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 -------------- ¶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 -------------- ¶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 -------------- ¶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 -------------- ¶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