Rapid urbanization is a trend facing many metropolises across the world, but is particularly affecting the ASEAN region, with nearly half of its population living in urban centers. ASEAN comprises some of the largest and fastest growing cities of the world. By 2050 it is projected that the most rural ASEAN country, Cambodia, will have just under a 40% urbanization rate. On the highest end of the spectrum, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei are expected to boast 80-100% urbanization*. This massive growth can signal great opportunity for the region, but it does not come without challenges. Cities are now faced with increased pressure on infrastructure and public service and health systems, urban poverty and slums, and shocks resulting from natural disasters.
The 2017 ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women is looking to reward young women who are using applied sciences to solve these challenges. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Mission to ASEAN, in partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL), are offering cash awards to scientists working in rapid urbanization with a lens on:
- Health, such as disease spread and mutation, counterfeit medication, or health care access
- Transportation and infrastructure improvement
- Workforce development and retention with a focus on workplace safety (health, machinery safety, pollution in formal sector)
Applicants should have a background in biotechnology, microelectronics and information technology, or material science and technology to address the above.
Up to ten finalists will be chosen by August 2017. One winner will receive $20,000 and the honorable mention will receive $5,000. Both the winner and runner up will have the opportunity to attend an award ceremony at an ASEAN ministerial meeting held in Myanmar in October 2017.
For further clarification, please consult the official rules.
Deadline: June 23, 2017
Grant/Award Value: $25,000
Funding Type: Award/Prize
Eligibility Type: Individual
Region: Asia and Pacific
Sector: Urbanization, health
Country: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam
Point of Contact Email: scienceprizeforwomen@gmail.com
Organization: U.S. Agency for International Development
Eligibility Details:
- Female citizen and resident of an ASEAN member state.
- PhD or equivalent degree
- 40 years of age or younger at the time of submission.
- Expertise in rapid urbanization
- Background in biotechnology, microelectronics and information technology, and material science and technology
Innovation Type: Approach/Process/System/Operational; Iteration on an existing solution; Physical Product; Technology
Innovation Stage: Stage 1 – Concept; Stage 2 – Research and Development; Stage 3 – Initial Piloting
Application Guidance:
- Applicants should submit a completed application form and their curriculum vitae online at: https://scienceprizeforwomen.formstack.com/forms/2017scienceprize. If you are having trouble with your form, please contact scienceprizeforwomen@gmail.com.
- A mentee or other women who have been impacted by the applicant should submit letter of support to scienceprizeforwomen@gmail.com. The referee should include the candidate’s name in the subject line.
- An academic or professional contact should submit a letter of recommendation to scienceprizeforwomen@gmail.com with the candidate’s name in the subject line.
- Applications will not be considered without any of these three components.
Deadline
Recommendation letters and completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM GMT +7 on June 23, 2017.
