IFS, Int Foundation for Science 2014-2021

IFS have done important work of supporting early career researchers in low- and lower-middle income countries by giving out research grants and conducting capacity enhancing activities. IFS has a solid and impressive track record regarding supporting individual researchers in developing countries. From 1974-2018, more than 8000 researchers have been supported and a vast community of IFS grantees has been created. Each year, hundreds of young researchers from LLMICs, especially in countries with undeveloped research infrastructures, are supported in their ambition to conduct research relevant to national and global developing challenges. This support consists of individual research grants, training workshops, earmarked support for travel and equipment, and access to a network of reputable (pro-bono-working) researchers. The three thematic areas covered by IFS are highly relevant for poverty reduction and sustainable development: 1) Biological Resources in Terrestrial Systems, 2) Water and Aquatic Resources and 3) Food Security, Dietary Diversity and Healthy Livelihoods IFS have managed to increase the amount of female grantees from 10% in 1974 to 40% in 2017 by encouraging the inclusion of gender issues as well as working with female researchers as role models. During the last five years (2014-2018), over 2000 publications have acknowledged IFS as a contributor. Support to IFS gives added value to Sida - 1) as an opportunity for PhDs graduated through bilateral cooperation programs, ISP and TWAS/OWSD, and 2) as a pool of competent young researchers in "Sida countries" who continue to thrive within Sida-supported organisations such as CGIAR, ICIPE and bilaterally supported universities. IFS regularly follow-up on how the research has been put to use and the annual reports list an impressive number of projects that improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development. The project aims to increase the production of quality research in LLMICs through provision of a research granting system that involves rigorous peer review, equipment and equipment procurement services. This is the core of the programme supported by Sida. During 2014-2021, IFS received applications from early-career researchers in the natural and social sciences. Applications were discipline-oriented as well as multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary in character. The project supported original research proposals that are innovative and/or relevant to local or national development needs and problems, and that aim to generate fundamental and/or applicable scientific knowledge. Specific results: During 2014-2021, IFS attracted 8834 applications, of which 8085 were first time applications and 737 were renewal applications. In total, 1089 grants were awarded, of which 866 were first time applicants and 223 were renewals. In addition to the early-career scientists receiving research grants, 7745 applicants received scientifically collated feedback from the IFS Scientific Advisory Committees (SACs), scientific reviewers and the IFS scientific programme coordinators. Out of these, 2055 individuals were closely mentored and coached by the coordinators and SACs. Of the awarded grants 21% dealt with forestry/agroforestry research, 19% with crop science, 14% with natural products, 14% with water resources, 10% animal production, 10% food sciences, 8% aquatic resources, and 4% social sciences. Out of the total proposed projects, 73% went to sub-Saharan Africa, 22% to South and Southeast Asia, 3% to North Africa and the Middle East, and 2% to Latin America. The report shows how the the percentages of women and men applicants and grantees varies over the period 2014-2021. Since 2017 the success rate for women has been higher than for men. Despite this, more men than women have been granted research grants. Note the overall increasing trend of female grantees mentioned above.

Increased numbers of early-career scientists in Low- and Lower Middle-Income Countries have produced good quality research that can be put into use by 2021.