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