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

This is part of the scholarship component under USAID’s 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.

“These grants are unique because they recognize that strengthening skills and expertise in technology research will promote innovation across all sectors, thus accelerating inclusive growth throughout the nation,” said Mission Director Gloria Steele.

Through the STRIDE program, USAID provides scholarships for top-notch Filipino talent to undertake studies in the U.S. through the following tracks: the Professional Science Master’s track, which infuses business and management training into science and technology curriculums to prepare scientists and engineers for careers in the industrial and business sectors; the PhD Dissertation Research “Sandwich” track, which allows current PhD students to undertake dissertation research in a U.S. university; and the Post-Doctoral Research track, which gives active Philippine university faculty members who have already earned their doctorates the opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of a U.S. university professor, on a topic relevant to Philippine economic growth.

The program also provides grants to eligible Philippine academic institutions to 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-U.S. Research and Exchange Grant (PURE) allows Philippine universities to conduct collaborative research with U.S. universities.

USAID will award 25 grants and scholarships to qualified graduates and academic institutions, more than double the number of scholarships and grants USAID gave on its first round of calls. For more information and to apply to the STRIDE grants and scholarships, visit www.stride.org.ph.

About USAID

The American people, through the United States Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for over 50 years. In the Philippines, USAID works in partnership with the national government in creating a more stable, prosperous and well-governed country through programs that foster sustainable and inclusive growth, strengthen governance and combat corruption, improve access to water, energy, health and education services, increase environmental resilience and natural resource management capabilities. For more information, visit http://www.usaid.gov/philippines or contact USAID/Philippines Development Outreach and Communications via email: infoph@usaid.gov.