EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM 2008

UNCLAS KIGALI 000273 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KSCA TSPL SENV AMGT OTRA APER RW SUBJECT: EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM 2008 REF: STATE 28712 ¶1. Summary: In response to reftel, Post supports a request from the Government of Rwanda (GOR) to host Embassy Science Fellow Maxine Levine, USDA in 2008. The GOR has agreed to provide housing and office space for the proposed Science Fellow. Embassy point of contact is Alexander Sokoloff; email sokoloffaw@state.gov; phone: (205) 596 400. End summary. ¶2. Specific project objectives: (a) Support the building of a database of biological and biodiversity information relevant to Rwanda; (b) analyze specific skills and knowledge gaps in Rwanda and identify appropriate training initiatives with international partners; (c) assist in the design of the proposed Regional Biodiversity Research Center. ¶3. The proposed Science Fellow will be sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology in the President's Office (MSTPO). MSTPO is the lead agency within the Rwandan government for the development of science and technology with a mandate to encourage a prosperous knowledge-based economy including knowledge acquisition, knowledge creation, knowledge transfer and the nurturing of an innovation culture. Timeframe July 28, 2008 - September 24, 2008. MSTPO has requested that the Science Fellow stay for a third month (through October 2008) if Ms Levine is available and can obtain medical clearance. Area of expertise/discipline: Soil Scientist with USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service with expertise in natural resource management including biofuel production. Housing: The Ministry in the President's Office responsible for Science and Technology will provide housing, office space and other work requirements. ARIETTI