International Foundation for Science

International Foundation for Science IFS provides opportunities for young scientists to conduct locally relevant and high quality research

IFS was founded in 1972 as a non-governmental organization in Sweden, where its Secretariat is located in Stockholm. Its establishment was initiated after the 1965 Nobel Prize-winning Pugwash Conference in Venice, in order to foster original Research and Scientific growth within Low- and Lower -Middle Income Countries (LLMICs). IFS is a global organization that is supported by a multicultural Secr

etariat, is governed by an international Board of Trustees that has representation from all regions in which it operates, as well as expertise in fund-raising, management and finance, and has a membership of 92 scientific academies, three-quarters of which are located in LLMICs. IFS has a vision of LLMIC scientists assuming ownership and development of local and regional research agendas and contributing to a global research community committed to supporting sustainable development and building science literacy. The IFS Mission is to secure resources and draw on its extensive global network of reviewers, scientific advisors, alumni and secretariat to enhance the capacity of promising early career women and men scientists in LLMICs to acquire the skills necessary to:
o conduct original research that relates to genuine problems and generates fundamental and / or applicable scientific knowledge that can be put to use;
o contribute to science literacy;
o communicate their results to the public at large, including scientists, politicians and policy makers, donors and private interest groups;
o influence science priority setting; and
o network and collaborate with the global research community to shape research agendas, both local and global.

Engaging discussions are underway as our participants tackle key challenges shaping the future of research and innovatio...
26/02/2025

Engaging discussions are underway as our participants tackle key challenges shaping the future of research and innovation. Through dynamic group work, they are exploring :

💡 Preventing Brain Drain – How can we create an enabling work environment that balances research with family life and promotes gender equity?
💡 Strengthening Research Skills – What additional soft skills are essential for researchers? How can mentoring and outreach enhance career development?
💡 Enhancing Funding Opportunities – What strategies can young researchers adopt to access national and international funding? How can collaboration with policymakers, the private sector, and civil society be improved?
💡 South-South Cooperation – Should we optimize existing research networks or establish new regional, intercontinental, and thematic collaborations?
These thought-provoking conversations aim to shape policies, improve transparency, and create sustainable career paths for researchers worldwide.

📢 What are your insights on these challenges ? Join the conversation and share your perspectives in the comments !

Wrapping up two high-level panels at the IFS Conference in Cotonou ! 🌍✨We’ve just concluded insightful discussions with ...
26/02/2025

Wrapping up two high-level panels at the IFS Conference in Cotonou ! 🌍✨

We’ve just concluded insightful discussions with renowned scientists, focusing on "Resource Dimension in Global South Capacity Building." These sessions highlighted the critical need for sustainable funding, stronger institutional frameworks, and strategic collaborations to empower the next generation of researchers.

As the Global South continues to shape its research landscape, investing in people, knowledge exchange, and innovation remains essential. The conversations today reaffirmed that building a resilient scientific ecosystem requires collective commitment and action. 💡

In his opening address, Professor R. Ramakumar (Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India) explored the policy ne...
26/02/2025

In his opening address, Professor R. Ramakumar (Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India) explored the policy needs to build research capacity in the future.

According to him, promoting the next generation of scientists requires more than funding. It requires a strong institutional and organizational ecosystem where teaching, mentoring, and academic debate play a central role.

To ensure sustainable capacity building, policies must be strategic and forward-thinking, providing young researchers with the resources, networks, and guidance they need to thrive.

The discussion continues with the second panel, focusing on the ever-evolving challenges of capacity development for you...
25/02/2025

The discussion continues with the second panel, focusing on the ever-evolving challenges of capacity development for young researchers in the Global South.

Experts from diverse backgrounds, including Dr Alejandra Domic from Pennsylvania State University, Professor Thammarat Koottatep from the Asian Institute of Technology, and Professor Stella Ifeanyi Smith from the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, are shared their insights on how to shape a more inclusive and resilient research ecosystem.

The panel highlighted the urgent need to bridge gaps in funding, mentorship, and collaboration. As the global research landscape evolves, young scientists must navigate increasing demands while ensuring their work remains effective and relevant. Empowering the next generation requires bold strategies and collective action.

The first panel is underway, addressing how we can adapt research capacity building to the evolving global landscape. Ex...
25/02/2025

The first panel is underway, addressing how we can adapt research capacity building to the evolving global landscape.

Experts Dr Sushant Acharya (Southasia Institute of Advanced Studies), Professor Ali Mahamane (UAM, Niger), Professor Komi Agboka (Université de Lomé, Togo), and Dr Alberto Giménez (Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Bolivia) are sharing their experiences and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of research.

From shifting funding landscapes to the need for stronger collaboration, the discussion highlights the urgency of investing in people, fostering innovation, and ensuring that young researchers have the tools to thrive. The future of scientific progress depends on how well we prepare the next generation. What measures should we take to make this a reality ?

🌍✨Professor Bishnu Raj Upreti just shared key insights on North-South collaboration for research capacity building. He h...
25/02/2025

🌍✨

Professor Bishnu Raj Upreti just shared key insights on North-South collaboration for research capacity building. He highlights the success of the NCCR North-South initiative, which has supported over 1,000 researchers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This program, designed by SNSF and SDC, has fostered international research cooperation since 2001, developing adaptive and solution-oriented knowledge for the Global South.

For a truly effective collaboration, clear guiding principles are essential. Professor Upreti emphasized mutual trust, transparency, joint decision-making, and shared learning as the foundation of strong partnerships. By promoting joint research, publications, and degree programs, North-South collaborations can enhance research capacity, influence policy, and create lasting impact.

What are your thoughts on the future of global research partnerships ? Let’s keep the conversation going !

🎙 End of an Inspiring First Day !  Our first day of discussions has come to an end, leaving us with valuable insights an...
24/02/2025

🎙 End of an Inspiring First Day !

Our first day of discussions has come to an end, leaving us with valuable insights and thought-provoking questions about the future of young researchers in the Global South.

The day was marked by engaging discussions, powerful testimonials, and strategic perspectives. We were honored by the presence of Professor Eléonore Yayi Ladekan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, whose support highlights the importance of investing in the next generation of scientists. She shared her personal experience as a former IFS grantee, emphasizing how this opportunity significantly impacted her career :

🗣 “Thanks to IFS, I was able to conduct better research, travel to explore the work of other scientists, and gain the confidence to express myself and assert my voice in front of an audience.”

Closing the day, Professor Brice Sinsin, President of the Organizing Committee, expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the exchanges while raising a fundamental question :

🗣 “IFS provides young researchers with opportunities to train and develop their potential. But once they return, what kind of environment will support their growth? Who will be there to mentor and guide them? These are critical questions we must address.”

As we move forward, these reflections will continue to shape the conversation. Tomorrow promises even more engaging discussions and fresh perspectives!

📢 Stay tuned and follow for more updates !

💡Being a young researcher comes with its share of challenges : funding, supervision, networking, and publishing are just...
24/02/2025

💡Being a young researcher comes with its share of challenges : funding, supervision, networking, and publishing are just a few of the hurdles to overcome. During their discussion, Professor Thammarat Koottatep (AIT, Thailand), Professor Achille Assogbadjo (Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Benin), and Professor Alejandro H. Buschmann (Universidad Los Lagos, Chile) shared key insights on navigating the research journey.

Mentorship and guidance are essential for success. Engaging in collaborations and maintaining a strong publishing record are crucial steps in building a solid research career. Flexibility is also key—adapting research to real-world challenges ensures greater impact and relevance. Above all, young researchers must focus on asking the right questions and providing meaningful, effective answers.

As the next generation of scientists, how are you overcoming these challenges ? Share your thoughts ! 🥰

🌟We continue our focus on the Global South with the presentation by Professor Olusola Oyewole, Secretary-General of Asso...
24/02/2025

🌟We continue our focus on the Global South with the presentation by Professor Olusola Oyewole, Secretary-General of Association of African Universities (Accra, Ghana). He emphasizes the need for greater investment in higher education, mentorship, and research funding.

African governments allocate only a small percentage of GDP (less than 1%) to research and development (R&D), far below the global average of 2.2%.. Expanding financial support, improving infrastructure, and promoting regional and international collaborations will be crucial in training the next generation of African researchers.

Organisations such as the International Foundation for Science (IFS) have played a key role in supporting young scientists through grants and capacity-building programs. The future of African science relies on self-sufficiency, strategic collaborations, and empowering young researchers to drive meaningful change.

Currently, Ms Elisabeth Schenker, representative of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and board member of IFS...
24/02/2025

Currently, Ms Elisabeth Schenker, representative of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and board member of IFS, addresses the essential role of international collaboration in advancing scientific research. The SNSF currently oversees more than 5,600 projects involving over 21,000 researchers.

The SNSF and the International Foundation for Science (IFS), come together given their long-standing expertise in research funding. Both organisations prioritize supporting researchers at key moments in their careers, ensuring that promising talent receives the resources they need to flourish.

She presents the SPIRIT program, which is one of the SNSF’s flagship initiatives that is open to all disciplines, fosters international partnerships while promoting gender awareness and equal opportunities.

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