JAKARTA - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Indonesia today announced nearly $2 million of new funding for Indonesian researchers in health and science as part of its Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program. Five new grants have been awarded to scientists at Indonesian research institutes and universities for innovative research in health and science over the course of three years. The projects showcase joint scientific collaborations between the two countries in areas directly linked to Indonesia's development.  Together with six grants announced last month, the total amount of funding to Indonesian researchers under the PEER program this year has now reached over $2.8 million.

The five new health grants will go to fund health research on multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, dengue fever, acute leptospirosis and drug quality. The remainder funds scientific research across Indonesia on biodiversity, education, climate change, and natural resource management. The grants are competitively chosen based on scientific merit, projected development impact, and the prospects for strong collaboration between Indonesian and American scientists.

Globally, through the PEER projects, USAID directly supports researchers in developing countries who are working with U.S. scientists funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the United States.  Indonesia was one of the focus areas for health grants, and one third of the globally funded health projects were awarded to Indonesian researchers.

As U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel pointed out:  "Together, the U.S. and Indonesia are addressing some of our greatest global challenges through joint scientific research under this important grant program."

USAID Indonesia is committed to transforming development through the increased use of science and technology, including strengthening scientific research capacity.

To read more about the 11 new USAID PEER grants, visit http://go.usa.gov/j2hY