ASTF Funding Activity
Supporting Scientific Research and Development in the Arab World
ASTF has been persisting ever since its establishment to support, promote and facilitate scientific research and development in the Arab World through strategic funding programs and grants.
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Research Funding Program Overview
The Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF) operates a Research Funding Program supporting scientific research and development across the Arab world. The organization addresses a critical gap in regional research investment.
Key Context: Developed nations allocate approximately 2.5% of GDP to research, with 80% from private sectors. By contrast, Arab countries spend only about 0.2% of GDP on R&D, with minimal private sector participation.
Selection Process: The foundation evaluates competing proposals through independent peer review, prioritizing scientific merit. All submissions meeting ASTF criteria receive equal consideration based on established guidelines and management priorities.
Funding Programs
ASTF manages multiple grant initiatives supporting advancement across industrial, agricultural, and technological sectors:
Iraq Grants
ASTF has sponsored Iraq initiatives focused on improving and developing the scientific and technological field in Iraq. These programs aim to support Iraqi researchers and help with national reconstruction efforts, assisting "Iraqi scientists, researchers, and engineers to flourish the research fields which help in reconstructing their country."
View All Iraq Grant CyclesAbdul Latif Jameel Grant
A $1 million grant from Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) Company, distributed twice yearly to support scientific research and technological innovation across the Arab region. Award amounts range from $25,000 to $50,000 per project.
Focus: Medical sciences, engineering, applied sciences, physics, water desalination, electronics, agriculture, energy, and environmental studies. One-third of funding prioritizes economically disadvantaged populations.
L'Oreal and UNESCO Fellowship "For Women in Science"
Fellowship jointly managed by L'Oreal, UNESCO, and ASTF to support Arab women researchers. Up to 10 fellowships of $20,000 each are awarded annually for research in Arab countries only.
Eligible: Women scientists across 17 Arab countries who have obtained a Master's degree. Research fields include life sciences, applied sciences, and physical sciences.
Iraq Grant Cycles - Complete History
Six comprehensive grant cycles supporting Iraqi scientific community from 2004-2013:
Cycle 1: Dr. Maged Hussein Grant
Soil Salinity and Water Management
Timeline:
- Launch: November 2009
- Initial Participants: 39 applicants
- Winners Announced: Fall 2010 (6 winners)
Funding:
Maximum $50,000 per project
Focus Area:
Soil salinity and water management in Iraq
Eligibility:
- Iraqi residents
- Working in soil salinity and water resource management
- Proposing research serving civilian needs in Iraqi communities
Partners: Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF), Iraqi Scientists and Engineers Programs (ISEP), Civil Research and Development Foundation (CRDF). ASTF's Baghdad office oversaw administration.
Cycle 2: The International Initiative
Engaging Iraqi Scientific Community
Timeline:
Primary stage: 2004-2006
Funding:
Total fund value: $217,000 USD (initiated with 5 development programs)
Scope & Impact:
- Approximately 53 projects received funding
- Involved 41 researchers and 184 research assistants
- Included international collaborators working alongside Iraqi researchers
- Focused on 12 essential scientific fields to develop Iraq
Research Needs Assessment:
ASTF conducted comprehensive field survey to identify the main needs for the Iraqi scientific community, generating approximately 435 new scientific concepts.
Major Event: International conference held in Amman, Jordan in September 2005 to review submitted scientific research.
Partners: Sandia National Laboratories, UNESCO, and other international and national organizations.
Cycle 3: IRDI-3
Iraq Research and Development Initiative
Launch Date:
October 2009
Participants:
Approximately 107 applicants
Funding Allocation:
- Civil Research and Development Foundation: $600,000
- Sandia National Laboratories: $430,000
- Per-project range: $15,000-$50,000
Total Program Funding: Over $1 million supporting Iraqi research and development initiatives.
Cycle 4: Daura Projects
Environmental Impact Studies
Timeline:
2007-2008
Funding:
$92,200 USD
Program Focus:
Study the environmental effects of the Daura filtrated and evaluate its effect, developing recommendations addressing air, water, and soil contamination in Iraq.
Partners: Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF) and Sandia National Laboratories
Cycle 5: Silicon Oil Production
Industrial Development Project
Project Name:
Silicone Oils Production Unit's Development
Funding Amount:
$400,000 USD
Team Size:
20 researchers
Project Scope:
Build production unit for silicone oil in Iraq
Implementing Partner: Ibn-Sina Company
Supervision: ASTF's Baghdad and El-Sharjah offices oversaw the project
Executing Organizations: ASTF in cooperation with Sandia National Laboratories
Cycle 6: Chemical Safety Officer 2013
Laboratory Safety and Security Training
Program Overview:
Train Iraqi chemists in laboratory safety and security practices through workshops coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratories, ASTF, Iraq's Ministry of Higher Education, and participating Iraqi universities.
Participants & Funding:
- Total participants: 160 (approximately 140 scientists and engineers)
- Program budget: $100,000 USD
Participating Institutions (2013):
Format:
Three-day workshops featuring expert presentations, laboratory visits, and case study discussions to enable professors and lab leaders to conduct ongoing safety training at their institutions.
Program Objectives: Training covered chemical laboratory safety and security topics with focus on establishing safe workplaces, environmental protection, hazard prevention, regulatory compliance, and crisis management.
Apply for Funding
Interested in applying for ASTF funding? Contact us to learn about current opportunities and application requirements.