EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM 2009 PORTUGAL

UNCLAS LISBON 000138

SIPDIS

STATE FOR OES/STC:EKANE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV TSPL TBIO EAGR ENRG ECON AMGT APER PGOV
PO
SUBJECT: EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM 2009 PORTUGAL

REF: STATE 10843

Proposal
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1. Embassy Lisbon requests Science Fellows for 2009/2010 to
expand the Embassy's contacts with Portuguese counterparts
and develop relationships and collaboration with research
institutions. While all applications are welcome, Post is
particularly seeking specialists in renewable energy sources,
climate change mitigation, marine science and water resources
management, and forest management and conservation.
Consultations with the Ministries of Economy (which has the
lead role for energy policy),Environment, Science and
Technology, and Agriculture, as well as leading universities,
research institutions, and nongovernmental organizations,
will be facilitated. The timeframe for fellowships is
flexible, although the traditional holiday months of August
and December should be avoided. A medical clearance is
required for fellowships over 59 days.

Description
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2. Portugal and the US have numerous priorities in common,
and Embassy Lisbon seeks Science Fellows who can expand our
mutual understanding and collaboration in these and other
areas. Energy security and climate change mitigation are
high priorities for the Government of Portugal, as evidenced
by Portugal's ambitious targets for expanding power
generation from renewable sources and reducing carbon
emissions, and in 2008 the US and Portugal executed a
memorandum of understanding on cooperation in wave energy
technologies. As a traditionally maritime nation with
extensive continental and island coastline, Portugal is
heavily involved with marine robotics, marine biology and the
tracking of fish stocks, coastal zone/estuary management,
water resources management, and modeling. Management and
conservation of forest resources is also a common priority,
as Portugal has suffered seasonal forest fire devastation
comparable to the western US. We will work directly with
interested candidates to define a program that combines the
Fellow's research specialty and interests with Embassy goals.
Science Fellows will participate in public outreach as a
part of their program. Past Science Fellows in Portugal have
conducted their work in a variety of ways, and Post is
flexible to take best advantage of each Fellow's background
and qualifications.

Administrative Support
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3. A secret security clearance is strongly preferred but not
required. Also, USG employees working temporarily at a USG
overseas location must complete appropriate overseas personal
security training prior to travel. Embassy Fellows should
expect to participate actively as a part of the embassy's
Country Team during their tenure in country. Embassy Lisbon
will provide housing, office space, scheduling/meeting
facilitation, and in-country travel.

Contact Information
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4. The point of contact in Portugal for the Embassy Science
Fellow Program is Gary Applegarth at 351-21-770-2575; fax:
351-21-726-6559; email: ApplegarthGB@state.gov, with backup
by Troy Fitrell at 351-21-770-2240, email FitrellTD@state.gov.


For more reporting from Embassy Lisbon and information about Portugal,
please see our Intelink site:

http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/portal:port ugal

STEPHENSON