The 4th competitive call for proposals from Kenyan women scientists/researchers

Abstract

Background The National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) is a Government lead agency established in 1977 via Cap 250 Laws of Kenya. The main functions include but not limited to:- promotion of Science Technology and Innovations (ST&I), advice to the Government on ST&I matters, formulation and subsequent coordination of the national ST&I policies and administration of Government ST&I Grant. Since 2008/2009 ï¬ nancial year, the ST&I supported a total of 633 research and innovations projects, conferences and research facilities. Research projects by Kenyan women scientists is one of the key category that is has been supported by this grant. A total of 73 research projects by women scientists from both public and private institutions have been funded in the last three years. These efforts are aligned to the Kenya Vision 2030 that recognizes ST&I as a key foundation whose integration can raise productivity and efï¬ ciency across all sectors of the economy. The NCST therefore has a pivotal role to play in social and economic development as science and technology are highly cross-cutting issues including mainstreaming gender in ST&I policies and programmes in Kenya. In effort to promote the empowerment, equal and full participation of women in ST&I activities, NCST is pleased to announce the 4th round for competitive call for proposals from Kenyan women scientists/researchers for 2012/2013 ï¬ scal year. Applications are invited for funding considerations from MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL and MULTIDISCIPLINARY research teams from both public and private institutions. Each application must be submitted by a team of researchers from at least three (3) institutions. The proposed projects to be submitted should clearly demonstrate strategies of how to address the varied challenges facing our country. For the project to be supported, it must be in line with the ST&I sector flagship projects identiï¬ ed in Kenya Vision 2030, Millennium Development Goals and in conformity with the new Constitution. Priority thematic areas to be considered will include Agricultural sciences, Health sciences, Basic and Applied sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Technology and Social sciences inclined to ST&I. The proposed research work must be conducted in Kenya. Objectives of the Call i) Promote women participation in ST&I in Kenyan economy ii) Promote collaborative solution-based scientiï¬ c research iii) Generate tangible products and services to increase the country competitiveness iv) Creating opportunities for new technologies generation, transfer and adoption v) Increasing application of research ï¬ ndings and innovations for employment creation. Proposal format The proposal should not exceed twenty (20) pages in (Times New Roman, font size 12 and single spacing). It must contain the following sections:- (i) Title of the project (ii) Abstract (iii) Background information (iv) Problem statement (v) Justiï¬ cation (vi) Up-to-date scholarly knowledge (vii) Objective(s) (viii) Methodology (ix) Expected outputs (x) Detailed itemized budget (xi) Work plan (xii) Clear roles of each collaborator (xiii) Logframe. Budget, project duration and deadline Successful proposals will be funded for up to a maximum of Kenya shillings Five million (Kshs. 5,000 000) for a period of two (2) years. The proposals should be submitted in both hard and soft copies to the address below or delivered to Utalii House, 8th floor room 822 or 801 not later than 17.00 hrs Friday 31st August, 2012. Incomplete and applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Soft copies to be submitted through the email: womensti@ncst.go.ke. The list of successful applicants will be posted on our website by 30th September, 2012. NOTE: • All the applicants who have been funded under ST&I grant with on-going projects are not eligible for this Call. • Any proposal that is being funded by other donors MUST not be submitted for this Call. Any such proposal will be disqualiï¬ ed. • Only original work should be submitted, plagiarism is highly discouraged. • The application forms are available at NCST Website: www.ncst.go.ke and MoHEST website: www.scienceandtechnology.go.ke • Each application must be accompanied by letters of endorsement by Head of collaborating institutions, brief CV maximum 2 pages of each research team member and copies of their national identity cards. • Any application that does not adhere to multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary requirements will not be considered.

The Secretary/CEO, National Council for Science and Technology, P.O. Box 30623-00100, NAIROBI. TEL: 020-310571/2241349/2213471 FAX: 020-2213215 E-MAIL: womensti@ncst.go.ke WEBSITE: www.ncst.go.ke