BISO Hosts IFS Seminar at the National Academies
On February 22, 2005, representatives from the International Foundation for Science (IFS) briefed an audience at the National Academies on the workings of the foundation. Michael Ståhl, Director of IFS, headed the group that was in town for the AAAS annual meeting. The seminar, hosted by BISO Director and IFS Trustee, Wendy White, sought to promote interaction between U.S. researchers and the IFS.

IFS is a non-governmental organization with 135 affiliated organizations in 86 countries. Its mission is to facilitate research in developing countries (primarily through grant programs) in the area of sustainable management of biological and water resources. The focus of the grant program is on individual scientists and the award (maximum of US$12,000) is to be used for equipment, literature, supplies, or study abroad for a project period of 1-3 years. Since its inaugural grant in 1974, IFS has awarded over 5,000 grants; in 2004, a total of 250 grants were awarded from a pool of 1,200 applicants. The selection process consists of over 1,000 scientific advisors from around the world who volunteer their time to evaluate proposals.

Future challenges that the IFS must face include rising demand for research grants, scientific isolation in poorer countries, increasing cost of equipment, and lack of mentorship of young researches. In order to continue its mission and meet its goals, IFS is seeking to expand its donor base. At present, IFS receives funding from governmental and non-governmental sources, as well as national and international organizations. Most of the donors are based in Europe and at present, the United States does not financially support the program. During the seminar a suggestion was made that the National Academies conduct a study examining what the United States could do to support international science foundations such as the IFS. For further information or to get involved please contact Wendy White, at wwhite@nas.edu.