Embassy Science Fellows 2009 CROATIA

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000125 SIPDIS DEPT FOR OES/STC EILEEN KANE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KSCA TSPL SENV EAGR AMGT OTRA APER HR SUBJECT: Embassy Science Fellows 2009 CROATIA REF: STATE 010843 ¶1. In response to reftel, post supports a request from the Government of Croatia to host Embassy Science Fellows. Post has received one proposal. The Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Sport will provide housing and in-country transportation for any Embassy Science Fellow. The requesting institution will provide office space and necessary equipment. English is the working language for all programs and no security clearance is required. Embassy point of contact is Diana Matijas-Vengar: email: matijasdk@state.gov; phone 011 385 1 661 2244. ¶2. Below is the Embassy Science Fellow 2009 proposal for Croatia: Institution: Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Split The IAC is a public research institute under the Ministry of Science, Education and Sport. It is located on the Adriatic coast where typical Mediterranean crops are grown. The IAC conducts basic and applied research work in horticulture, food technology and forestry. It provides scientific and professional support to numerous farmers, cooperatives and enterprises as part of its extension role. The research staff from IAC is involved in scientific and extension projects supported mainly by the Croatian government or local communities. Recently the IAC changed its internal organization to strengthen relations among small and isolated research groups to increase collaboration among highly specialized experts. The research facilities were renovated, number and credentials of staff were increased, and effort has been refocused on development and improvement of the scientific infrastructure, mainly greenhouses, orchards and grape collections and laboratories. Project: The Institute for Adriatic Crops (IAC) requests a science fellow to help strengthen its relation with the international scientific community. The IAC is also trying to strengthen its ties to the international scientific community and to industry, specifically in the areas of agriculture and horticulture, to increase the number of non-governmental sources for funding research. The IAC seeks a science fellow experienced in writing proposals, organizing programs and coordinating research funding cooperation with international organizations and businesses. Although IAC staff is experienced in writing project proposals for Croatian government funds, the staff has limited experience in preparing smaller collaborative proposals for international grants. In coming years, the IAC would like to improve its capabilities as a partner on international projects and begin to take the role of project leader in certain areas. Area of expertise: A scientist with experience in research, education and extension programs in the field of food, agriculture and biotechnology could provide necessary knowledge and would help us develop and improve our activities. A person with a sound scientific background, familiar with horticulture, and with good knowledge of its international industry sector, would best fit in the program. Time frame: The preferred time for the visit is sometime between May and July 2009 or from middle of August to the end of September 2009, for at least 45 days. Language: English. Security Clearance: None Housing/office space: The Ministry of Science, Education and Sport has agreed to cover the costs of in-country housing and transportation. The institution will provide office space and a work station for the fellow. Point of Contact: Slavko Perica Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split +385 21 434 434 slavko@krs.hr Bradtke