PROGRAM PROPOSALS FOR 2008 ESFP

UNCLAS VIENNA 000576

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/AGS (HIRONIMUS)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KSCA TSPL SENV EAGR AMGT OTRA APER AU
SUBJECT: PROGRAM PROPOSALS FOR 2008 ESFP

REF: STATE 28712


1. Embassy Vienna would welcome participation in the Embassy
Science Fellows Program (ESFP). Post envisions two potential
programs: 1) a climate change-related research program; or 2)
a program focused on environmental regulatory policy.


2. Overview of Climate Change Program
--------------
Description: Climate change policies and research have
become an issue of utmost importance in Austria and Austrian
institutions have launched a number of research efforts and
policy initiatives in this field in recent years. Post
believes that Austrian institutions and stakeholders could
profit from cooperation with a U.S. Science Fellow on climate
change issues. The goal of the project is to obtain, as far
as possible, a comprehensive overview of Austrian activity in
this field. If necessary/appropriate, the Wegener Center for
Climate and Global Change has offered to host the Fellow
during a portion of the program's duration.

Areas of Scientific Expertise:
- Climate and Environmental Change Research and Monitoring
Programs along with its human dimension;
- Economic Climate Impacts and Policy Research;
- "Low Energy Strategies"--research on lower carbon
emissions and energy efficiency;
- Impact of climate change on energy security;
- Innovative vehicle components and technology research and
new battery technologies;

Additional Skills:
- Basic German language skills would be beneficial

Preferred Timeframe:
- September-November 2008 or February-April 2009

Proposed Length of Fellowship:
- 2-3 months

Security Clearance:
- Unnecessary for this type of Fellowship



3. Overview of Regulatory and Policy Program
--------------
Description: Ideally, this program would bring together a
scientific advisor to U.S. federal, state or local regulatory
agencies to liaise with Austrian counterparts, in order to
contribute to and assess how environmental laws and
regulations are developed and implemented in Austria. A
greater understanding and sharing of best practices in the
regulatory processes of each country could enhance
professional networking and cooperation on a variety of
environmental issues and perhaps lead to future exchanges.

Areas of Scientific Expertise:
- Understanding of environmental regulations and regulatory
processes within the USG;
- Basic understanding of the Austrian and EU political
structures

Additional Skills:
- Basic German language skills would be beneficial

Preferred Timeframe:
- September-November 2008 or February-April 2009

Proposed Length of Fellowship:
- 2-3 months

Security Clearance:
- Unnecessary for this type of Fellowship



4. Housing: Post will do everything possible to provide
housing for the Fellow. This will depend upon staffing
vacancies which may require the Fellow to move from one
government apartment to another during his/her stay in Vienna.


5. Point-of-Contact: Alexander Schratt; Tel:
43-1-31339-2206; Email: SchrattAX@state.gov
Kilner