US scales up sci-tech grants, scholarships for Filipinos

The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is now accepting applications for its research grants and scholarships in science, technology and innovation, in support of the Philippine Government’s push for innovation-led and inclusive growth.

The grants and scholarships are implemented through the USAID Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) program which works to strengthen applied research in Philippine universities and industries, and develops a dynamic network of researchers in universities and private companies for a more robust innovation ecosystem.

USAID’s STRIDE program provides scholarships for top-notch Filipino talent to undertake studies in the US through the following tracks: the Professional Science Master’s track, which combines core science and technology curriculum with professional training in business and management to prepare scientists and engineers for careers not only in the academe, but in the industrial and business sectors; the PhD Dissertation Research “Sandwich” track, which is an opportunity for current PhD students to undertake dissertation research in a US university; and the Post-Doctoral Research track which is designed to benefit active faculty members of Philippine universities who have already earned their doctorates. The PhD Dissertation Research “Sandwich” and Post-Doctoral Research scholarships allow them to conduct research under the supervision of a US university professor, on a topic relevant to Philippine economic growth.

STRIDE also provides grants which are open to eligible Philippine academic institutions and will fund one-year collaborative research for up to PHP 4.3M. The Collaborative Applied Research with Industry Grant (CARWIN) encourages universities to work with industry, either for-profit or not-for profit, on a joint university-industry research. The Philippine-US Research and Exchange Grant (PURE) allows Philippine universities to conduct collaborative research with their preferred US universities.  

USAID is awarding more than double the number of scholarships and grants it gave on its first round of calls.  Qualified academic institutions and graduates are invited to apply for 25 grants and another 25 scholarships to study in the US. 

“We believe that strengthening the capacities, skills and expertise of people will help us realize inclusive growth through increased and improved science and technology research,” said USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele. “These grants and scholarships are unique because they are oriented towards making science and technology more relevant for industry, and more relevant for economic growth.”

For more information and to apply to the STRIDE grants and scholarships, visit www.stride.org.ph. – Rappler.com/Press Release