclear power appear to be aware that nuclear power is in free-fall around the world – especially in Western Europe and in the US, where many reactors are being closed without replacement.
Few seem aware of the legal, technical, regulatory, and economic difficulties faced by utilities in building the handful of new reactors and of the crippling costs of shutting down the many old ones. None appears aware of nuclear’s financial meltdown across the globe.
In a perceptive new article published by a prestigious US Ivy League University, Is Nuclear Power Coming To An End? Fred Pearce, a distinguished UK science writer, wrote: “Now come the bankruptcies. In an astonishing hammer blow to a global industry in late March 2017, Westinghouse – the original developer of the workhorse of the global nuclear industry, the pressurized-water reactor (PWR), and for many decades the world’s largest provider of nuclear technology -filed for bankruptcy after hitting big problems with its latest reactor design, the AP1000.
“Largely as a result, its parent company, the Japanese nuclear engineering giant Toshiba, is also in dire financial straits and admits there is ‘substantial doubt’ about its ability to continue as a going concern.
“Meanwhile, France’s state-owned Électricité de France (EDF), Europe’s biggest builder and operator of nuclear power plants, is deep in debt thanks to its own technical missteps and could become a victim of the economic and energy policies of incoming President Emmanuel Macron.
“This is no short-term trend. While gas and renewables get cheaper, the price of nuclear power only rises. This is in large part to meet safety concerns linked to past reactor disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima and to post-9/11 security worries, and also a result of utilities factoring in the costs of decommissioning their aging reactors.”
Pearce concludes by stating “…the industry is in crisis. It looks ever more like a 20th-Century industrial dinosaur, unloved by investors, the public, and policymakers alike. The crisis could prove terminal.”
Most British politicians sail along blissfully innocent of nuclear’s impending denouement, not only in the rest of the world but in the UK too. The Government’s nuclear plans at Hinkley, Wylfa and Moorside are doubtful at best and moribund at worst.
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