International Initiative to Engage Iraq’s Science & Technology community
One of the most important tasks that can be undertaken to help Iraqi scientists is to engage them in the development process to the best of their country.
Based on that, the Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF) and the Cooperative Monitoring Center (CMC) at Sandia National Laboratories, developed the “International Initiative to Engage Iraqi Science and Technology (S&T) Community in the Development Process”. The initiative was established in collaboration with the UNESCO, and is widely opened for further participation of other international agencies.
The initiative is planed to developing science and technology projects that engage Iraqi scientists in the development activities. It aims also to engage Iraqi experts to solve their country local problems, and also to developing new Iraqi business opportunities that provide long-term sustainability to Iraqi science and technology.
Out of four phases, two were achieved so for with the third one under execution. The first phase resulted in comprehensive report on the priorities of the Iraqi science and Technology community. While the second phase placed mechanism for funding S&T projects implemented by Iraqis inside Iraq. The mechanism was practiced on two projects that surveyed the situation of many Health and Water sectors in Iraq.
The third phase aims to develop 20 detailed research proposals in 5 topical areas that are targeted at specific sources of funding. The final developed proposals is planned to be presented for funding, during the forth phase, in international forum in front of many potential funding sources that to invited to that event.
