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Frequently Asked Questions

I am confused, what is the difference between the CPWF and IFS?

The Challenge Program on Water and Food (CPWF) is an international research initiative of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).  Its 5 – 15 year mandate is to conduct research on improved water management for agriculture, focusing on issues associated with meeting the needs of the rural poor for food production, livelihoods, and for restoration and maintenance of ecosystem services.  The CPWF has an established network of research in the Volta, Limpopo, Nile and Mekong river basins, as well as five other river basins in Asia and Latin America.    The  CPWF  trains  scientists  in  their  research  basins  through  collaborative, interdisciplinary platforms as part of the CPWF’s Capacity Building Strategy. Read more about CPWF.

The  mandate  of  the  International  Foundation  for  Science  (IFS)  is  to  strengthen  capacity  for relevant and high quality research in developing countries. The thematic focus is on biological and  water  resources  as  well  as  the  social  and  economic  aspects  important  in  the  conservation, production, and renewable utilization of the natural resources base. IFS functions as a research council. It provides competitive research grants and supporting services to young scientists at the early stage of their research careers.  The focus of IFS support is on young scientists based in low income countries with vulnerable scientific infrastructure. CPWF and IFS are collaborating on this special call for scientists from the Volta Basin, in fulfillment of the capacity building mandate of both initiatives. Read more about IFS.

Is this an opportunity to receive a training grant or a research grant?

This is an opportunity to receive an IFS research grant through their standard competitive procedures.  An IFS Research Grant, amounts to a maximum of USD 12,000 and may be renewed twice. It is intended for the purchase of the basic tools needed to conduct a research project: equipment, expendable supplies, and literature. By submitting abstracts to the CPWF for this special call for the Volta Basin in advance of the IFS deadline, applicants will be considered as participants to a proposal preparation workshop, which will provide writing assistance and scientific mentorship to improve the quality of their IFS applications.  Those selected for participation in the workshop (based on the quality and relevance of their abstracts) will have their travel and lodging costs covered by the CPWF. 

I am a student, can I apply for an IFS research grant to support my thesis?

Students are eligible as long as they have either adequate research experience or are working for a research institution while completing their degree.  The IFS does not fund salaries, living expenses or tuition, however. The IFS grant must go toward the implementation of a research project.  An IFS grant is not a study fellowship, but rather is intended for the purchase of basic tools for research:  equipment, expendable supplies, literature and field activities.   

I do not have a graduate degree, can I apply for an IFS research grant?

Eligibility for an IFS grant is based on education and experience.  If you are concerned that you do not have relevant educational or professional experience, please review the IFS eligibility criteria.  

If you still have questions, you may send a copy of your CV to the CPWF Capacity Building Officer to ask our opinion, or contact IFS directly.  

I am a consultant, can I apply for an IFS research grant?

In order to receive an IFS research grant, you must be attached to a national research institute (e.g. university, non-profit making research center, NGO) in a developing country.  The institution is expected to administer the grant, to guarantee that the applicant has a salary (or other source of income), and provide basic research facilities.   If you have any other questions related to eligibility based on your employment, please contact IFS directly.

How do I know if I am eligible for an IFS research grant?

Please refer to the IFS website to determine your eligibility. 

I am not a citizen of one of the countries of the Volta Basin, can I apply for an IFS research grant?

You most certainly can apply to IFS for a research grant! Information on how to apply to IFS is available here. However, in order to be considered for this special IFS call, you need to be a citizen of a Volta Basin country.

I need research funding but my research interests are not related to water management in anyway.  Can I apply for an IFS research grant?

You can apply to IFS for a research grant! Information on how to apply to IFS is available on their website. However, in order to be considered for this special IFS call, your research interests must relate to water supply, use, allocation, and management, and its relationship to poverty.  

Who can go to the November workshop in Ouagadougou?

Only those applicants that have been selected based on the quality of their abstract submissions will attend the workshop in Ouagadougou.  Abstracts must be submitted by August 31, and will be evaluated based on their relevance to Volta basin water supply, use, allocation, and management, and its relationship to poverty. 

What is the purpose of the November workshop in Ouagadougou?

The purpose of the November workshop is to develop a set of independent but linked research proposals, all based on topics related to Volta basin water supply, use, allocation, management, and poverty. Participants at the workshop will have the opportunity to meet other potential members of a research team created by this special IFS call.  The workshop will allow participants to refine their applications, based on ideas discussed at the workshop, and with assistance by senior scientists in their field.

Will I receive support for travel and lodging at the workshop in Ouagadougou?

Those selected for participation in the workshop will have their travel and lodging costs covered by the CPWF.  In order to be selected for the workshop, applicants must submit a well written abstract that reflects a relevant research question as described in the Call for Proposals and the Description of the Research Context.